March 14: Experience the horrors and hopes facing child soldiers in Africa

An activist, a legal scholar, and a former child soldier show films and discuss “From Conscription to Justice and Reintegration: Child Soldiers in Africa”

When: Wednesday, March 14, 7:00 – 9:00 pm

Where: The Old Centrum 520 E. 12th Street Indianapolis 46202

Citizens for Global Solutions presents Bukeni Waruzi Beck, Executive Director of AJEDIKa/Projet Enfants Soldats, and Madeleine, a former girl soldier from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), for a public discussion and screening on child soldiers and the work of Mr. Beck’s organization. A light reception will follow.

The systematic and widespread use of children—the most vulnerable members of the population—in armed conflict is not new. The plight of these children continues to shock the conscience and demands immediate and urgent action.

Created to provide justice and accountability to victims of war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has commenced its first landmark case against a Congolese warlord accused of forcibly recruiting and conscripting tens of thousands of child soldiers in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

In a recent visit to the ICC, Citizens for Global Solutions’ Legal Analyst, Golzar Kheiltash, met with a remarkable man fighting on the frontlines on behalf of child soldiers in Africa. Mr. Bukeni T. Waruzi Beck is an activist and filmmaker who has dedicated his life to not only revealing the plight of child soldiers, but to giving these children a second chance. Mr. Beck documents the stories of hundreds of child soldiers on film, revealing a stark and systematic cycle of recruitment and conscription, narrated by the children and their families in their own words. His films powerfully demonstrate the difficulties of many children who want to reintegrate into their communities after leaving the camps. This is especially true of girl soldiers who have suffered the added brutality of rape and sexual violence at the hands of their commanders.

Through his NGO, AJEDI-Ka/Projet Enfants Soldats, Mr. Beck combines the power of film with the power of hope: a dedicated staff of eight works tirelessly to demobilize and reintegrate girl and boy soldiers and maintain long-term follow up on the welfare of these children. In the words of Mr. Beck, “we at AJEDIKa/Projet Enfants Soldats devote our efforts to protecting the rights of children and the promotion of justice in their cause.”

Through their Connecting Global to Local initiative, Citizens for Global Solutions highlights Beck’s extraordinary work and provides those of us in Indianapolis with a unique opportunity to engage him on this critical issue.

• From the North: Take Central Avenue south to the intersection of 12th Street and Central Avenue. The Old Centrum will be on your left.


• From the South: Take Delaware Street north to 13th Street. Go east (right turn) on 13th Street to Central Avenue. Go south (right turn) on Central Avenue. The Old Centrum will be immediately on your left.


• From the West: Take 16th Street east to Central Avenue. Go south (right turn) on Central Avenue to the intersection of 12th Street and Central Avenue. The Old Centrum will be on your left.


• From the East: Take Washington Street west to Delaware Street. Go north on Delaware (right turn) to 13th Street. Turn east (right turn) on 13th Street to Central Avenue. Go south (right turn) on Central Avenue. The Old Centrum will be on your left.


• Parking: The Old Centrum parking lot is on the east side of Central Avenue, just north of the Old Centrum building. There is also free parking along Central Avenue, as well as 12th Street.

For a clip of Bekeni Beck, go here.

If you like this event, make sure you see Bukeni, Madelaine, and Golzar when they discuss the International Criminal Court on March 13.

March 13: discuss the International Criminal Court and (and with) child soldiers

March 13: Discuss war crimes with international law expert Golzar Kheiltash and a former child soldier from Congo

When: Tuesday, March 13 registration starts at 7:00; presentation and discussion 7:30 to 8:45 PM

Where: Butler University, Jordan Hall Room 141.

The creation of the International Criminal Court has established a new venue for investigating and prosecuting war crimes, despite a lack of U.S. participation. Will the non-participation of the U.S. weaken the power of the ICC? What challenges are faced by the ICC in punishing war criminals?

As part of the Indiana Council on World Affairs Great Decisions series, we have a very unique chance to hear first hand reports about the current evolution of the International Criminal Court. The ICC is launching its first case, formally charging Thomas Lubanga Dyilo (the onetime leader of the country's Union des Patriotes Congolais) with "war crimes of enlisting and conscripting of children under the age of fifteen years." Although the US has opposed the ICC, fearing that American soldiers or policymakers could be subject to prosecution, it has cooperated in the case against Lubanga.

Explaining the significance of this development will be Indianapolis favorite, Golzar Kheiltash, of Citizens for Global Solutions. Golzar combines a rigorous academic legal background with strong advocacy skills to promote international legal norms and mechanisms that can prevent and punish the most heinous crimes such as genocide. Golzar has researched, analyzed, and advocated for the ICC in a personal and professional capacity for the last seven years, and currently coordinates the Washington Working Group on the ICC (WICC).

As Golzar said recently: "Thomas Lubanga Dyilo is exactly the type of person for whom the ICC was created -- a warlord who has forced children as young as nine to commit murder, rape, and mutilation, often against their own family members." She has been working closely on the case in DC and The Hague.

Tuesday March 13 at Butler University Golzar will be joined by two special visitors to Indianapolis. In a recent visit to the ICC, Golzar met Bukeni Beck, an activist and filmmaker who seeks to revealing the plight of child soldiers and to give these children a second chance. Beck documents the stories of hundreds of child soldiers on film, revealing a stark and systematic cycle of recruitment and conscription, narrated by the children and their families in their own words. His films demonstrate the difficulties of many children who want to reintegrate into their communities after leaving the camps. This is especially true of girl soldiers who have suffered the added brutality of rape and sexual violence at the hands of their commanders.

Bukeni and Golzar will be accompanied by "Madelaine," a fifteen year old former girl soldier from Congo.

What a fantastic opportunity to hear how these terrible issues are being addressed at a global and multilateral level, and at a local level as well.

For more information on AJEDI Ka/Projet Enfants Soldats, please visit: www.ajedika.org. For more information about Citizens for Global Solutions, please visit: www.globalsolutions.org.
For more information about the visit of Golzar and friends, contact Rich Stazinski at rstazinski@globalsolutions.org; and for information about the ICWA Great Decisions program, contact Bob Reardon at jrreardon@ccrtc.com.

If this sounds like an interesting event, make sure you check out Golzar, Bukeni, and "Madelaine" on March 14 when Bukeni shows and discusses some of his films about child soldiers and their rehabilitation.

The cost for a couple to attend this talk is $5.

April 4: Listen to one of the country's major experts on global climate change

Christopher Flavin President of Worldwatch Institute, discusses global climate change.

When: Wednesday April 4 -- talk 11-12, lunch 12:00-12:45

Where: North United Methodist Church, N. Meridian St. at 38th St.

How much are human practices contributing to sub-stantial and irreversible changes to the environment? What effect are changes to the climate having in different areas of the planet? What response can the inter-national community adopt to lessen the impact of dramatic climate change?

As President of Worldwatch, Christopher Flavin is the Institute’s chief executive officer, serves on its Board of Directors, and represents the organization before a wide range of international audiences. In his long career at Worldwatch, he has helped guide the Institute’s development, serving as vice president for research and later as senior vice president. He was appointed president in September 2000.Christopher is actively engaged in international climate change and energy policy discussions, and participated in the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro in 1992, the Climate Change Conference in Kyoto Japan in 1997, and the World Summit on Sustainable Development in Johannesburg in 2002. He is a founding member of the Board of Directors of the Business Council for Sustainable Energy and is a member of the National Academy of Sciences Board on Energy and Environmental Systems, the Climate Institute, and the Environmental and Energy Study Institute.

It's part of the Mid-North Shepherd Center's Great decisions series. Questions? Contact 317-924-0959 or mnscenter@aol.com

April 18: Hear Steve Smith explain why Mexico is in crisis, and why we should care

Dr. Steve Jones of IUPUI discusses the causes and possible solutions of Mexico's crises

When: Wednesday April 18, -- talk 11-12, lunch 12:00-12:45

Where: North United Methodist Church, N. Meridian St. at 38th St.

The results of Mexico’s presidential election are nearly too close to call, how will this result effect the new Mexican administration’s policies? Can Felipe Calderon successfully reform Mexico’s policies on energy, trade and border security and strengthen relations with the United States?

Dr. Steven Jones, is Coordinator of the Office of Service Learning in the Center for Service and Learning (CSL) at Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis (IUPUI). Prior to joining CSL, he was the Associate Director of the Integrating Service with Academic Studies project at Campus Compact from 2002-2004. Steven received a Ph.D. in political science from the University of Utah in 1995 and was an associate professor of political science at the University of Charleston from 1995-2002 where he also served as the Director of the Robert C. Byrd Institute for Government Studies. He edited the second edition of Campus Compact’s Introduction to Service Learning Toolkit and is a co-author of two other Campus Compact monographs, The Community’s College: Indicators of Engagement at Two-Year Institutions and The Promise of Partnerships: Tapping into the Campus as a Community Asset. His most recent publication, with Jim Perry, Quick Hits for Education Citizens, is part of FACET's Quick Hits Series.

Steve's talk is part of the Mid-North Shepherd Center's Great decisions series. Questions? Contact 317-924-0959 or mnscenter@aol.com

May 23: Help the World’s Endangered Children

When: Wednesday May 23 -- talk 11-12, lunch 12:00-12:45

Where: North United Methodist Church, N. Meridian St. at 38th St. Indianapolis

Dr. Chuck Dietzen
President and Founder
Timmy Foundation

Ensuring the safety and proper development of children is the stated goal of the global community, yet in some countries, children are exposed to unsafe labor practices, human trafficking, and participation in combat. What role do private donors, governments and international organizations play in ensuring health care, education and safety for the world’s children?

The Timmy Foundation began in 1997 as a deep personal commitment of Dr. Charles Dietzen (better known as Dr. Chuck) to assist the medically underserved children he met while conducting medical missions in Haiti and India. Named after his brother, Timmy, the Foundation’s work is dedicated to channelling resources to sustainable health projects in developing countries. The foundation is currently partnering with dynamic projects in nine countries, with the vision of a world in which quality healthcare and education are available to all children.

It's part of the Mid-North Shepherd Center's Great decisions series. Questions? Contact 317-924-0959 or mnscenter@aol.com

February 10: Attend an artsy fundraiser for the IU-Moi partnership in Kenya

An Art benefit to support the HIV/AIDS program of the IU School of Medicine and Moi University in Kenya at The Studio School & Gallery

When: Saturday, February 10 PREVIEW SHOW : 5:00-6:30 PM; GENERAL SHOW: 6:30 PM to 10 PM

Where: The Studio School & Gallery 5610 E. Washington St. Indianapolis 46219 (Located in the heart of Historic Irvington)

The Studio School & Gallery for an evening of panoramas that startle the imagination, inspire the spirit and benefit the IU Kenya partnership and the Imani Workshop. Take home a sunrise, an Acacia, a lion or a family of rhinos.

Below is a selection of the items that will be available for purchase or custom order. All items will be hand signed by the artist, Quay:

• Large scale Gicleès and photographs.
• Matted and framed in rimless glass frames.
• Oil Paintings and Watercolors on gallery hung canvasses ready to hang in your office or home.
• Custom coffee table books. With photos selected by the artist.
• Custom Coffee Table books you co-create with the artist.
• ArtMat© greeting cards.
• Note cards.
• Magnets.
• Small scale, matted photographs.

Proceeds from any items purchased on the night of the benefit will go to support the IU Kenya Partnership and the educational programs of The Studio School & Gallery.

PREVIEW SHOW : $50 per person advance sale; $60 per person, night of show

GENERAL SHOW: $25 per person advance sale; $30 per person, night of opening

Students: $15, 13 and over with I.D. Children under 12, FREE

Light hors'dourve and refreshment service will begin at 5:00PM.

*RSVP by February 3 *

For more information, By Phone: 317-351-6990; Via E-Mail: thestudioschool@sbcglobal.net

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To read an essay about Hoosiers and Africa, "Who Can Help Africans Solve Their Problems?" that connects many of the events relating to Africa this spring, go to Views-PRI, the sister site of IndyBuzz (and forerunner of the electronic magazine Provocate).

Through the end of January: Move yourself to Big Car for an exhibit of art inspired by Mexican protests

Local artist Sarah Zeta Zuckerman shows "Carteles" at Big Car Gallery (Fountain Square)

When: Through the end of January
Where: Big Car Fountain Square 1043 Virginia Ave. Suite 215 Indianapolis 46203

IndyBuzz's "First Friday" pick for January was "Carteles" [Spanish for "poster"], the Big Car opening of Sarah Zeta Zuckerman's solo exhibition, featuring works of art inspired by political and environmental brutality witnessed by the artist. "Carteles" is an assortment of small drawings, yard signs, clothing, and paintings. The art is priced low, says Zuckerman, "in an attempt to put it out on the streets and in the hands of the masses. Given its cutting-edge, socialist, and contemporary philosophies on the nature of art and its public accessibility, Big Car Gallery was natural fit for this body of work."

The catalysts for the exhibition, Zuckerman says, were public school teachers' demonstrations and police brutality that ravaged the Mexican city and state of Oaxaca. While studying indigenous art in the Oaxaca over the summer, she witnessed the government-ordered police brutality during a peaceful demonstration led by public school teachers, parents, and students protesting for higher teacher wages. As a public school teacher (teaching art at Indianapolis Public Schools' The Key Learning Community), Zuckerman had a great deal of interest and investment in the plight of the teachers. She describes how beginning June 14, 2006, police brutality rained down from helicopter and riot squads, inflaming the demonstrators, and turning a once peaceful city into a war zone. Naturally, this deeply affected millions of families throughout the entire state of Oaxaca, Mexico. 1.3 million public school children did not begin the August semester, and the majority of public school buildings stood empty, while the government headquarters in town had been seized and occupied by members of the revolting APPO party. The protest began May 22, and is still underway, gaining momentum and members from various leftist groups and agencies.

Sarah Zuckerman is an active participant of almost every field of cutting-edge art and culture in Indianapolis, from teaching to dance to the spoken word ... plus she was winner of "Masterpiece in a Day."

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out some of the others related to Mexico coming up. Craig Auchter talks about Mexico on February 7, and Steve Smith addresses the topic February 20. For a perspective about another marginalized group in Mexico, see "African Blood," the film about African-Mexicans at IMA February 22. Conflict and poverty elsewhere in Latin America are topics featured by two of Marian College's Franciscan Center for Global Studies speakers: an official from the World Bank talks about post-conflict Central America; and an influential priest talks about the Catholic Church's work in Latin America.

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January 20: Watch high school brainiacs do battle at the Academic WorldQuest Tournament

Qualifying competition for an Indianapolis high school team of geniuses to represent the city in a national tournament of international knowledge and (let's be honest) trivia

When: Saturday January 20 1:00 PM
Where: Marian College Stokely Mansion 3200 Cold Spring Road

Academic WorldQuest is widely played at the adult and high school levels around the country. It is a team game testing competitors' knowledge of international affairs, geography, history, and culture. You can find out about it here. The World Affairs Councils of America holds a national competition for high schools in DC in April. Last year the Indiana Council on World Affairs sponsored a team from Lawrence North High School ... despite it being their first exposure to the compeition, they did very well. (LNHS: More than just basketball.) This year there will be a competition at Marian College to select the representative to the DC tournament. It will be grueling, check out last year's questions. IndyBuzz has a dream of staging a WorldQuest tournament for all comers in Indianapolis next year, let's check out the competition at Marian College on January 20.

Stretch your brain with questions from last year's Academic WorldQuest. If you plan to attend, please contact Janet Jegen by email or phone (849-2691) so that there will be enough chairs and refreshments for everyone.

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January 26: Discuss Indiana and Kenya with Hoosiers who are making a difference

Members of the Indianapolis Rotary Club, the IU Medical School, and local churches discuss their work in Kenya ... and I will discuss how this represents a new way of thinking about humanitarian aid and public diplomacy

When: Friday January 26, 2:30 PM
Where: Sagamore Institute 340 W. Michigan St. Indianapolis (Indiana Historical Landmarks Foundation Building)

Some day when the story is told of how Kenya survived the early 21st century, Indiana will be an important part of the story. Start with the massive and still growing partnership Indiana University Medical School has formed with Moi University in Eldoret, Kenya. Add the Indianapolis Rotary Club's ambitious plans now being launched. Toss in churches such as 2nd Pres and North United Methodist, which are setting up and running orphanages. And the "volun-tourism" missions to Kenya being organized by Ambassadors for Children. It adds up. In fact, these sorts of local-to-local partnerships to solve global problems could become more significant than the US-government-to-foreign-government relations that we think of as foreign aid. The direct relations -- the "citizens diplomacy" -- established through these partnerships could be more important than the "public diplomacy" campaigns sometimes launched by the State Department.

Several Hoosiers currently engaged in local-to-local relations with Kenyans will discuss their work, the problems they are addressing and the possibilities of working with Kenyans to find solutions.

If this event sounds interesting, you definitely should check out the fundraiser for the IU-Moi partnership at The Studio School and Gallery February 10. Kelly Campbell of Ambassadors for Children will talk to the Indiana Council on World Affairs about South Africa on March 6, you are sure to learn more about how you can help Africans solve their problems.

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To read an essay about Hoosiers and Africa, "Who Can Help Africans Solve Their Problems?" that connects many of the events relating to Africa this spring, go to Views-PRI, the sister site of IndyBuzz (and forerunner of the electronic magazine Provocate).

February 5: Learn about the challenges facing "Post-Conflict Central America”

The World Bank's chief economist for Latin America and the Caribbean eplains what is to be done to address Central America (and perhaps Cuba too)

When: Monday February 5 7:00 PM
Where: Marian College Allison Mansion

“Politics and Poverty in Post-Conflict Central America”
Dr. Ulrich Lächler, the World Bank's lead economist for Latin America and the Caribbean Region, will speak at Marian College as part of the Franciscan Center for Global Studies Global Speaker series.

Dr. Lächler is a German national, who grew up in Venezuela and now resides in Miami. He has been with the World Bank for 20 years, working mostly on Latin America, with particular attention to Central America. Before joining the World Bank, Ulrich Lächler headed a research team at the Kiel Institute of Economics in Kiel, West Germany. Before that, he was an assistant professor in economics at Columbia University (New York City) and at the University of Maryland at College Park. He holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Columbia University (where his doctoral thesis advisor was this year’s Nobel Prize winner, Professor Edmund Phelps).

For information about how the World Bank deals with post-conflict situations, check this out. If this event sounds interesting, you should check out Marian's talk about the Catholic Church in Latin America on February 13.

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February 7: Figure out what is happening in Mexico and why we should care

Craig Auchter discusses Mexico as part of the Church of the Saviour Great Decisions series

When: Wednesday, February 7 7:00 PM
Where: Church of the Saviour, 6205 Rucker Road Indianapolis

The results of Mexico's presidential election were nearly too close to call: how will this result affect the new Mexican administration's policies? Can Felipe Calderón successfully reform Mexico's policies on energy, trade and border security and strengthen relations with the United States? Prof. Craig Auchter is the chair of the department of political science at Butler University, and is one of the area's leading experts on democracy and social change in Latin America. Sponsored by the Bob Calhoun Memorial Great Decisions Series.

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out the ICWA's Great Decisions discussion of Mexico on February 20. And visit the exhibit of art inspired by conflicts in Oaxaca at Big Car through the end of January.

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February 8: Go to IMA to watch the Brazilian film "Favela Rising"

IMA's fascinating "Africa in the Americas" film series presents "Favel Rising"

When: Thursday February 8 7:00 PM
Where: Indianapolis Museum of Art DeBoest Lecture Hall

"Favela Rising" documents a man, a movement, a city divided and a favela – a Brazilian squatter settlement – united. Haunted by the murders of his family and many of his friends, Anderson Sá is a former drug trafficker who turns social revolutionary in Rio de Janeiro’s most feared slum. Through hip-hop music, the rhythms of the street and Afro-Brazilian dance, he rallies his community to counteract the violent oppression enforced by teenage drug armies and sustained by corrupt police. At the dawn of liberation, just as collective mobility is overcoming all odds and Anderson’s grassroots Afro-reggae movement is at the height of its success, a tragic accident threatens to silence the movement forever. Favela Rising has received thirteen national and international film festival awards.

It's free!

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out some of the other films the IMA is showing about African culture in the Americas: RIZE on February 15 looks at a life-affirming adaptation of African dance to the hard streets of South LA; "African Blood" about African-Mexicans shows February 22; and you will very much want to attend the Indianapolis International Film Festival April 25 to May 4.

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February 13: Get a report on the Catholic Church in Latin America

Fr. José Marins, one of the most influential clerics in the Western Hemisphere, talks about “The Catholic Church in Latin America” at Marian College

When: Tuesday February 13 7:00 PM
Where: Marian College, Mother Theresa Hackelmeier Memorial Library Auditorium

As part of the Franciscan Center for For a Better World” with its founder Fr. Riccardo Lombardi S.J. and coordinated the national Brazilian team. He took part of the Second Vatican Council’s last three sessions as consultant for the Brazilian Bishops; was a consultant to the Medellín Conference, and the communication coordinator at the Puebla Conference. He was in charged of clergy and deacons before the National Conference of Brazil’s Bishops (CNBB); a member of the Conference of Latin American Bishops (CELAM) reflection team and adjunct general secretary to Cardinal Eduardo Pironio. He also served as consultant for the Pontifical Secretariat for Christian Unity from 1973-1979; and during the last 30 years he has coordinated the itinerant team that has served churches of Latin America, the Caribbean, Australia, Philippines, India, Korea, Thailand, Africa and Europe.

In the United States he has been a consultant, professor, and keynote speaker to various Dioceses in different states and in different languages (English, Spanish, and Portuguese).

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out Marian College's earlier talk about post-conflict Central America on February 5. Attend the talks about Mexico that are part of Great Decisions series on February 7 and February 20.

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February 15: Spend a wholesome day at the 18th annual Joseph Taylor Symposium on "Urban Universities/Urban Communities: Partners in Social Justice"

The 2007 Joseph Taylor Symposium on "Urban Universities/Urban Communities: Partners in Social Justice," emphasizes IUPUI's commitment to civic engagement

When: Thursday February 15 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM
Where: IUPUI University Place Conference Center and Hotel

The Joseph Taylor Symposium honors the legacy of Dr. Joseph Taylor, the first dean of the School of Liberal Arts, and addresses issues of interest to urban communities. The 2007 event, "Urban Universities/Urban Communities: Partners in Social Justice," reflects IUPUI’s focus on civic engagement while also recognizing the complexities that emerge when bridging boundaries between academic institutions and their communities.

Some of the topics of panel discussions at the Symposium:

• Education and Social Justice: Critical Connections Between IUPUI and P-12
• Achieving Social Justice in Health: Closing the Gap in Access to Health Promotion
• History as Social Justice: Memory and Public Heritage in the Near-Westside
  

The program showcases existing collaborations, features keynote speakers Professor Edward Curtis (Religious Studies) on "University and Community Partnerships: Crossing Bridges, Confronting Walls" and Professor Dana-Ain Davis (Anthropology, SUNY-Purchase College) on "Knowledge in the Vision of Service: Politically Engaged Scholarship." It will provide ample opportunity for audience participation. [ Additional Information/Registration ] [ Symposium Brochure ] More information

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out a parallel discussion of Hoosiers' civic engagement in Kenya on January 26.

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February 20: Review US Trade Policy over dinner with the World Trade Club of Indianapolis

World Trade Club of Indianapolis dinner event: U.S Trade Policy Review



When: February 20 5:30-6:30 PM social hour, then dinner
Where: Omni Severin Downtown
More information

February 21: Hear Terri Jett's impressions of South Africa (and perhaps learn more about race in America)

Butler University's Terri Jett talks about South Africa

When: Wednesday, March 23 7:00 PM
Where: Church of the Saviour, 6205 Rucker Road Indianapolis

South Africa is the most developed country in Africa and has been an active leader on the continent, yet is still struggles with major issues in the post-Apartheid era. What are the political challenges facing South Africa? What impact is the AIDS epidemic playing on South Africa's economy and society?

Terri Jett is an associate professor of political science at Butler University. Dr. Jett has researched the political, economic, social and religious landscape of rural black communities in the American south and has a keen interest in the religious connection to the U.S. civil rights movement. Terri leads Butler University's Center for Faith and Vocation's Field Ministry seminars to South Africa. The goal of the Field Seminar in Ministry is to give undergraduate students who are considering a call to ministry or other community service the chance to reflect on religion and society in a new setting. The seminar will examine how religious communities and service organizations deal with issues of faith and calling in South Africa. Sponsored by the Bob Calhoun Memorial Great Decisions Series

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To read an essay about Hoosiers and Africa, "Who Can Help Africans Solve Their Problems?" that connects many of the events relating to Africa this spring, go to Views-PRI, the sister site of IndyBuzz (and forerunner of the electronic magazine Provocate).

February 27: Discuss whether Capitalism can possibly be in the Common Good

Joe Gunnemann--expert on ethics, morality, and economics--discusses ”Capitalism for the Common Good” for the Center for Faith and Vocation at Butler University

When: Tuesday February 27 7:00 to 9:00 p.m.
Where: Butler University Krannert Room, Clowes Memorial Hall

Within the reality of global capitalism and the ever increasing demand for market-driven profits, is there a place for the classic concept of capitalism as a force for social good? This exploration of capitalism will explore theological roots and challenges to the concept posed by stock markets, labor markets and consumer demands.

Speaking will be Jon Gunnemann, professor of social ethics at the Candler School of Theology, Emory University. His current research focuses on theology, ethics, and the economy; and on contemporary theories of justice. Dr. Gunneman has written and lectured extensively on issues of economic ethics, and on Christian ethics and social theory.

Responding will be a marvelous local expert, Dr. Carol Johnston, associate professor of theology and culture and director of lifelong theological education at Christian Theological Seminary in Indianapolis. She writes and lectures often about faith and economics and faith and the environment.

Responding too will be Edgar Davis, an adjunct professor in the College of Business Administration at Butler University and the Butler honors program. He spent 40 years working in finance and marketing for Eli Lilly, Inc.

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out the discussion of trust and business on January 30. This issue is clearly relevant to the discussions of global climate change on January 31, February 6, and April 18.

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March 6: Explore South Africa with Kelly Campbell of Ambassadors for Children

Kelly Campbell, VP of Ambassadors for Children, leads a discussion of South African problems and how we can be part of solutions for the Indiana Council on World Affairs Great Decisions Series

When: Tuesday, March 6 7:00-9:00 PM
Where: Butler University, Pharmacy Building

South Africa is the most developed country in Africa and has been an active leader on the continent, yet is still struggles with major issues in the post-Apartheid era. What are the political challenges facing South Africa? What impact is the AIDS epidemic playing on South Africa's economy and society?

Kelly Campbell is Vice President of Operations for Ambassadors for Children. Ambassadors for Children (AFC) is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to serving children around the world through short-term humanitarian service trips and sustainable programs. Voluntourism trips are fast becoming the new way to travel. Voluntourism is the combination of voluntary service to a destination with the traditional elements of travel and tourism - arts, culture, history, geography, and recreation. Kelly has been with the organization since 2004 and have served as an intern, volunteer travel coordinator, and Director of Missions. She recently completed her Masters in International Relations at the University of Indianapolis.

If this event sounds interesting, you should check out the discussion of Hoosiers helping Africa January 26 ... Kelly and Ambassadors for Children are important components of that helping. Terri Jett will give a different perspective on South Africa February 21.

Return to IndyBuzz List of Events for Spring

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To read an essay about Hoosiers and Africa, "Who Can Help Africans Solve Their Problems?" that connects many of the events relating to Africa this spring, go to Views-PRI, the sister site of IndyBuzz (and forerunner of the electronic magazine Provocate).