Podcasts about blue ribbon commission

Nora Denzel and David Kenny, former executives and current leaders of the boards of AMD and Best Buy, respectively, join Sat Dayal, Managing Director of Technology at Edelman, for a conversation on how boards can establish and develop tech oversight. The pair co-chaired the NACD's 2024 Blue Ribbon Commission on the topic. Nora and David discuss … Continue reading "Board Leaders on How to Strengthen Technology Oversight"

Jackie Gardina shares dispatches from the Blue Ribbon Commission on reforming the Bar Exam, covering recent reforms, the ongoing debate about the exam's effectiveness, and the rise of alternative pathways to legal licensure. Some takeaways:

Regents requirement could be dropped State education leaders on Monday (Nov. 4) presented a timeline and implementation plan for establishing multiple pathways to earning a high school diploma while reducing reliance on standardized tests. The plan, introduced by Education Department officials to the Board of Regents in Albany, would be phased in over five years and is based on the work of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Graduation Measures, a 64-person committee that began studying equity in schools in 2019. If the Regents approve the plan, it would implement four policy "transformations," including, by the fall of 2027, dropping the requirement that students pass Regents exams in math, English, science and social studies to graduate. The exams would still be offered because of federal requirements but would become one of several options for students to demonstrate proficiency. The other transformations include adopting a state "portrait of a graduate," redefining the credits students earn to focus on proficiency and shifting to one standard diploma but noting distinctions with seals. The portrait of a graduate identifies seven skills, including being a global citizen and displaying social-emotional competence, that educators believe are necessary to becoming a "college-, career- and civic-ready graduate." Seventeen states use similar models. Students' options for demonstrating proficiency in a subject would be expanded from traditional assessments to include more project-based options such as internships and "real-world" work experience. Graduation requirements would also grow to incorporate performance-based assessments and no longer depend on test scores. Finally, the state would shift from offering three types of diplomas (local, Regents and Regents with advanced designations) to one. Seals noting special designations, such as biliteracy or civic readiness, could still be applied. The proposals will continue to be honed over the next year. "We want there to still be rigor, but at the same time, we know our students have multiple talents," said Sagrario Rudecindo-O'Neill, the assistant superintendent of curriculum and student support for the Beacon district, who chaired a Blue Ribbon Commission subcommittee. "We asked, 'What can we do in addition so we're not penalizing students who are not test-takers but know how to apply the knowledge that they've been given?' The point is looking at success differently." The Regents board has not approved the plan but appears to be in favor of it. In a statement on Monday, Lester Young Jr., its chancellor, called the changes essential for ensuring that students, "no matter their background or circumstances, receive high-quality instruction that equips them for success in a complex and rapidly evolving world." The plan is to continue holding forums and advisory panels before releasing specific, reformatted learning standards to educators next fall. By the fall of 2027, the state would move to one diploma for all students and begin expanding the system through which students earn credits. The four transformations would be executed by the fall of 2029. As envisioned, the first class that could graduate under the new standards would be the Class of 2033, or today's fourth graders. The changes provide "multiple pathways for students to demonstrate they've acquired the skills and abilities that we've asked them to," said Jodi DeLucia, the deputy superintendent of the Dutchess Board of Cooperative Educational Services (BOCES), who helped facilitate an information session last month at Beacon High School. "Instead of everything being about seat time," or the amount of time students spend in class, "it becomes about proficiency."

In the latest SHRM-focused episode, we hear from SHRM's Chief Data & Insights Officer, Dr. Alex Alonso.As leader of SHRM's Research & Insights business units, Alex's career portfolio has been based upon practical thought leadership designed to make better workplaces and to grow revenues.Listen as we celebrate SHRM 2024 and discuss wage inflation, labor shortages, and AI.Questions for Alex include:What can attendees expect at #SHRM24?At SHRM Annual, you'll be unveiling the findings from SHRM's 2024 State of the Workplace Study. Tell us about findings relating to wage inflation, labor shortages, and AI.Why is HR leading on AI?How will AI affect jobs?What should employees do to remain relevant in the workplace?How can employees upskill?What does ethical and responsible implementation of AI look like in the workplace?More About Alexander Alonso, PhDAlex's thought leadership has been recognized through various bodies including as an inaugural member of SHRM's Blue-Ribbon Commission on Racial Equity in the Workplace, a coalition designed to foster equitable and inclusive cultures. His research has been featured in numerous media outlets including USA Today, NBC News, BBC, CNN, and more. He has served as a member of several speaker's bureaus with more than 400 speaking engagements over the last decade.His works have been recognized for their contribution to real-world human capital issues. They include being recognized with the Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP's) 2007 M. Scott Myers Award for Applied Research in the Workplace for developing the federal standard for learning and development of healthcare providers; a 2009 Presidential Citation for Innovative Practice by the American Psychological Association for designing performance management systems; and the 2013 SIOP Distinguished Early Career Contributions for Practice Award for extensive applied research on the link between human resource management and organizational sustainability.We do our best to ensure editorial objectivity. The views and ideas shared by our guests and sponsors are entirely independent of The HR Gazette, HRchat Podcast and Iceni Media Inc.Feature Your Brand on the HRchat PodcastThe HRchat show has had 100,000s of downloads and is frequently listed as one of the most popular global podcasts for HR pros, Talent execs and leaders. It is ranked in the top ten in the world based on traffic, social media followers, domain authority & freshness. The podcast is also ranked as the Best Canadian HR Podcast by FeedSpot and one of the top 10% most popular shows by Listen Score. Want to share the story of how your business is helping to shape the world of work? We offer sponsored episodes, audio adverts, email campaigns, and a host of other options. Check out packages here. Follow us on LinkedIn Subscribe to our newsletter Check out our in-person events

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/604 Presented By:  Yellowstone Teton Territory, Skwala, TroutRoutes Today's episode focuses on an important organization helping to generate billions of dollars to protect our fish species. Join me as I chat with Connor Bevan, the Inland Fisheries Policy Manager at the American Sportfishing Association. Hear how partnerships on Capitol Hill shape the future of fish species preservation. Today you will also find out how you can lend your voice to this cause and ensure our fish populations will thrive for generations. Plus, we'll also take a thrilling ride to ICAST—the world's largest sportfishing event this July in Florida! Show Notes with Connor Bevan on American Sportfishing Association. 2:00 - Connor's fishing adventures began in Northern California with his dad. Connor also enjoys fly fishing on the Bow River in Calgary and the Delaware River on the East Coast. The American Sport Fishing Association (ASA) The ASA is the leading trade association for the recreational fishing industry. They advocate for healthy fisheries and science-based policies. Their efforts contribute to the US economy, with an annual impact of $148 billion. 8:00 - ASA deals with a wide range of issues, but one of their major focuses is reauthorizing the America's Conservation Enhancement Act (ACE Act). 10:30 - ASA is a link between the sportfishing community and Capitol Hill. They leverage the community's voice to ensure they have a nationwide appeal. 13:00 - Connor says that while there is a common understanding of the need for healthy fisheries, ASA acknowledges that Congress needs to balance various priorities. It is important to educate decision-makers on the impact of what they do on water quality, fishing, and overall environmental health. What You Can Do to Help 15:27 - Connor suggests several ways: Get involved with Keep America Fishing. This is their advocacy platform for anglers to weigh in on different issues both on national and regional levels. Share any local issues or concerns with ASA. Connor says they are always interested in hearing what's going on at the local level. Become an active member of the community. What is the ICAST?  17:00 - The ICAST is the world's largest sportfishing industry trade show. It's where you can see all the latest products, innovations, and trends in the industry. This year's ICAST 2024 will be in Orlando, Florida from July 16th to July 19th. 19:13 - Connor says that fly fishing's presence at ICAST is growing. Last year they introduced a dedicated floor space for fly companies, and they saw a lot of interest. 26:37 - One of the American Sportfishing Association's big focuses over the last several years has been taking a more preventative look at aquatic invasive species. The fishing and boating industry launched a Blue Ribbon Commission to improve preventive and management strategies for these invasive species. 28:18 -  The MAPLand Act requires federal agencies to standardize and digitize maps they hold within the agencies. ASA supports the MapWaters Act to similarly direct federal agencies to digitize and standardize that mapping information. A Day in the Life at Capitol Hill  35:18 - Connor says that every day is different for him. He spends a lot of time in meetings with legislative staff. Travel is a big part of the job. Connor attends trade shows and conducts site visits. He also coordinates regularly with their members to discuss issues affecting their businesses. 36:54 - Excise taxes are fees imposed on the sale of fishing gear like rods, reels, and even marine fuel. These funds are then distributed to state agencies based on a specific formula. Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/604  

What happens when your frontline employees are tired of apologizing on behalf of the company? When public perception isn't in your favor? This was the reality Oscar Munoz faced when he took the role of CEO and chairman of United Airlines in 2015. So he went back to basics, embarking on an extensive listening tour with thousands of employees — and in time, things turned for the better. We sat down with Oscar to learn about that journey, what's changed since and the value of deploying this strategy. Oscar will lead a spotlight session at IABC World Conference 2024, “Leadership Is an Act of Extended Storytelling.” The format will be part fireside chat and part town hall, to which Oscar says in this episode: “Bring it!” Bring your best questions, ask him about failure and get ready for a refreshing way to kick off your time at World Conference. Tune in to this inspiring conversation and make plans to see Oscar this June in Chicago.  ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ Oscar Munoz is the former CEO and chairman of United Airlines (UAL) and serves on the board of directors of Salesforce, CBRE, TelevisaUnivision, and Archer Aviation, a leading Urban Air Mobility company and developer of all-electric vertical take-off and landing (“eVTOL”) aircraft. He serves on the Pentagon's Defense Business Board, is a trustee of the University of Southern California and the Brookings Institution, as well as an independent trustee for Fidelity. He is the author of the Wall Street Journal best-selling memoir, “Turnaround Time: Uniting an Airline and its Employees in the Friendly Skies,” published by Harper Business in May 2023. He is co-chair of the 2023 Blue Ribbon Commission for the National Association of Corporate Directors, the authority on best boardroom practices. Since 2022, the Oscar and Cathy Munoz Pave it Forward Foundation has proudly partnered with the American Heart Association (AHA) to create the AHA's Social Impact Fund, providing financial grants and low interest loans for evidence-based, community-driven work to address heart health inequality. Under his leadership, United Airlines demonstrated rapid improvement, delivering industry-leading operational reliability, and sustained financial success, with stock value increasing 54 percent during that period. Munoz formally retired as UAL's executive chairman in May 2021. Previously, Munoz served as president and chief operating officer of the North American rail-based transportation supplier CSX Corp. A decade of excellent financial performance, including a boost in operating income of nearly 600 percent, earned CSX recognition on the list of Most Honored Companies by Institutional Investor magazine. He has served in various financial leadership positions across diverse industries, including U.S. West, AT&T, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo.  He earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Southern California's Marshall School of Business and an MBA from Pepperdine's Graziadio Business School. Hispanic Business magazine twice named Munoz one of its 100 Most Influential Hispanics, honoring his journey as an immigrant who, to this date, remains the only person of Hispanic heritage to run a U.S. airline. ++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ LINKS Mentioned in This Episode "Leadership Is an Act of Extended Storytelling”: A Fireside Chat and Town Hall With Oscar Munoz IABC World Conference 2024 “Turnaround Time: Uniting an Airline and its Employees in the Friendly Skies,” by Oscar Munoz Connect With IABC on social media https://twitter.com/iabc https://www.linkedin.com/company/iabc/ https://www.facebook.com/IABCWorld  https://www.youtube.com/user/IABClive https://www.instagram.com/iabcgram/ Visit IABC Online https://www.iabc.com/ https://catalyst.iabc.com/ https://wc.iabc.com/ --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/iabc/message

Patti Bottino Bravo: https://www.pattibottinobravo.com/ Born in the Bronx, NY of Puerto Rican descent, actor and singer Adrian Christian first came to public attention on the New York stage and in small roles in TV and film. While singing in nightclubs, an early recording drew an audience but offered limited opportunity, so he set his sights to Los Angeles, and Gospel music. An EP and a national tour followed, culminating with the release of his epic music film short, “A Song For You” in 2023. It garnered Adrian eleven film festival nominations and has won three awards, including Best Actor and Best Music Video by the LGBTQ Unbordered Film Festival. During his tour, his philanthropic efforts brought him back to Puerto Rico to his people, where he gathered a team to build rooftops onto homes after the devastation of Hurricane Maria. Ray DeForest: Successful, award winning entertainment industry professional celebrating 37 years as a SAG-AFTRA member. Actor, singer, producer, writer, Drag Queen, Ray tirelessly advocates for the LGBTQ community through his work with SAG-AFTRA at conventions, and on committees with the union, namely the National and New York Local LGBTQ committee and the President's Blue Ribbon Commission on Safety Sexual Harassment Workgroup.  He has been a TV host for cable and nationally syndicated shows and currently has a streaming series, Doris Dear's Gurl Talk, on Broadway on Demand. Ray also serves on boards of nonprofit theaters and raises monies for LGBTQ centered charities. Ray's motto “A dress doesn't get you anywhere, It's the LIFE you live in the dress that matters.” Camille Diamond: https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Camille-Diamond/ Ann Talman: https://www.anntalman.com

Nuclear power is being touted as a way of providing clean energy, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and paving the way to a zero-emission future. There is talk of a “nuclear renaissance,” with small modular reactors (SMRs) replacing the gigawatt nuclear behemoths of the past, quickly and at much lower cost.  But the United States' experience with nuclear, now going back 70 years, turned out to be much more costly than predicted.  The country's one hundred or so operating reactors have generated prodigious quantities of highly radioactive spent fuel that is being stored in so-called swimming pools and caskets adjacent to the plants that produced it.  Blame politics, if you will, but it remains waste.  And only a month ago, a federally subsidized deal to build a cluster of six SMRs in Idaho collapsed, due to cost overruns and construction delays.  So, is that renaissance real or just hope and hype? To find out more, join host Ronnie Lipschutz for a conversation with Professor Allison Macfarlane, Director of the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at The University of British Columbia.  Dr. Macfarlane was chair of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission from 2012-2014.  She holds a PhD in Geology from MIT, was a member of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future, which addressed the 70-year old challenge of radioactive waste disposal, about which she continues to write.

In the United States, family laws and precedents as they relate to divorce, community property and alimony vary based on state law. Also, with new family models, "working couples", "working wives", "stay-at-home dads", etcetera, there are situations where some parties to a divorce question whether traditional economic allocations made in a divorce are fair and equitable to the facts of their individual case. Some groups have proposed various forms of legislation to reform alimony parameters (for example amounts and term). Alimony terms are among the most frequent issues causing litigation in family law cases. Eighty percent of divorce cases involve a request for modification of alimony. Some states (for example Florida, Texas, Maine) are moving away from permanent alimony awards that are intended to maintain a spouse's standard of living enjoyed during the marriage and are moving towards durational or rehabilitative alimony. In other states, like Mississippi and Tennessee, alimony is usually awarded for life. Some of the critical issues that proponents and opponents of alimony reform disagree upon are: Whether alimony should be temporary or permanent Regardless of duration, should alimony payers have the unquestionable right to retire? Does the lesser earning spouse deserve alimony to meet his or her basic needs (sustenance) or enough to sustain "the lifestyle accustomed to during the civil union or marriage"? Should the income and assets of a new spouse be used in determining how much alimony gets paid? How clear and prescriptive should state statutes be versus allowing a larger degree of Judicial Discretion? In 2012, bills were introduced in the New Jersey Assembly and Senate. The Assembly passed a bill calling for a Blue Ribbon Commission to address Alimony Reform. The Senate has a similar bill pending that has not yet been posted in the Judiciary Committee. The NJ Matrimonial Bar Association has been vehemently fighting against Alimony Reform, led by Patrick Judge Jr. chairman of the Family Law section of the New Jersey State Bar Association. Attorney Judge stated that the New Jersey State Bar Association ("NJSBA") objected to the inclusion of individuals with a vested interest in reforming alimony on the Blue Ribbon Commission and that the NJSBA supported the "establishment of a commission but only as long as the commission is constituted so that a fair and unbiased review of the current alimony laws takes place… should not be predisposed to an outcome…." In 2023 Florida passed an alimony reform bill (SB 1416) which eliminated permanent alimony and established a process for allowing alimony payers to request modifications when they want to retire. The bill allowed judges to reduce or terminate alimony obligations based on a number of factors. The passage came after decades of contentious debate garnering three vetoes of similar bills. Some groups that were previously major opponents of the reform approved of the 2023 policy, such as Florida Family Fairness and The Florida Bar. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/law-school/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/law-school/support

Abdi Soltani has served as the executive director of the ACLU of Northern California since 2009. During his tenure, he has pursued long-term priorities to deepen the ACLU's presence in the California Central Valley and elevate the ACLU's voice on state policy at the California state capitol.Abdi has worked directly on a number of ACLU campaigns. Through 2015, he co-chaired the Blue Ribbon Commission on Marijuana Policy with then Lt. Governor Gavin Newsom, where he helped draft the blueprint for safe and equitable legalization of marijuana in California. He has also worked on campaigns for racial justice, criminal justice reform, voting rights, and immigrants' rights.Beginning in the mid 1990's, the central arc of Abdi's career as a civil rights advocate has been the transformation of California from a state that led attacks on civil rights to a state that is at the forefront of advancing equality. As an Iranian-American, Abdi is a champion of the 14th amendment of the U.S. Constitution, educating the public about its origins in the movement to abolish slavery and its impacts for equality and freedom for all of us.Chapters is a multi-part series concerning the history and the lessons of civil rights violations or civil liberties injustices carried out against communities or populations—including civil rights violations or civil liberties injustices that are perpetrated on the basis of an individual's race, national origin, immigration status, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.This project was made possible with support from Chapman University and The California Civil Liberties Public Education Program, a state-funded grant project of the California State Library.Guest: Mason GrangerHosts: Jon-Barrett IngelsProduced by: Past Forward

Tom's Newsmaker guest today is Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. Concerns about public safety are on the front burner for County residents after a fatal shooting in the heart of Towson this week and other instances of violence in the County Seat. Also, what does the future hold for Baltimore County Public Schools? Superintendent Darryl Williams will leave in June after a controversial tenure. Teacher pay will likely be a big focus in the upcoming budget. Ethics and accountability are also top of mind. A Blue Ribbon Commission has recommended no oversight board for the Baltimore County Office of Inspector General, and a longtime County employee and political operative is accused of embezzlement and perjury. Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. joins Tom on Zoom to discuss these and other county developments.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ram Charan: Leading Through Inflation Ram Charan is a bestselling author, teacher, and world-renowned advisor to CEOs and other business leaders of some of the world's best-known companies. His work is often behind the scenes and focused on highly sensitive and fate-making issues. Fortune magazine published a profile of Ram in which it called him “the most influential consultant alive.” His book Execution, lauded for its practicality, spent more than 150 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list. Ram's energetic, interactive teaching style has won him several awards, including from GE's famous Crotonville Institute and Northwestern. Ram was elected a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources and was named one of the most influential people in corporate governance and the board room by Directorship magazine. He has served on the Blue Ribbon Commission on Corporate Governance and serves or has served on a dozen boards in the U.S., Brazil, China, India, Canada, and Dubai. He is the author with Geri Willigan of Leading Through Inflation: And Recession And Stagflation. In this conversation, Ram and I explore the changing macroeconomic environment and what leaders can do to address it. We discuss the importance of managing cash well and how pricing decisions can be made effectively. Plus, we discuss the critical nature of partnerships throughout the supply chain — and where the opportunities may be in the midst of challenge. Key Points Inflation consumes cash. Cash management is the number one risk to an organization during this time. The way to get ahead of the curve is to be predictive vs. reactive. This may be a time the existing business model needs to change. Inflation creates an illusion of growth. It's important to adjust for this in all reporting and planning. Work with all sides of the value chain. Help customers deal with rising costs while also working closely with suppliers. Regular communication is essential. Smaller, regular price adjustments are better than less frequent, larger increases. Resist the temptation to offer less for the same price. Resources Mentioned Leading Through Inflation: And Recession And Stagflation* by Ram Charan and Geri Willigan. Interview Notes Download my interview notes in PDF format (free membership required). Related Episodes Improve Your Financial Intelligence, with Joe Knight (episode 244) How to Approach Corporate Budgeting, with Jody Wodrich (episode 355) How to Multiply Your Impact, with Liz Wiseman (episode 554) Discover More Activate your free membership for full access to the entire library of interviews since 2011, searchable by topic.

Mallory McGowin of the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education talked with Michael Calhoun on Total Information PM about the need for teachers to have better pay.

Today on Midday: a focus on Baltimore County. Tom's Newsmaker guest is County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr.. They'll talk about the COVID uptick and plans for new public schools, and his support for County Police Chief Melissa Hyatt, despite a no confidence vote by members of the County Police Union. There have been fewer homicides in the County compared to last year, but there's been an increase in car jackings, in the county and around the country. What is the County Executive's strategy for public safety? And what is the status of the County Executive's long-touted Blue Ribbon Commission on Ethics and Accountability? Those issues and more, as Baltimore County Executive Johnny Olszewski, Jr. joins us from his office in Towson. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Here's your morning news: After leaked SCOTUS opinion, LA County supervisors prepare  state legislation to create an "abortion access safe haven"; Supervisors set to consider  recommendations from Blue Ribbon Commission on Homelessness; Diablo Canyon nuclear power plant set to fully close by 2025; President Biden signals openness to canceling some student loan debt; With COVID cases going up, L.A. County tells employers to use "common sense strategies" to increase workplace safety; Jimmy Kimmel infected with COVID and taking a break from hosting talk show; Long Beach-based space company uses helicopter to snag rocket booster as it parachuted down to Earth. This program is made possible in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, a private corporation funded by the American people.   Support the show: https://laist.com

Its April Fools Day and Scott Furrow wants to know if you've been on the receiving end of an April Fools Day joke or dealt one out. It's also open phone Friday where listeners can call in on any topic they'd like. Also, Scott speaks with Andy Bales of Union Rescue Mission on The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors approving a motion to create a Blue Ribbon Commission on Homelessness to assess existing structures and systems and provide recommendations on reforms that will help Los Angeles County and its 88 cities solve homelessness and how URM is helping in the fight against homelessness. We continue open phone Friday where listeners can call in on any topic they'd like. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ObituaryMarion Croley Forester, 68, of Harlan, Kentucky, unexpectedly “slipped the surly bonds of earth to touch the face of God” on Thursday morning, March 24, 2022.Croley was born on January 11, 1954, in Jeffersonville, Indiana to Ralph and Wauneth Forester. His family soon returned to Harlan, where he attended Harlan Independent and graduated from James A. Cawood High School in 1972. Croley then attended the University of Kentucky before beginning a lifetime of government service.Croley was recruited into the United States Air Force, where hisexpertise in mobile radar operations took him all around the world, fueling a love for travel and culture. He was stationed in Germany, where he also played football for the Air Force, Key West, and Seattle, where he played football for a short time with the Seattle Seahawks. He served 8 years altogether, earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. After leaving the Air Force, Croley served as an assistant Air Traffic Controller in the FAA, and later served as an Air Operations Drug Interdiction Specialist, Senior Inspector, and Range Master for US Customs. In 1996, Croley brought to light some serious national security issues at Miami International Airport, leading to a congressional investigation, a White House Task Force, and, ultimately,sweeping changes in airport and airline security. During his 24-year career with Customs, Croley was responsible for the confiscation of over 15,000 pounds of cocaine and received more than 30 commendations for exemplary service. In 2010, he retired from a lifetime of service and returned home to Harlan where he became involved in local politics and service projects such as river clean-ups. He served as a Harlan City Councilman, President of the Harlan Rotary Club, and member of the Bishop's Blue-Ribbon Commission for the Episcopal Diocese of Lexington. Croley was also a founder and the first director ofHarlan's Appalachian Challenge Academy.Croley will always be remembered as a loyal friend and patriot. He loved rock and roll, fast cars and motorcycles, and his Chow dogs.Croley was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Forester, and leaves to mourn his loss his mother, Waun Forester, brothers Frank (Jennifer) and Ed, and scores of family and friends around the world. Visitation will be 5:00 - 7:00 pm Tuesday (March 29) at the Anderson-Laws & Jones Funeral Home. Celebration of Croley's life will follow at 7:00 pm with Rev. Tim H. Mills officiating. Music will be provided by Dr. James Greene. The family suggest memorials to the Wounded Warrior Project. https://woundedwarriorproject.org/ in memory of Croley.

We are firmly planted in the digital age. As such, the rules of competition are vastly different from just 20 years ago. Ram Charan joins Kevin to talk about the “new” rules of competition. He also encourages us to ask ourselves each morning how we can use our day and how we can make the people around us more successful. This episode was recorded during Virtual LeaderCon 2021. Key Points Ram discusses changes in the digital world. He runs through the rules of competition. A personalized consumer experience is key to exponential growth. Algorithms and data are essential weapons. A company does not compete. Its ecosystem does. Moneymaking is geared for huge cash generation, not earnings per share, and the new law of increasing returns. People, culture, and work design for a social engine that drives innovation and execution personalized for each customer. Leaders continuously learn, imagine, and break through obstacles to create the change that other companies must contend with. Advice for managers at any level. Meet Ram Name: Ram Charan His Story: Author Rethinking Competitive Advantage: New Rules for Success in the Digital Age in addition to more than 30 books. In his work with companies around the world, he is known for cutting through the complexity of running a business in today's fast changing environment to uncover the core business problem. Worth Mentioning: “Professor Charan has coached more than a dozen leaders who went on to become CEOs. He reaches many more up and coming business leaders through in-house executive education programs. His energetic, interactive teaching style has won him several awards, including the Bell Ringer award at GE's famous Crotonville Institute and best teacher award at Northwestern. Ram was elected a Distinguished Fellow of the National Academy of Human Resources and was named one of the most influential people in corporate governance and the board room by Directorship magazine. He has served on the Blue Ribbon Commission on Corporate Governance and serves or has served on a dozen boards in the US, Brazil, China, India, Canada, and Dubai.” This episode is brought to you by… The Daily Email, daily inspiration for leaders sent Monday-Friday every week. Kevin writes a short message to inform, inspire, engage, and focus you on becoming the best you and the best leader you can be. Book Recommendations Rethinking Competitive Advantage: New Rules for Success in the Digital Age by Ram Charan Related Podcast Episodes Turning Culture into Competitive Advantage with Jeff Grimshaw. The Innovation Stack with Jim McKelvey.

In today’s Patreon-fueled shout-out: As we head into summer and the weather heats up, your local energy nonprofit, LEAP, wants you and yours to keep cool. LEAP offers FREE home weatherization to income- and age-qualifying residents. If you’re age 60 or older, or have an annual household income of less than $75,100, you may qualify for a free energy assessment and home energy improvements such as insulation and air sealing. Sign up today to lower your energy bills, increase comfort, and reduce energy waste at home!On today’s show: Charlottesville City Council votes to remove Confederate statues in city parks, and this time it’s a vote that doesn’t have to be cleared by the Virginia Supreme CourtA joint PTO group releases a final report on a special fund created to help improve virtual learning One Albemarle County highway gets is shut down for a few hours, while another one remains closed indefinitely. In a minute, we’ll get to a wrap-up of last night’s City Council meeting. But first, a couple other items. Albemarle County Police shut down the U.S. 29 and Interstate 64 interchange yesterday for four hours as a response to “a call for a person in crisis at Teel Lane and Monacan Trail.” According to a news release, no additional information about the incident will be released. Teel Lane is several hundred feet southwest of the interchange. Not related, but U.S. 250 remains closed at Afton Mountain due to a rockslide. According to to Virginia Department of Transportation spokesman Lou Hatter, work continues six days a week by two contractors. “One is removing the unstable material, the other is coming behind to stabilize the areas,” Hatter said. “We still anticipate it will be mid-July to complete the work.”Stay tuned. Last year, all of the Parent-Teacher Organizations in Charlottesville came together to raise money to help students in households that did not have the resources to fully participate in virtual learning. Now the final report of the Ready to Teach, Ready to Learn CCS Reopening Fund is out, and the effort raised $165,097 from 201 donors. In addition to providing funds for teaching materials, funds were also spent to help the return to in-person learning including covering the cost of van transportation at a time when school buses were limited. “Funding was divided and allocated quickly to PTOs at all seven elementary schools, Buford Middle, Charlottesville High, and Lugo McGinness Academy using distribution percentages based on each school’s population of students receiving free and reduced lunch,” reads the report. “The use of the funds was then determined by individual school level committees comprised of a PTO representative, teacher, administrator, and an equity committee representative.”The Charlottesville Area Community Foundation partnered to administer the fund. The report lists several conclusions, including a sense that there is an untapped potential for public schools to raise money from private sources.  (read the report) The report breaks down how the funding was distributedCharlottesville City Council held a public hearing last night on whether to remove two Confederate statues in two city parks. I’ll have details on that in a moment, but first, some other highlights from the meeting. It has now been about ten days since COVID restrictions in Virginia were fully lifted, but public health officials are still monitoring the situation. Dr. Denise Bonds of the Blue Ridge Health District gave a briefing. Daily case counts in the district have been dwindling since mid-April. “We are frequently in single digits, often only one or two cases reported,” Dr. Bonds said. Today that number is 3 new cases. There’s been a total of 15,937 cases and 224 fatalities since last March. Community engagement efforts are ongoing.“Our hotline is still going strong,” Dr. Bonds said. “Since January we’ve had over 25,000 calls to our hotline.”That’s 434-972-6261 if you need it for some reason. Dr. Bonds said the district is continuing to get people vaccinated in order to meet the goal of having 70 percent of Americans vaccinated by July 4. As of today, 48.8 percent of the health district is fully vaccinated. Statewide, that number is at 46 percent. Children under the age of 12 are not yet eligible to be vaccinated but Dr. Bonds said approval of at least one vaccine may be approved by this fall.The vaccination clinic at J.C. Penney will close this month, but will reopen in a smaller store inside Fashion Square Mall. The district is also working to vaccinate people who cannot travel at their homes. Vaccination events will also continue be held at other community events. Here’s City Manager Chip Boyles. “It was a very good weekend with Sunday at Tonsler Park, we had the splash pad open, a basketball tournament, and vaccinations occurring taking advantage of the crowds that were there,” Boyles said. A demographic breakdown of cases, hospitalizations, and fatalities in the Blue Ridge Health DistrictCity Hall remains closed to the public,  but planning is underway to transition back to reopening. Boyles also said Charlottesville has received its first payment from the American Recovery Plan. The amount is $9.8 million and another payment of the same amount is expected in the next calendar year. “The first funding will go towards revenue replacement for the city, and then additional COVID improvements and then we will very shortly be rolling out for our nonprofit stakeholders in the community a program where they can apply,” Boyles said.You're reading Charlottesville Community Engagement. Time now for another subscriber supported public service announcement. This June, the Jefferson Madison Regional Library is hosting two virtual programs to commemorate Juneteenth. On June 17th, JMRL is hosting a panel discussion on the lives of the enslaved populations on the Monticello, Montpelier, and Highland plantations. (info) On June 22, JMRL will hold a program about the recently discovered unmarked graves outside the enclosures of the cemetery at Pen Park. (info)Now, on to the statues. Council waived its usual procedure of having people wait until the designated public hearing to allow people to use the Community Matters to speak out on the matter. One of these was Zyahna Bryant, who began a petition in 2016 to remove the statues when she was a student at Charlottesville High School. She pointed out Council’s original vote to remove the statues in 2017 was 3-2. “The choice here is clear,” Bryant said. “What needs to happen is clear. It’s up to you make the right decision and there’s no opportunity left to straddle the fence. What side of history do you want to be on?” Scott Warner grew up in Charlottesville but now lives in Albemarle County. He said the report from the Council-appointed Blue Ribbon Commission on Race, Memorials and Public Spaces offered up two alternatives for the Robert E. Lee statue.“Move the sculpture to McIntire Park and confront its history there and number two, confront the sculpture in place and redesign and transfer Lee Park,” Warner said. Bruce Williamson, an attorney who works downtown, said Council ultimately voted to reject the Blue Ribbon Commission’s recommendations. “The preservation of history is not even an issue here,” Williamson said. “These statues preserve other things and many other people will speak eloquently about what those statues were meant for, what they preserve, and why they need to go.” After these comments, City Manager Boyles gave an overview of the last five years and explained what the steps are  ahead for the statues as laid out by the Virginia State Supreme Court and the General Assembly. “Council now has before you tonight for consideration a resolution to remove, contextualize, relocate, or cover these statues after a 30 day period has expired that allows consideration of relocation to a museum, a historical society, government, of military battlefield,”  Boyles said. Then the official public hearing began. In the second session, several speakers asked that the city remove the statues but not let anyone else take them on. “These statues must come down and not be put up anywhere else after this,” said Cali Gaston. “They are symbols of hate, of white supremacy, and as such must be removed and repurposed.” In all, 55 people addressed Council during the public hearing, with all but a handful requesting removal. City Councilor Heather Hill spoke first.“Really appreciate the engagement tonight and I think it was definitely a clear message to this Council,” Hill said. Vice Mayor Sena Magill thanked those who spoke. “And also to thank the people who started this work in all sorts of forms over a very long time,” Magill said. City Councilor Michael Payne said he didn’t have much to add to what the speakers had said. “Thoughts I have that come to mind as someone who was there on August 12 and turning on to 4th Street and as a survivor of August 12 like others is that I will be very  proud to take a vote to remove these statues and to reimagine our public spaces in these areas and I hope it can be a small part of collective transformation here locally,” Payne said. City Councilor Lloyd Snook also referenced August 2017 and the Unite the Right Rally that was held here because of Council’s original vote to remove the Robert E. Lee statue. “Whatever anybody might have thought before August 12, since August 12 I think the answer has become crystal clear,” Snook said. “It’s crystal clear to me that the statues need to come down in some fashion. I have not yet solidified in my own mind what ought to happen thereafter.” The statue requires the city to put out an offer for groups to take the statue and to give 30 days for a response.  Snook said if the city were to deviate from that process, there could be further legal complications. “So we’re going to do it carefully, we’re going to do it thoroughly, we’re going to do it absolutely by the law,” Snook said.Mayor Nikuyah Walker said she was thinking about how Black children in the future will no longer have to see the statues. “I immediately start thinking about how many 10-year-olds have had to live and be subjected to symbols throughout history that uphold whiteness over everything else,” Walker said. Walker also said that people who are opposed to the proposed changes to the Future Land Use Map should also consider their views, and that supporters of removing the statues should enter that conversation. “And I’m hoping that those individuals are having the same conversation with the same intensity with their neighbors who are forgetting redlining and racial covenants and wanting to maintain status quo but not able to associate that with the same power structure that put those statues up,” Walker said. Councilor Payne made a motion, seconded by Snook. Council Clerk Kyna Thomas called the vote. Within minutes, the city issued a Request for Statements of Interest (RFI) for entities who might want to take ownership of the statues. (read the RFI)“On or after July 8, 2021, if the statutes, or either of them, has not been transferred to such an entity for relocation and placement, City Council may make other disposition(s),” reads the RFI’s description. A section of the Request for Statement of Interest*Before we go today, I wanted to follow up on the brief blurb in the June 5 newsletter about pollution reduction targets for the Chesapeake Bay. Sarah Vogelsong has a great story in the Virginia Mercury about the challenges to getting reductions in the agricultural sector, with a focus on efforts to fence cattle out of streams. It’s worth a read if you want to pay more attention to what’s known as the TMDL. That stands for Total Maximum Daily Load, and this is a story to follow in the next four years with a 2025 deadline looming. This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Charlottesville's Blue Ribbon Commission have requested the city council to immediately cover the monuments in preparation for their removal; A task force working on creating a civilian review board in Richmond for police misconduct is looking for public input; Richmond Public Schools will be holding in-person graduations this Spring, thanks to a drop in COVID-19 cases and an increase in vaccination rates; and other local news stories.

In today’s Patreon-fueled shout-out from an anonymous supporter: It may seem like we just had an election, but 2021 is once again a city, county, and state election year. Party primaries are coming soon on June 8, 2021. The deadline to register to vote, or update an existing registration is Monday, May 17, 2021. Visit the Virginia Department of Elections to learn more at .elections.virginia.gov. On today’s show:Charlottesville City Council begins the process to remove Confederate statuesThe Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation is working on a new statewide plan that includes expanded serviceU.S. Route 250 remains closed at Afton Mountain one day after a rockslide and there’s no time yet for when the roadway might be reopen. Actually, that last one is the whole update. That’s all I know. The seven-day average for new COVID-cases has now dropped below 1,000 for the first time in many months. The seven-day average for positive test results has declined to 4.5 percent. Nearly a third of Virginians are now fully vaccinated. Blue Ridge Health District Director Dr. Denise Bonds briefed City Council last night. “And when you look at the absolute numbers, in Charlottesville, 53 percent of the population has received at least one dose and 37 percent of our population is fully vaccinated,” Dr. Bonds said. “Charlottesville when you look is number five in the state for the percent of the population with at least one vaccine. We’re actually surrounded by Albemarle County which is number one in the state.”Dr. Bonds said there is a push now to get vaccines to people who are homebound, as well as specialized vaccine clinics across the city. “We’ve really tried to meet people where they are at to get them vaccinated and make sure they are safe from COVID,” Dr. Bonds said. Source: Blue Ridge Health DistrictHowever, Dr. Bonds said there’s a long way to get to the figure of 75 percent vaccinated and that means targeting specific demographics. “To target some of our key populations, we have assisted the Albemarle-Charlottesville NAACP and the Latino Health Initiative who have developed public service announcements with funding by the Move 2 Health Equity Coalition,” Dr. Bonds said. Also at Council last night, several people spoke to a consent agenda item that authorizes a public hearing on removal of Confederate statues on June 7. That’s an official step required to remove the statues under legislation that passed the General Assembly in 2020. Albemarle County used this process to remove a Confederate statue in Court Square last September. Don Gathers was a member of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Race, Memorials and Public Spaces. “Through the diligence and hard work and determination of the nine members of that board, we’ve done our job,” Gathers said. “And now we call on Council to say it is time for you to do yours, it’s time for those statues to go with all expedient speed. And if they cannot be gone expeditiously then they do need to be covered and they need to be put in storage.”Council adopted a resolution last night on their consent agenda to move the process forward. Here’s City Manager Chip Boyles. (read the resolution)“Thank you for passing the consent agenda  that includes the Lee and Jackson Statues movement,” Boyles said. “We intend to publish the notice so that you can have that public hearing at your June 7 Council meeting.”That prompted a follow-up from Vice Mayor Sena Magill. “What would the timeline if the notice gets published than we had the meeting on the 7th, what would the earliest time if it passed on the 7th?” Magill asked.“Thirty days after June 7,” Boyles said.In the case of the At Ready statue in Court Square, Albemarle County passed their resolution of intent on July 1, 2021, the first day they were eligible to do so under the new law. They held their public hearing on August 6th and the statue was removed on September 12th. Boyles also said the city has received supplemental affordable housing funds from the federal American Rescue Plan which was passed by Congress earlier this year. “The city of Charlottesville will be receiving $270,000 that we’ll be able to spend on affordable housing programs within the city,” Boyles said. “Along the lines of the American Rescue Fund, we are still waiting to get the full total dollar amount that we will be receiving as well as the regulations.” Boyles also said there were 64 applicants from across the country for someone to be the executive director of the Police Civilian Review Board. He also said he has resumed a practice of meeting with leaders of neighborhood associations and the next meeting will be on July 15. More from City Council in a future episode of the program. An architect with ties to Charlottesville has been named by a trade organization as one of two winners of its 2021 Award for Excellence in Public Architecture. The American Institute of Architects has recognized Katie Swenson for her role in creating public facilities. While a graduate student at the University of Virginia School of Architecture, Swenson worked with the Piedmont Housing Alliance and helped lead their 10th and Page Street Neighborhood Revitalization Project, which built many single-family homes in that section of Charlottesville in the 2000’s. Swenson was the first executive director of the Charlottesville Community Design Center, a now-defunct nonprofit that sought to help area residents become more knowledgeable about planning issues. The organization folded in early 2011. Swenson left in 2006 to direct the Enterprise Community Partners Rose Fellowship Program. She also co-founded Enterprise’s Affordable Housing Design Leadership Institute Program along with former Charlottesville Mayor Maurice Cox. Read more on the AIA website. You’re reading Charlottesville Community Engagement. Let’s end today with a subscriber-fueled public service announcement. the group Resilient Virginia has a mission to help communities in the Commonwealth be prepared to adapt to a changing climate. They kick off their three-part Spring Resiliency Academy on May 6  with a workshop on funding for flood-prone communities. It’s $25 for the one event, but $60 for if you want to also attend the May 27 event on resilient buildings and the June 17 installment on economic recovery, jobs, and justice. Register at resilientvirginia.org where you can also learn more about their upcoming virtual conference. The Center for Nonprofit Excellence (CNE) will hold a Virtual Town Hall on Wednesday, May 5, 2021 to launch a new tool intended to help its members build better relationships with their donors. At noon, they will publicly launch an initiative called “7 Actionable Principles for a Strong Social Sector.” These range from Create Strategic Budgets to Evaluate Impact. “As CNE has worked intensively with nonprofits and our local partners towards sustaining our social impact sector and supporting positive outcomes in difficult times, the need for bold thought and creative approaches to community solutions has become paramount,” said CNE Executive Director Cristine Nardi. “7 AP is a flexible, accessible tool that gives nonprofits and funders across Virginia and beyond a proven structure for assessing their organizational health and using resources effectively.”Register for the event at thecne.org/7ap. Last year, CNE worked with over 700 nonprofits across Virginia. The Virginia Department of Rail and Public Transportation is working on a new statewide rail plan, the first such document since Governor Northam announced a $3.7 billion investment in passenger rail in December 2019. Emily Stock is manager for rail planning for the DRPT. “The rail plan is required by the Federal Railroad Administration every four years and the last statewide was adopted by the [Commonwealth Transportation Board] in 2018,” Stock said. One of the items called for in the draft plan is to implement a study called for in the 2020 General Assembly to review logistics for the Commonwealth Corridor, a proposed east-west passenger service that would travel from Hampton Roads to the New River Valley. That report is due by the next General Assembly Session, before the overall plan is complete. “It would be examining how the service could integrate with service on the western rail service and also the I-95 corridor so it would be an opportunity to develop the Commonwealth Corridor expansion policies,” Stock said. There will also be a review of extending service westward to Bristol, as well as a potential stop in Bedford. The statewide rail plan is expected to be completed in early 2022. Approval by the Commonwealth Transportation Board will happen soon afterward. One change in the future will be that the Virginia Passenger Rail Authority or the DRPT will be responsible for operating and maintaining stations, but the details aren’t yet known.“DRPT is in the process of working out how things will change and we’re developing a new policy and prioritization to spell it out based on our recent agreements with CSX, Amtrak and [Virginia Railway Express],” Stock said. A study of the long range needs for Charlottesville’s train station is underway. An issue at many stations across Virginia is the need to become compliant with the Americans for Disabilities Act. This is a public episode. Get access to private episodes at communityengagement.substack.com/subscribe

Daawud (Noo Covers) El-Amin is the director of Noo Covers Inc. A Wilmington N.C. based company which specializes in cultural community development. In his thirty-three years of community activism, his activities and affiliations have included; Trans Africa, Forever Freedom Fighters, World Community of Al-Islam in the West, Coalition for a Drug Free World, Elevating Communities to Higher Opportunities (ECHO), Direct Support Professionals, N.O.I., U.N.I.A., Leading Into New Communities (LINC), and The Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence (BRC). Presently he is Co Chair of the David Walker Economic, Educational, Health and Cultural Center. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daawud/support

Daawud (Noo Covers) El-Amin is the director of Noo Covers Inc. A Wilmington N.C. based company which specializes in cultural community development. In his thirty-three years of community activism, his activities and affiliations have included; Trans Africa, Forever Freedom Fighters, World Community of Al-Islam in the West, Coalition for a Drug Free World, Elevating Communities to Higher Opportunities (ECHO), Direct Support Professionals, N.O.I., U.N.I.A., Leading Into New Communities (LINC), and The Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence (BRC). Presently he is Co Chair of the David Walker Economic, Educational, Health and Cultural Center. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daawud/support

Daawud (Noo Covers) El-Amin is the director of Noo Covers Inc. A Wilmington N.C. based company which specializes in cultural community development. In his thirty-three years of community activism, his activities and affiliations have included; Trans Africa, Forever Freedom Fighters, World Community of Al-Islam in the West, Coalition for a Drug Free World, Elevating Communities to Higher Opportunities (ECHO), Direct Support Professionals, N.O.I., U.N.I.A., Leading Into New Communities (LINC), and The Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence (BRC). Presently he is Co Chair of the David Walker Economic, Educational, Health and Cultural Center. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daawud/support

Daawud (Noo Covers) El-Amin is the director of Noo Covers Inc. A Wilmington N.C. based company which specializes in cultural community development. In his thirty-three years of community activism, his activities and affiliations have included; Trans Africa, Forever Freedom Fighters, World Community of Al-Islam in the West, Coalition for a Drug Free World, Elevating Communities to Higher Opportunities (ECHO), Direct Support Professionals, N.O.I., U.N.I.A., Leading Into New Communities (LINC), and The Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence (BRC). Presently he is Co Chair of the David Walker Economic, Educational, Health and Cultural Center. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daawud/support

Daawud (Noo Covers) El-Amin is the director of Noo Covers Inc. A Wilmington N.C. based company which specializes in cultural community development. In his thirty-three years of community activism, his activities and affiliations have included; Trans Africa, Forever Freedom Fighters, World Community of Al-Islam in the West, Coalition for a Drug Free World, Elevating Communities to Higher Opportunities (ECHO), Direct Support Professionals, N.O.I., U.N.I.A., Leading Into New Communities (LINC), and The Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence (BRC). Presently he is Co Chair of the David Walker Economic, Educational, Health and Cultural Center. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daawud/support

Daawud (Noo Covers) El-Amin is the director of Noo Covers Inc. A Wilmington N.C. based company which specializes in cultural community development. In his thirty-three years of community activism, his activities and affiliations have included; Trans Africa, Forever Freedom Fighters, World Community of Al-Islam in the West, Coalition for a Drug Free World, Elevating Communities to Higher Opportunities (ECHO), Direct Support Professionals, N.O.I., U.N.I.A., Leading Into New Communities (LINC), and The Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence (BRC). Presently he is Co Chair of the David Walker Economic, Educational, Health and Cultural Center. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daawud/support

Daawud (Noo Covers) El-Amin is the director of Noo Covers Inc. A Wilmington N.C. based company which specializes in cultural community development. In his thirty-three years of community activism, his activities and affiliations have included; Trans Africa, Forever Freedom Fighters, World Community of Al-Islam in the West, Coalition for a Drug Free World, Elevating Communities to Higher Opportunities (ECHO), Direct Support Professionals, N.O.I., U.N.I.A., Leading Into New Communities (LINC), and The Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence (BRC). Presently he is Co Chair of the David Walker Economic, Educational, Health and Cultural Center. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daawud/support

Daawud (Noo Covers) El-Amin is the director of Noo Covers Inc. A Wilmington N.C. based company which specializes in cultural community development. In his thirty-three years of community activism, his activities and affiliations have included; Trans Africa, Forever Freedom Fighters, World Community of Al-Islam in the West, Coalition for a Drug Free World, Elevating Communities to Higher Opportunities (ECHO), Direct Support Professionals, N.O.I., U.N.I.A., Leading Into New Communities (LINC), and The Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence (BRC). Presently he is Co Chair of the David Walker Economic, Educational, Health and Cultural Center. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daawud/support

Daawud (Noo Covers) El-Amin is the director of Noo Covers Inc. A Wilmington N.C. based company which specializes in cultural community development. In his thirty-three years of community activism, his activities and affiliations have included; Trans Africa, Forever Freedom Fighters, World Community of Al-Islam in the West, Coalition for a Drug Free World, Elevating Communities to Higher Opportunities (ECHO), Direct Support Professionals, N.O.I., U.N.I.A., Leading Into New Communities (LINC), and The Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence (BRC). Presently he is Co Chair of the David Walker Economic, Educational, Health and Cultural Center. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daawud/support

Daawud (Noo Covers) El-Amin is the director of Noo Covers Inc. A Wilmington N.C. based company which specializes in cultural community development. In his thirty-three years of community activism, his activities and affiliations have included; Trans Africa, Forever Freedom Fighters, World Community of Al-Islam in the West, Coalition for a Drug Free World, Elevating Communities to Higher Opportunities (ECHO), Direct Support Professionals, N.O.I., U.N.I.A., Leading Into New Communities (LINC), and The Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence (BRC). Presently he is Co Chair of the David Walker Economic, Educational, Health and Cultural Center. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daawud/support

Daawud (Noo Covers) El-Amin is the director of Noo Covers Inc. A Wilmington N.C. based company which specializes in cultural community development. In his thirty-three years of community activism, his activities and affiliations have included; Trans Africa, Forever Freedom Fighters, World Community of Al-Islam in the West, Coalition for a Drug Free World, Elevating Communities to Higher Opportunities (ECHO), Direct Support Professionals, N.O.I., U.N.I.A., Leading Into New Communities (LINC), and The Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence (BRC). Presently he is Co Chair of the David Walker Economic, Educational, Health and Cultural Center. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daawud/support

Daawud (Noo Covers) El-Amin is the director of Noo Covers Inc. A Wilmington N.C. based company which specializes in cultural community development. In his thirty-three years of community activism, his activities and affiliations have included; Trans Africa, Forever Freedom Fighters, World Community of Al-Islam in the West, Coalition for a Drug Free World, Elevating Communities to Higher Opportunities (ECHO), Direct Support Professionals, N.O.I., U.N.I.A., Leading Into New Communities (LINC), and The Blue Ribbon Commission on Youth Violence (BRC). Presently he is Co Chair of the David Walker Economic, Educational, Health and Cultural Center. --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/daawud/support

How must board-management relationships evolve to proactively lead into the future? Find out by listening to Episode 188. Scott and I speak with returning guest Peter R. Gleason, CEO of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) about highlights from their Blue Ribbon Commission report “Fit for the Future.”   Peter is a recognized expertRead More The post Is Your Board Fit for the Future? — with guest Peter Gleason appeared first on Business Advancement.

How must board-management relationships evolve to proactively lead into the future? Find out by listening to Episode 188. Scott and I speak with returning guest Peter R. Gleason, CEO of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) about highlights from their Blue Ribbon Commission report “Fit for the Future.”   Peter is a recognized expertRead More The post Is Your Board Fit for the Future? — with guest Peter Gleason appeared first on Business Advancement.

Virginia's legislature is considering a constitutional amendment that could make felon re-enfranchisement an automatic process. Episode guests are A.E. Dick Howard, a UVA professor and author of Virginia's 1971 Constitution, and Paul Levengood, Executive Director of The Marshall Foundation and former president of the VA Historical Society. They brief the Transition Team on why the Blue Ribbon Commission to update Virginia's 1901 Jim Crow constitution still included felon disenfranchisement and what the General Assembly should do about it now. See www.transitionva.com for more information.

Find out by listening to Episode 188. Scott and I speak with returning guest Peter R. Gleason, CEO of the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD) about highlights from their Blue Ribbon Commission report "Fit for the Future."   Peter is a recognized expert in board leadership and corporate governance issues. He serves as a member of NACD's national faculty, is regularly quoted in the national media, and is a frequent presenter on the subjects of corporate governance, executive and director compensation, risk, strategic planning, and board/shareowner relations. He has served as a commissioner on every NACD Blue Ribbon Commission report issued over the past 16 years, including the most recent releases on Fit for the Future: An Urgent Imperative for Board Leadership and Adaptive Governance: Board Oversight of Disruptive Risks.  (read more about Peter Gleason below) You'll gain insights on: The most impactful challenge for boards and management teams in the age of rapidly interacting "Megatrends" The “Recalibration" of expectations and roles between boards and management Three immediately useful ideas for shaping “Future Fit” Board – Management teams

Gov. Tony Evers today announced his 2021-23 biennial budget proposal will include a more than $43 million investment in Wisconsin's agriculture economy and farm families aimed at expanding market opportunities, supporting new and innovative farming practices, strengthening the agricultural workforce, connecting local producers to foodbanks and pantries, and supporting farmer mental health and wellbeing. “Our agricultural industry is Wisconsin's past and present, and it will be our future,” said Gov. Evers. “Our proud farming history is core to our state's culture and people, and Wisconsin farmers have carried and supported our state economy for generations. Long before the COVID-19 pandemic hit and then throughout this pandemic, our farmers and producers were fighting every day to save their farms and to save their industry while helping us put food on our tables. It’s time to join in this fight for Wisconsin’s farmers and their families and agricultural industries to ensure future economic prosperity our rural communities and our entire state.” Gov. Evers has championed agricultural issues in Wisconsin. This announcement today builds on his investments from the 2019-21 biennial budget and his three-pronged initiative announced in his State of the State Address last year, including calling for a special session of the Legislature, the creation of the Office of Rural Prosperity at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation, and the establishment of the Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity which provided its report to the governor late last year.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Congress OKs 5-year extension of Great Lakes cleanup program Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity releases report New hope for Verso Mill

We learn better when we're together.  That's a fact, and one not lost on the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin.  Next week they'll host to in-person meetings on farms in conjunction with Towns Association members.  Shelly Mayer, PDPW Exec. Director explains. Time for another Century/Sesquicentennial Farm Salute.  Today we go to Coon Valley and talk to the Starch family.  Josh Scramlin listens in on their history. Plus Secretary Missy Hughes, in charge at the Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation talks about their mission with the Blue Ribbon Commission on Rural Prosperity. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

#plugintodevin Show - Devin Thorpe for Congress Guest: Jeff Silvestrini Office Held: Mayor of Millcreek Issue: Growth and redevelopment Bio: I am the best mayor Millcreek, Utah, has ever had—and also its worst! As the first and only mayor of this city of 63,000, settled in 1848 but not incorporated until 2017, I have had the rare opportunity to create a city government from scratch. Millcreek is an “inner-ring” suburb south of and adjacent to Salt Lake City. It is part of a metropolis home to over two million Utahns. Millcreek is namesake of the mountain stream which flows through our town. Our boundary extends from the alluvial fan of Mt. Olympus in the Wasatch Range on the east to the Jordan River bisecting the Valley of the Great Salt Lake on the west. Our residents include wealthy, educated east siders and a substantial immigrant and refugee population who are far less affluent, living predominantly our west side. We have some of the best performing schools in our state. We also have elementary schools in which 27 languages are spoken. In Millcreek’s first years, I led our effort to form a lean, transparent and collaborative city government. I was re-elected by a 75% majority in 2019, to a new four year term. Since incorporation, we have launched comprehensive urban-planning efforts using innovative strategies to engage our entire community in envisioning its future. We are planning new town and neighborhood centers to address a housing shortage and to accommodate a population expected to double state-wide in 40 years. Consistent with the Wasatch Choice 2050 Plan, we are creating nodes of population density, which we hope will support rail or bus transit, reduce traffic congestion and improve air quality. We have incorporated active transportation plans for everyone in our city, embracing “disruptive technologies” like Bird and Lime bikes and scooters. We are encouraging renewable energy: solar, wind and geothermal with incentives to builders and by keeping our new city green from inception. We have launched an ambitious effort called “Millcreek Promise," a data driven, collective-impact program which sponsors and coordinates after-school programs, job skills trainings and public health initiatives designed to improve our residents’ lives and to solve social problems of underachievement, intergenerational poverty, crime and addiction. Our goal is for every child in Millcreek to have the opportunity to attend college or trade school. We are doing this on a balanced budget, without raising taxes and looking for grants like crazy. We have achieved a high degree of “customer satisfaction” with Millcreek residents, which has catalyzed volunteerism and activism toward achieving our common goals of bridging divides, building community and lifting all boats. Particularly given the dysfunction of government at the national level, local government is where differences can still be made by individuals. About: I am at the epicenter of planning and approvals in my city. I also serve on the Central Wasatch Commission, a key to preserving our watershed and natural heritage. We need to properly plan to handle growth and keep Utah the sustainable place we have come to enjoy. I was born in Battle Creek, MI and grew up there and in Tiffin, OH. I attended the University of Michigan from 1972-1976. I moved to Salt Lake City to attend the University of Utah College of Law, graduating in 1979. I applied here on a whim to live in the mountains- never thought I would stay long- but ended up loving Utah, getting a law job and making it a career, marrying a Utah woman, raising two amazing daughters and finally deciding to run for mayor of my then yet-to-be formed new city. Experience: - Mayor of Millcreek, a Utah municipal corporation, Jan. 2017-present; - Board Member, Unified Police Department of Greater Salt Lake, Jan. 2017-present; - Board Member, Unified Fire Service Area, Jan. 2017-present; - Board Member, Unified Fire Authority of Greater Salt Lake, 2017-present; - Member (current Vice Chair), Wasatch Front Regional Council, 2018-present; - Member, Utah Federal Funds Commission 2018-present; - Salt Lake County Council of Governments, 2017-present; - Commissioner, Central Wasatch Commission; - Former chair, Millcreek Township Council; - Vice President, Cohne Kinghorn, P.C. 2015-2017; - President, Cohne, Rappaport & Segal, P.C. 1997-2015; - Member, Mayor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on the Foothills and Canyons Overlay Zone, Salt Lake County, 2012-13; Education: A.B. with distinction, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 1976; J.D. University of Utah S.J. Quinney College of Law, Salt Lake City, UT, 1979; Professional Memberships: Member, Utah State Bar, 1979-present; Member, American Health Lawyers Association; Facebook: jeff4millcreek: https://www.facebook.com/jeff4millcreek/?ref=bookmarks Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeff-silvestrini-56889111/ #plugintodevin #UtahValues #BoldSolutions #UTpol

1) Katie Tubb discusses her journey into the nuclear energy sector, from an intern who admitted to know nothing about where energy comes from to to an advocate for innovative energy and environment policy. 2) Katie Tubb shares her passion for nuclear technology, the issues with the nuclear industry assuaging people’s fears without educating them, and what the Heritage Foundation is doing to educate America on the nuclear industry. 3) Katie Tubb discusses the Blue Ribbon Commission’s report and the fundamental errors in the Nuclear Waste Policy Act and how Finland has used consent-based siting successfully. 4) Katie Tubb shares her optimistic outlook on the future of nuclear waste in the United States.

Josh Marpet and Scott Lyons perform interviews at 2019 NACD Blue Ribbon Commission Initiative. Visit https://www.securityweekly.com/scw for all the latest episodes! Show Notes: https://wiki.securityweekly.com/SCWEpisode3

Today’s guest is Todd Allen, Chair and Professor, Nuclear Engineering and Radiological Sciences at University of Michigan. An offer to skip history class in high school to listen to a Navy ROTC recruiter sent Todd Allen on a serendipitous journey that led to him becoming one of the top U.S. experts in nuclear energy, with focus on the material science of nuclear systems. Todd began his professional career as a submarine officer in the U.S. Navy where he learned the practical applications of operating a nuclear power plant as well as how to take a submarine to periscope depth. Following active duty, he built on that practical Navy experience by earning a Ph.D. in nuclear engineering with specific focus on how radiation changes the physical properties of metals. His first post-Ph.D. position was as a staff scientist at Argonne National Laboratory. While at Argonne, he joined the leadership team tasked with developing the Generation IV Roadmap, the document that framed the resurgence of the nuclear research programs early in the 21st Century. Following Argonne, he joined the faculty at the University of Wisconsin. While there, he split his time between establishing a premier material science program at the university and supporting the Idaho National Laboratory. At INL, he led the transition of the Advanced Test Reactor into a national user facility, creating a unique distributed network of national research facilities working together to support novel research ideas brought by universities and private industry. He also ran a six-institution Energy Frontier Research Center focused on answering fundamental questions about heat transfer in nuclear fuel. From 2013-2016, he helped lead the Idaho National Laboratory as the Deputy Laboratory Director for Science & Technology, including being an important contributor to the development of the Gateway for Accelerated Innovation in Nuclear (GAIN) initiative announced at the White House in November 2015. He is the author of over 200 technical publications, many of which are readable. Todd has degrees in nuclear engineering and management information systems. He is a native of Michigan and tries very hard to find ways to watch baseball. His best summer ever (2016) was 64 different stadiums across the U.S. In today’s episode, we cover: Todd’s history, the history of the nuclear industry, and how those have intersected over his career Some of the opportunities of nuclear energy Some of the misconceptions about it Some of the risks and downsides The impact nuclear can have in the climate fight What else can be impactful in the climate fight Todd’s advice for others looking to find their lane in the climate fight Links to topics discussed in this episode: Enriched Uranium: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enriched_uranium International Atomic Energy Agency: https://www.iaea.org/ Yucca Mountain nuclear waste repository: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yucca_Mountain_nuclear_waste_repository Blue Ribbon Commission: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Ribbon_Commission_on_America%27s_Nuclear_Future Three Mile Island: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Mile_Island_accident Chernobyl: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chernobyl_disaster Jesse Jenkins: http://energy.mit.edu/profile/jesse-jenkins/ You can find me on twitter @jjacobs22 or @mcjpod and email at info@myclimatejourney.co, where I encourage you to share your feedback on episodes and suggestions for future topics or guests. Enjoy the show!

Jay Want, MD, is Executive Director of the Peterson Center on Healthcare. He leads the Center’s expanding portfolio of initiatives and grants to identify high-performance models of healthcare, validate their impact on quality and cost, and facilitate their adoption on a national scale. Dr. Want brings decades of experience in healthcare delivery, improvement science, data transparency and executive leadership. His background as a primary care physician further grounds the Center in its work to enable physicians, partnering with patients and care teams, to transform healthcare delivery from within the system. Formerly Chief Medical Officer and Board Chairman at the Center for Improving Value in Health Care, Dr. Want has significant expertise in creating public-private partnerships that support the transparency necessary for healthcare transformation. He has also consulted for the Network for Regional Healthcare Improvement, the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services, and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. Dr. Want has also served as an Innovation Advisor for the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation and was the President and Chief Executive Officer of a management services organization that is now part of the Medicare Shared Savings ACO Program. He served on the board of the non-profit Rocky Mountain Health Plan and on task forces for the Colorado Division of Insurance, the Colorado Trust, the Colorado Hospital Association, the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Health Care Reform, as a commissioner on the Colorado Commission for Affordable Health Care, and as a fellow of the Colorado Health Foundation. Dr. Want received his internal medicine training at the University of Colorado Health Sciences Center, his medical degree from Northwestern University and his undergraduate degree from Wabash College. Click here to learn more.

This week intern Emma had a chance to speak with Jimmy Lawrence, candidate for Mayor of the City of Nashville. The Nashville Municipal Election will be held August 1. Learn more about the candidates running for office in your community at www.Vote-USA.org! Narration Transcription: Nashville has experienced massive growth. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that in 2018 Davidson County had a population of almost 700,000 people, which was a 10% increase from 2010. This growth has challenged the city’s affordability. The 2018 Nashville Chamber of Commerce Vital Signs Report found that 40% of residents had difficulty covering their monthly expenses, which was 6% higher than the previous year. Rising housing costs is one of the main contributing factors. In just the past 10 years, the median house price has jumped from $159,800 in 2008 to $246,500 in 2018. Housing markets have been unable to keep up with demand, causing prices to skyrocket while median household incomes have not experienced corresponding raises. Tourism has also increased in recent years. In 2018, according to the Nashville Conventions and Visitors Corp, 15.2 million visitors came to Nashville. Tourism is a 6.5 billion-dollar industry which has been partially fueling the growth of the city. To attract tourists, Nashville invested in several large public works projects. One such investment was the Music City Center, which opened in 2013. Taxpayers have been picking up the bill for many of the Center’s expenses, such as police overtime for covering events and infrastructure upkeep for increased tourist traffic. Many would argue that the Center should cover these expenses instead of the city since it is the one generating these costs. In order to assuage its critics, the Convention Center Authority which runs the Music City Center agreed to give $10 million from its surplus funds to the city’s general fund to make up for some of the costs the city has covered in the past. However, some say that the $10 million isn’t enough nor is it a long-term solution. Even though Nashville generates great wealth from its tourism industry, debt still plagues the city leaving tight budgets for all elements of the metro government. The Metropolitan government has $3.6 billion in outstanding debt obligations. Last year, for every $10 spent by the city, $1 went to servicing its debt. The city’s debt problems can be traced back to policies implemented during the Great Recession and to borrowing that continued following its recovery. A Blue-Ribbon Commission was recently designated to address Nashville’s debt. It was tasked with trimming $20 million from the budget, and, in April of this year, the Commission released its first report with an extensive list of recommendations. Mayor Briley proposed an operating budget of $2.3 billion for the next fiscal year. Unanticipated revenue shortfalls limited his budget proposal which leaves public schools severely underfunded. Metro Nashville Public Schools requested a $76.7 million increase in their budget to pay for 10% raises for its teachers and staff, but, in Mayor Briley’s budget, the school system was only awarded a $28.2 million increase. The Nashville School Board has proposed an alternative to raise the remainder of the money where a referendum would be put to Nashvillians to vote on whether to raise their property taxes to make up for the shortfalls of Mayor Briley’s budget. This plan is still being considered. Under Mayor Briley’s budget, property taxes would not be raised. Today, we will be speaking with Jimmy Lawrence, one of the candidates for Mayor of the metro government. He is known not only as a local businessman but also as a musician. He does not have prior political experience. Now, let’s dive in with Mr. Lawrence.

Cambridge City Councillors Alanna Mallon and Sumbul Siddiqui discuss what is current in the city: the results of the Participatory Budget balloting, children's savings accounts, tenant protections and the Blue Ribbon Commission, the police cadet program, the surveillance and cannabis ordinances, and Cambridge Works. Recorded at Cambridge Community Television 12-18-2018

A passion for service fuels Jerry Abramson. Abramson’s career spans decades of serving the public – from local and state levels to the White House. His passion for making a difference now focuses on educating future generations. As the executive in residence at Bellarmine University, Abramson is developing a new institute for local and state government leadership, which will train elected officials from across the nation. In addition, he teaches undergraduate courses in leadership and community development. He served as deputy assistant to the president and director of intergovernmental affairs from November 2014 to January 2017. In this role, he oversaw the Obama administration’s domestic agenda with state, city, county and tribal elected officials across the country. As lieutenant governor of Kentucky, alongside Governor Steve Beshear from 2011 to 2014, he chaired the Governor’s Blue Ribbon Commission on Tax Reform in 2012 and focused his efforts on education and economic development. Prior to entering state government, Abramson held the role of the longest-serving mayor of Louisville, Ky., with 21 years of service from (2003-2011) & (1986-1999), earning the nickname “Mayor for Life.” In 1993, he was president of the United States Conference of Mayors. He also led the successful consolidation of the city of Louisville and Jefferson county governments. Abramson started his public service as an alderman of the city of Louisville for two terms, and thereafter as counsel to the governor of Kentucky, John Y. Brown, Jr. In the private sector, Abamson practiced law with Greenebaum Doll & McDonald, and thereafter with Frost Brown Todd. Abramson served on the board of directors of the Brown-Forman Corporation from 1999 to 2003. Throughout his career, he taught classes at the University of Louisville’s School of Law and Bellarmine University, and was a guest lecturer at a myriad of colleges and universities. Abramson and his wife reside in Louisville, Ky.

During an illustrious four-decade career at NPR and PBS, John Merrow -- winner of the George Polk Award, the Peabody Award, and the McGraw Prize -- reported from every state in the union, as well as from dozens of countries, on everything from the rise of district-wide cheating scandals and the corporate greed driving an ADD epidemic to teacher-training controversies and America’s obsession with standardized testing. Along the way, he taught in a high school, at a historically black college, and at a federal penitentiary.Now, Merrow distills his best thinking on education into a twelve-step approach to fixing a K–12 system that he describes as being “addicted to reform” but unwilling to address the real issue: American public schools are ill-equipped to prepare young people for the challenges of the twenty-first century.This insightful book looks at how to turn digital natives into digital citizens and why it should be harder to become a teacher but easier to be one. Merrow offers smart, essential chapters -- including “Measure What Matters,” and “Embrace Teachers” -- that reflect his countless hours spent covering classrooms as well as corridors of power. His signature candid style of reportage comes to life as he shares lively anecdotes, schoolyard tales, and memories that are at once instructive and endearing.John Merrow recently retired as education correspondent for the PBS NewsHour. He founded and until 2015 was the president of Learning Matters, a nonprofit media company. In 2012 Merrow became the first journalist to win the prestigious McGraw Prize in Education. He lives with his wife in New York City and his books include Choosing Excellence, Declining by Degrees, and The Influence of Teachers.The evening is introduced by Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields, a social entrepreneur, author, “Ubuntu” teacher, inspirational speaker, and educator who loves to create and build with purpose. As the Co-Founder and Senior Director of Education and Innovation at the Cambio Group, and former professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education, Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields has dedicated his life to inspiring adults and youth alike to pursue a higher purpose, achieve sustainable value for long-term success, and cope with adversity in order to create opportunities in their personal, professional and spiritual lives. As the Special Advisor to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational Equity, recipient of the 2015 Social Innovator Award, and 2016-2017 Open Society Institute Fellowship, Dr. Shields has been studying, writing about, and implementing change in schools and non-profit organizations for years.Writers LIVE programs are supported in part by a bequest from The Miss Howard Hubbard Adult Programming Fund. Recorded On: Tuesday, December 5, 2017

During an illustrious four-decade career at NPR and PBS, John Merrow -- winner of the George Polk Award, the Peabody Award, and the McGraw Prize -- reported from every state in the union, as well as from dozens of countries, on everything from the rise of district-wide cheating scandals and the corporate greed driving an ADD epidemic to teacher-training controversies and America’s obsession with standardized testing. Along the way, he taught in a high school, at a historically black college, and at a federal penitentiary.Now, Merrow distills his best thinking on education into a twelve-step approach to fixing a K–12 system that he describes as being “addicted to reform” but unwilling to address the real issue: American public schools are ill-equipped to prepare young people for the challenges of the twenty-first century.This insightful book looks at how to turn digital natives into digital citizens and why it should be harder to become a teacher but easier to be one. Merrow offers smart, essential chapters -- including “Measure What Matters,” and “Embrace Teachers” -- that reflect his countless hours spent covering classrooms as well as corridors of power. His signature candid style of reportage comes to life as he shares lively anecdotes, schoolyard tales, and memories that are at once instructive and endearing.John Merrow recently retired as education correspondent for the PBS NewsHour. He founded and until 2015 was the president of Learning Matters, a nonprofit media company. In 2012 Merrow became the first journalist to win the prestigious McGraw Prize in Education. He lives with his wife in New York City and his books include Choosing Excellence, Declining by Degrees, and The Influence of Teachers.The evening is introduced by Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields, a social entrepreneur, author, “Ubuntu” teacher, inspirational speaker, and educator who loves to create and build with purpose. As the Co-Founder and Senior Director of Education and Innovation at the Cambio Group, and former professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education, Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields has dedicated his life to inspiring adults and youth alike to pursue a higher purpose, achieve sustainable value for long-term success, and cope with adversity in order to create opportunities in their personal, professional and spiritual lives. As the Special Advisor to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational Equity, recipient of the 2015 Social Innovator Award, and 2016-2017 Open Society Institute Fellowship, Dr. Shields has been studying, writing about, and implementing change in schools and non-profit organizations for years.Writers LIVE programs are supported in part by a bequest from The Miss Howard Hubbard Adult Programming Fund. 

What I Learned in the Midst of KAOS is, in part, a coming-of-age story about how Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields responded to the chaos in his life, first as a young man and student growing up on the South Side of Chicago, then as a college student and community leader, and finally as a man who became an Ubuntu teacher. The stories juxtapose his years as a high-risk male, growing up in gang territory, expelled from school, with his years as a Teach for America corps member and classroom teacher.The book, co-authored by Dr. Marina V. Giilmore, reveals specific strategies that Dr. Shields and his team have been using to motivate, uplift, and empower boys of color for decades. These include how to tap in to their natural competitiveness and peer-sensitivity, how to structure rituals that mimic their instinctual need for hierarchy and brotherhood, and how to empower educators to find points of connection and relevancy.Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields is a social entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, and educator who loves to create and build with purpose. As the Co-Founder and Senior Director of Education and Innovation at the Cambio Group, and former professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education, Dr. Shields has dedicated his life to inspiring adults and youth alike to pursue a higher purpose. As the Special Advisor to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational Equity, recipient of the 2015 Social Innovator Award, and 2016 Open Society Institute Fellow, Dr. Shields has been studying, writing about, and implementing change in schools and non-profit organizations for years.Writers LIVE programs are supported in part by The Miss Howard Hubbard Adult Programming Fund.Recorded On: Tuesday, April 4, 2017

What I Learned in the Midst of KAOS is, in part, a coming-of-age story about how Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields responded to the chaos in his life, first as a young man and student growing up on the South Side of Chicago, then as a college student and community leader, and finally as a man who became an Ubuntu teacher. The stories juxtapose his years as a high-risk male, growing up in gang territory, expelled from school, with his years as a Teach for America corps member and classroom teacher.The book, co-authored by Dr. Marina V. Giilmore, reveals specific strategies that Dr. Shields and his team have been using to motivate, uplift, and empower boys of color for decades. These include how to tap in to their natural competitiveness and peer-sensitivity, how to structure rituals that mimic their instinctual need for hierarchy and brotherhood, and how to empower educators to find points of connection and relevancy.Dr. LaMarr Darnell Shields is a social entrepreneur, inspirational speaker, and educator who loves to create and build with purpose. As the Co-Founder and Senior Director of Education and Innovation at the Cambio Group, and former professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Education, Dr. Shields has dedicated his life to inspiring adults and youth alike to pursue a higher purpose. As the Special Advisor to the Blue Ribbon Commission on Educational Equity, recipient of the 2015 Social Innovator Award, and 2016 Open Society Institute Fellow, Dr. Shields has been studying, writing about, and implementing change in schools and non-profit organizations for years.Writers LIVE programs are supported in part by The Miss Howard Hubbard Adult Programming Fund.

Writer and host Dan Kennedy joins Jordan and Jesse for a discussion of what happened when Dan's AirBnB hosts asked him to dinner, the increased deployment of the clapping emoji between words online, and how great Laurence Fishburne is in John Wick 2. Plus, Jesse announces the Blue Ribbon Commission who will be judging the finalists of the $1000 #JJGoBigHat Scholarship for Lifelong Learning.

Three years after Fukushima is nuclear power dead in the water? Or is it poised for revival due to the world’s desperate need for carbon-free energy? Every day the Fukushima reactors dump 70,000 gallons of radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean, and there is no end in sight. In the United States, the industry faces more systemic challenges - abundant and cheap natural gases are making new nukes uneconomic, despite the efforts of the Obama administration to jumpstart a nuclear renaissance. Per Peterson, a professor of Nuclear Engineering at UC Berkeley and a former member of the Blue Ribbon Commission on America’s Nuclear Future, says the Fukushima disaster has had a significant impact on how engineers design the nuclear power plants of the future, and their safety systems. He says it has led to the development of what is called “passive safety” – the ability for the plant to shut down without needing external sources of electrical power. Two new plants are currently being constructed in South Carolina and Georgia, but at a staggering cost - $10+ billion per project. Peterson says that cost is due in part to major improvements over previous designs. “One of them is the passive safety…but the other is the use of modular construction technology which now does the majority of the fabrication of the buildings and the equipment modules and factories.” Peterson says. “And the implementation of modular construction does have the potential to give you much better control over schedule and cost. This said, it's still a puzzle why the construction prices are as high as they are…there must be some way to bring these numbers closer together.” Dozens of old plants are receiving a new lease on life from regulators who have approved letting them run another decade or two. But what happens when plants are run beyond their expected lifetimes? “We've had nuclear power plants in the United States get into trouble in far shorter than their lifetimes.” says Dave Lochbaum, Director of the Nuclear Safety Project at the Union of Concerned Scientists. “We've also had some nuclear power plants running longer than 40 years. So it's not what the calendar says; it's how well you maintain the plant and ensure that safety measures are maintained, whether it's one year or 41 years.” Jon Koomey, a research fellow at the Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance at Stanford, and author of the book "Cold Cash, Cool Climate" says it’s important to recognize that all energy technologies have risks. “We need to figure out a way to innovate not just in technology but also in our institutional structures, in our incentives, in the ways that we encourage people to report problems,” Koomey says. “And if we don't do institutional innovation as well as technological innovation, then we're not going to be able to count on many of these technologies that we would like to count on to reduce climate risks.” Dave Lochbaum, Director, Nuclear Safety Project, Union of Concerned Scientists Jon Koomey, Research Fellow, Steyer-Taylor Center for Energy Policy and Finance, Stanford University Per Peterson, Member, Blue Ribbon Commission on America's Nuclear Future; Professor of Nuclear Engineering, UC Berkeley This program was recorded in front of a live audience at the Commonwealth Club of California on April 3, 2014.

John Kotek, Partner with Gallatin Public Affairs

Erwin Chemerinsky is the founding dean and distinguished professor of law at the University of California, Irvine School of Law, with a joint appointment in Political Science. Previously, he taught at Duke Law School for four years, during which he won the Duke University Scholar-Teacher of the Year Award in 2006. Before that he taught for 21 years at the University of Southern California School of Law, and served for four years as director of the Center for Communications Law and Policy. Chemerinsky has also taught at UCLA School of Law and DePaul University College of Law. His areas of expertise are constitutional law, federal practice, civil rights and civil liberties, and appellate litigation. He is the author of seven books, most recently, The Conservative Assault on the Constitution (October 2010, Simon & Schuster), and nearly 200 articles in top law reviews. He frequently argues cases before the nation's highest courts, and also serves as a commentator on legal issues for national and local media. He is the author of seven books. His newest, The Conservative Assault on the Constitution, has been released just in time for the start of the U.S. Supreme Court's new term. Dean and Distinguished Professor of Law, University of California, Irvine, School of Law. Prior to assuming this position in July 2008, was the Alston & Bird Professor of Law and Political Science, Duke University. Joined the Duke faculty in July 2004 after 21 years at the University of Southern California Law School, where he was the Sydney M. Irmas Professor of Public Interest Law, Legal Ethics, and Political Science. Before that he was a professor at DePaul College of Law from 1980-83. Practiced law as a trial attorney, United States Department of Justice, and at Dobrovir, Oakes & Gebhardt in Washington, D.C. Received a B.S. from Northwestern University and a J.D. from Harvard Law School. He has authored 7 books, and over 100 law review articles that have appeared in journals such as the Harvard Law Review, Michigan Law Review, University of Pennsylvania Law Review, Stanford Law Review and Yale Law Journal. Writes a regular column on the Supreme Court for California Lawyer, Los Angeles Daily Journal, and Trial Magazine, and is a frequent contributor to newspapers and other magazines. Regularly serves as a commentator on legal issues for national and local media. In April 2005, was named by Legal Affairs as one of the top 20 legal thinkers in America. Named by the Daily Journal in 2008 and 2009 (and many prior years) as one of the 100 most influential lawyers in California. In 2006, received the Duke University Scholar-Teacher of the Year Award. Has received many awards from educational, public interest, and civic organizations. Frequently argues appellate cases, including in the United States Supreme Court and the United States Courts of Appeals. Testified many times before congressional and state legislative committees. Elected by the voters in April 1997 to serve a two year term as a member of the Elected Los Angeles Charter Reform Commission. Served as Chair of the Commission which proposed a new Charter for the City which was adopted by the voters in June 1999. Also served as a member of the Governor's Task Force on Diversity in 1999-2000. In September 2000, released a report on the Los Angeles Police Department and the Rampart Scandal, which was prepared at the request of the Los Angeles Police Protective League. Served as Chair of the Mayor's Blue Ribbon Commission on City Contracting, which issued its report in February 2005.

While an increasing number of families face foreclosure, Santa Clara County's Blue Ribbon Commission to End Homelessness is doing all it can to provide coordinated services to get people into transitional and permanent housing. Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage describes how they've made significant progress is getting access to free transportation for homeless community members, lowering the turnaround time for getting food stamps, and providing job counseling and assistance. Visit destinationhome.ning.com to learn more.

While an increasing number of families face foreclosure, Santa Clara County's Blue Ribbon Commission to End Homelessness is doing all it can to provide coordinated services to get people into transitional and permanent housing. Santa Clara County Supervisor Don Gage describes how they've made significant progress is getting access to free transportation for homeless community members, lowering the turnaround time for getting food stamps, and providing job counseling and assistance. Visit destinationhome.ning.com to learn more.