Podcasts about technology act

Bongani Bingwa speaks to Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of The Association of Communications and Technology ACT about concerns over ICASA’s proposed satellite services licensing framework, highlighting the need to address existing issues, including outdated regulations in the Electronic Communications Act, before implementing the new framework. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2024 wasn't just a defining year for cryptocurrency it was a personal milestone for me. As someone invested in Bitcoin and smaller players like XRP, I witnessed the market's recovery from brutal downturns to moments that felt nothing short of transformative. The buzz on platforms like Twitter and Reddit was electric, with communities rallying around projects like XRP and dissecting every twist in the market. It was the kind of collective energy that's impossible to fake, a reminder of the late 1990s when the internet turned skeptics into believers and industries into ecosystems. Cryptocurrency is no longer a niche curiosity it's center stage, with institutional backing, political recognition, and cultural relevance. In this article, I reflect on 2024's pivotal moments and explore the trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping the road ahead in 2025. Reflecting on 2024: A Milestone Year The year 2024 will forever be remembered as a pivotal chapter in the evolution of cryptocurrency. From Bitcoin's meteoric rise past $100,000 to groundbreaking regulatory shifts and the mainstream adoption of digital assets, the industry witnessed a transformation that reshaped its landscape. It was a year of resilience, innovation, and unprecedented integration into global financial and political systems, setting the stage for an even more dynamic 2025. Mainstream Adoption Through ETFs One of the defining moments of 2024 was the U.S. SEC's approval of 11 spot Bitcoin ETFs, signaling a new era of investor accessibility. By December, these ETFs held over 1.13 million BTC, reflecting significant capital inflows. Similarly, Ethereum ETFs attracted $14.28 billion, accounting for nearly 3% of Ethereum's market capitalization. Analysts predict this trend will deepen, with ETFs possibly capturing 10-20% of the market capitalization of these leading cryptocurrencies in the coming years. Bitcoin Breaks $100,000 Barrier Bitcoin shattered the elusive $100,000 milestone in November, fueled by optimism surrounding political initiatives, such as President-elect Donald Trump's proposed Bitcoin reserve. Though later corrected to $95,000, the surge underscored Bitcoin's resilience as a store of value and a hedge against inflation. The Rise of Memecoins Memecoins made an unexpected splash, with tokens like Fartcoin and the Trump-inspired Patriot token driving market excitement. The average return rate of meme coins soared to 201%, far surpassing the market average of 128%. The underlying infrastructure for this boom was Solana, a blockchain platform that hosted 89% of new meme coin projects, emphasizing its cost-effective and high-performance advantages. Political and Legislative Progress Cryptocurrency entered the political arena with record donations of $238 million during the U.S. elections, reflecting its growing influence. Meanwhile, the bipartisan "Financial Innovation and Technology Act of the 21st Century" (FIT21) laid a regulatory foundation by clarifying the distinction between securities and commodities, reducing uncertainty for industry stakeholders. State-Level Initiatives States like Ohio, Texas, and Pennsylvania made strides toward incorporating Bitcoin into their fiscal strategies. The proposed Bitcoin reserves were touted as inflation hedges, signaling a broader acceptance of cryptocurrency in government finance. Key Lessons from 2024 The events of 2024 offered invaluable insights into the cryptocurrency landscape, highlighting both opportunities and challenges. The year underscored the importance of resilience, innovation, and strategic foresight, from navigating volatile market cycles to adapting to regulatory frameworks and technological advancements. These lessons guide investors, businesses, and policymakers as they prepare for the road ahead. Volatility Is Here to Stay Bitcoin's price fluctuations throughout 2024 reaffirmed that volatility remains an intrinsic feature of the crypto market. The cryptocurrency landscape witnessed unpredi...

On this episode of Agency Nation Radio, we explore technology and its real-world impact on independent agencies. Join host Bobbie Collies, chief insurance officer at Coterie Insurance, as she unpacks how technology is not just about tools and software—it's about people. Collies is joined by two industry leaders: Chris Cline, executive director of the Big “I” Agents Council for Technology (ACT), and Todd Jackson, Big “I” Chairman and owner and partner at McGowan Insurance Group. Together, they discuss the challenges, opportunities and future of technology in the independent agency system. Cline discusses the evolution of ACT, including an overview of the “Letter to the Industry,” which highlights the pillars critical to technology success: data, connectivity, AI and people. As an agency owner, Jackson brings perspective to listeners who may want to see their agency use more technology, but aren't sure the best path for leadership buy-in. “Understand that you may be working in an agency that's owned by someone like me, and you may find resistance, you may find challenges and this may frustrate you at times,” says Jackson, “And this hopefully will be a perspective for you to see how to talk to these folks, who are intimidated and don't understand what's available to them and give them avenues and insights on ways to embrace that.” Whether you're a tech-savvy agent or just starting to explore what technology can do for your agency, this episode is packed with valuable insights to help you thrive in today's digital landscape. Agency Nation Radio is where insurance professionals turn on the mic and share unscripted stories about leadership, technology, marketing, success, and failure—stories that helped make them the professionals they are today. From Main Street USA to the pages of Independent Agent magazine—we've got the stories you want to hear. For more, catch Agency Nation Radio on your favorite streaming platform or visit iamagazine.com/podcasts.

14th Nov: Blockchain DXB Podcast

Noluthando Mthonti-Mlambo speaks to Nomvuyiso Batyi, CEO of the Association of Comms and Technology (ACT). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this month's episode of the NETAGo podcast, host Heather Callihan talks with Lisa Bohaty, Kyleigh Lewis, and Jenna Reeh about a Course in a Box resource in an effort to support the new Computer Science and Technology Act in Nebraska.

Dr Michael Craven (Principal Research Fellow at the University of Nottingham) sits down with host Martin Foster to discuss his research into rehabilitation technology, diving into the use of exoskeletons in musculoskeletal rehabilitation, as well as sharing future development plans for the NRC. Timestamps: 00:00 – 01:58 Introduction & career background information on our guest 01:59 – 09:46 Access to Communication and Technology (ACT) 09:47 – 18:16 Musculoskeletal rehabilitation technology 18:17 – 27:18 The use of exoskeletons in rehabilitation 27:19 – 33:54 Future NRC development and research 33:55 – 37:40 Episode recap and conclusion 

#038 — Ron Berg, retiring director of the Agents Council for Technology (ACT) joins us to discuss how technology impacts customer satisfaction, the critical role of cyber security in agencies, and how insurtechs are helping agents serve their customers better. Listen in as we talk with Ron about:How the customer experience has changed and how it impacts workflowsWhat technology touchpoints agents need to implement to build customer loyaltyHow to get access to the ACT resources for freeThe critical role cyber security plays in your technology strategy and the cyber guide developed by ACTThe emerging technologies that impact agents and their clientsWhere tech is working and where improvement is neededWe also talk about how agencies have adapted with the challenges of the last two years. For full show notes and previous podcast episodes go to:www. Insuranceagencytrendsetters.com/038And be sure to click “subscribe” so you don't miss any upcoming episodes, including unannounced bonus episodes. Links:Find out more about ACT: IndependentAgent.com/ACTEmail ACT: ACT@IIABA.net

Nick Haylund, director of analytics at phData, joins Michael Jelen on the podcast. They discuss how software acts as a force multiplier to extend the impact across professional organizations and the tools that democratize machine learning.

Cannabis stock prices and valuation multiples have been trending downwards since peaking in mid-February 2021 with multiples fluctuating around 15x. They spiked upward in February 2021 on renewed hopes of federal legalization and have drifted lower ever since, despite improving profitability and cash generation, proven access to both debt and equity capital markets, strong cash positions, scaled operations, and the near-certainty of legalization, albeit with an uncertain timetable. The market is likely to get an upward boost from news that the Safe Act will be attached to the America COMPETES (Creating Opportunities to Meaningfully Promote Excellence in Technology) Act of 2022, a domestic spending bill. We doubt that the bill will get any further now than before, but it is likely to give the market a temporary boost. Viridian Capital Advisors projects Federal legalization in 2025 followed by a spike upward in growth. With legalization, they project two years of increased growth followed by slowing growth for the following years as cannabis normalizes into a regular consumer staple.   The macro headwinds are considerable, but multiples are in excellent value territory. Legalization or banking reform is likely to bring new investors into the cannabis market with positive effects. Episode 884 The #TalkingHedge looks at Viridian Capital Advisors' report…https://youtu.be/HTc_ONWz9Xk#CannabisIndustry #CannabisData #MarijuanaData #CannabisAnalytics #MarijuanaAnalytics #CannabisSalesData #MarijuanaSalesData

Episode 1512: Our article of the day is The Unlocking Technology Act of 2013.

February 8, 2021: Mari Savickis, Vice President, Public Policy at CHIME joins Bill for the news today to discuss the HIPAA security rule, information blocking, vaccination, cybersecurity and more. What is the talk on the Hill about vaccination? How are we doing so far with logistics? Will we hit Biden’s promise of 100 million vaccinations in the first 100 days? The single biggest use case ever for patient identification is a pandemic. Why are some health systems able to set up efficient processes with their EMR while others struggle? Cybersecurity. It's a journey. Not a destination. There’s lots of problems along the road. And the health sector has been behind the eight ball. There's never going to be a time where you're completely inoculated from a cyber threat but the industry has been working damn hard these past few years trying to catch up.Key Points:The H.R. 7898 bill recognizes cybersecurity practices established under the National Institute of Standards and Technology Act [00:17:40] Cybersecurity is one of those things that is so challenging. You need a lot of funds to stay up to date and ahead of it. [00:18:28] If you could picture cybersecurity like a door, are four double bolts enough or is it five? [00:24:18] Tiberius is the Department of Health and Human Services’ vaccine allocation planning system. VTrckS is the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s vaccine ordering portal. [00:29:40] Information Blocking Resource CenterPatient ID NowTrends in EMR Interoperability - CHIME / Klas Research Stories:Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals Vacates MD Anderson HIPAA Penalty - National Law ReviewPandemic Technology Project This is how America gets its vaccines - MIT Technology ReviewChina's push to control Americans' health care future - CBS 60 Minutes

Gov. Ron DeSantis’ self-described top priority for the upcoming legislative session is free speech on social media.

Blockchain Innovation Act Approved (Consumer Safety Technology Act) --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/crypto-nation/message Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/crypto-nation/support

The Internet in India is governed by the IT Act. But the powers this law gives the state need to be balanced with due process and adequate safeguards. Rohan Seth and Prateek Waghre are joined by Gopal Jain, a Supreme Court advocate and advisor to the Esya Centre to talk about reforming the IT Act in an increasingly networked society.Gopal's op-ed:https://www.financialexpress.com/opinion/internet-has-its-own-basic-structure-that-must-be-kept-intact/2074289/Esya Centre:https://www.esyacentre.org/https://twitter.com/esyacentreYou can follow Prateek on Twitter: @prateekwaghre(https://twitter.com/prateekwaghre)You can follow Rohan on Twitter: @thesethist(https://twitter.com/thesethist)You can listen to this show and other awesome shows on the IVM Podcasts app on Android: https://ivm.today/android or iOS: https://ivm.today/ios, or any other podcast app.

The Internet in India is governed by the IT Act. But the powers this law gives the state need to be balanced with due process and adequate safeguards. Rohan Seth and Prateek Waghre are joined by Gopal Jain, a Supreme Court advocate and advisor to the Esya Centre to talk about reforming the IT Act in an increasingly networked society. This episode was produced in association with the Takshashila Institution. It was first broadcast on the Indus Vox Media (IVM) Podcast Network. Read Gopal Jain's op-ed titled, Internet has its own basic structure that must be kept intact. Follow Esya Centre on Twitter: @esyacentre Follow Prateek on Twitter: @prateekwaghre Follow Rohan on Twitter: @thesethist

This week on the Vertafore Insurance Podcast, we have our first repeat guest, Ron Berg, Executive Director of the Agents Council for Technology (ACT). Ron has over a decade of experience working remotely, and he is sharing his knowledge with ACT members and the VIP audience to help navigate this time of change and uncertainty.Rick and Ron leave you with these things that you can do to be successful right now:Contingency planningRemote working best practicesRegulations to be aware ofTaking cyber security into account

One of the drums we regularly beat on this podcast is about becoming better and using the resources and tools available in the industry to help with that goal. One such resource is Agents Council for Technology, which is FREE. So, why aren't agents using it more? We talk with ACT Executive Director Ron Berg about that. Plus, it's time to stop talking about improving the customer experience and start actually doing it. Agents Council for Technology (ACT) (https://www.independentagent.com/ACT) Bold Prediction on Customer Experience (https://www.insurancethoughtleadership.com/bold-prediction-on-customer-experience-2/) ACT Customer Experience Planning Website (https://www.independentagent.com/act/pages/marketing/experience/default.aspx) ACT 4/22 Meeting Schedule of Events (https://www.independentagent.com/Events/Pages/AgentsCouncilForTechnology/Schedule%20of%20Events.aspx) ACT 4/22 Meeting Registration (https://www.independentagent.com/Events/Pages/AgentsCouncilForTechnology/Hotel%20and%20Travel.aspx) Special Guest: Ron Berg.

Part 2, in our 3-part Silent Sam series. In this episode, we share the story of James Cates. James was born and raised in Chapel Hill. In 1970, when he was just 22-years-old, he was murderd on UNC campus. Journalist Mike Ogle has spent years researching the life and death of James Cates. We'll share his work and hear from community members who knew Cates, including those with him when he died. Season one of Re/Collecting Chapel Hill was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

What was the meaning of the American Civil War? And why are we still arguing over this some 150 years later? In this, the first of our 3-part series on Silent Sam, we explore the purpose of confederate monuments and their impact on the African American community in Chapel Hill. From the work of United Daughters of the Confederacy in the early 1900s to spread their version of history throughout the south, to the first stirrings of the Black Power Movement at the end of the 1960s, we will hear how the white south's lost cause mythology affected the lives of black people, and how young Chapel Hillians began to push back on that narrative. We introduce one of our associate producers in this episode, Klaus Mayr. Klaus spent countless hours researching histories, collecting audio, and assisting in editing all three parts of our Silent Sam series. This episode was written and produced by Klaus Mayr, Molly Luby, and Danita Mason-Hogans. Editing by Klaus and Molly. Mixing by Ryan Chamberlain. With thanks to Aaron Keane for audio recording, technical assitance, and production coaching. Season one of Re/Collecting Chapel Hill was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Public memorials are embedded in our landscape. In this episode we learn the history behind two public memorial benches that bookend the Bolin Creek Trail in Chapel Hill. Learn how two men devoted their lives to making our public spaces more open and accessbile for all of us...and how one man tried to stop such work from ever happening. This episode was produced and edited by Molly Luby, with help from Mandella Younge, Omar Roque, David Felton, and Susan Brown. Audio mixing by Ryan Chamberlain.  Season one of Re/Collecting Chapel Hill was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

We explore the ways that cemeteries act as memorials and markers. How do Chapel Hill’s cemeteries help us remember the people who came before us? How have they obscured the past? Join us and our special tour guide, local historian Ernest Dollar, as we walk through four Chapel Hill burial sites. In this episode, you also meet associate producer, Mandella Younge. Mandella works behind the scenes on Re/Collecting Chapel Hill. In this episode, she joins Danita on the mic. Podcast production team: Mandella Younge, Sam Bermas-Dawes, Klaus Mayr, and Ryan Chamberlain. With thanks to Aaron Keane for audio recording, technical assistance and production coaching. Season one of Re/Collecting Chapel Hill was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Join Chapel Hill Public Library staff and community members as we uncover the untold histories of Chapel Hill, from the inside out and bottom up. In our first season, we are exploring the histories behind the monuments and markers of Chapel Hill. In June, 2019 we honored the lives of two Chapel Hillians whose names were added to the Peace and Justice Plaza marker in downtown Chapel Hill. Mama Dip. Mildred Council was a culinary and community matriarch known for her traditional Southern cooking and her community service. She served on the Orange County Prison Board and was known for hiring and helping prisoners once they were released. Council co-founded the Community Dinner, an annual event that highlights diversity in the community and asks attendees to “sit down with a stranger and leave with a friend.” Harold Foster. As a high school student, Harold Foster led the Chapel Hill Nine, a group of students who sparked the Civil Rights Movement in Chapel Hill. On February 28, 1960, Foster and the other students entered the Colonial Drug Store, sat down at the counter, and asked for the same service afforded to white customers. It is believed to be one of the first such sit-ins organized by high school students. Foster and the rest of the Nine were later arrested for this action, which ignited the movement locally. Awesome podcast production team: Mandella Younge, Sam Bermas-Dawes, Klaus Mayr, and Ryan Chamberlain. With thanks to Aaron Keane for audio recording, technical assistance and production coaching. Season one of Re/Collecting Chapel Hill was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Join Chapel Hill Public Library staff and community members as we uncover the untold histories of Chapel Hill, from the inside out and bottom up. In our first season, we are exploring the histories behind the monuments and markers of Chapel Hill. Our first stop: Peace and Justice Plaza. (https://www.townofchapelhill.org/residents/about-chapel-hill/history/peace-and-justice-plaza) "The Peace and Justice Plaza honors the energy and spirit of the thousands who have stood in the shadow of the Courthouse and exercised their rights to assembly and speech and have spoken out on issues as diverse as the Vietnam War, environmental justice, women’s rights, gay rights, the death penalty, and racial justice." Learn how this one spot in Chapel Hill became the place for people to practice free speech and their right to assemble. Awesome podcast production team: Mandella Younge, Sam Bermas-Dawes, Klaus Mayr, and Ryan Chamberlain. With thanks to Aaron Keane for technical assistance and production coaching. Season one of Re/Collecting Chapel Hill was supported by grant funds from the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the federal Library Services and Technology Act as administered by the State Library of North Carolina, a division of the Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.

Hispanic student enrollment in higher education has doubled in the last decade. Where are these students going, what do they need, how do Hispanic-serving Institution (HSIs) fit into the equation, and how is the current political climate affecting them? In this episode, John Aguilar, executive director of legislative affairs at the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU), discusses Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) students, Dreamers, and how HSIs are leading the way in meeting students where they are while navigating unique funding challenges. ***Interview Recorded June 20, 2019 EPISODE NOTES Here are some of the links and references from this week's show: Hispanic Association of Colleges & Universities (HACU) Government Investment in Public Hispanic-Serving Institutions Protect Dreamers Higher Education Coalition From the introduction: Letter to House Leaders in Support of the FY 2020 Minibus Appropriations Bill H.R.3038 - Securing American Science and Technology Act of 2019 H.R.6 - American Dream and Promise Act of 2019 ABOUT THE SHOW Each episode of dotEDU presents a deep dive into a major issue impacting college campuses and students across the country. Hosts from ACE are joined by guest experts to lead you through thought-provoking conversations on topics such as campus free speech, diversity in admissions, college costs and affordability, and more. Listen to all episodes of the podcast here. Tweet suggestions, links, and questions to @ACEducation or email podcast@acenet.edu. HOSTS Jon Fansmith represents ACE and its members on issues related to the federal budget and appropriations process, with a particular focus on student aid. Sarah Spreitzer represents ACE and its members on matters related to research policy and funding, federal policy, international students, immigration, and legislative issues. Podcast produced by the American Council on Education.

This week on the Vertafore Insurance Podcast (VIP), Rick and Ron Berg, Executive Director of the Agent’s Council for Technology (ACT), break down the customer experience and its technology touchpoints. Ron’s passion for the industry and for ACT is apparent as he shares the resources an agent can use to improve the customer journey.

Dirk has always been a builder and tinkerer. He started working for a clutch company called Kennedy Engineered Products that built engine adapters and clutches for VW’s. He was working as a clutch assembler and was in college for a Mechanical Engineering degree. He worked his way up the ranks at KEP. In 1994, Dirk was working on a project for the Japanese import vehicles and asked his boss if he could take the idea and run with it. In 1996, he started Advanced Clutch Technology (ACT) and started branding the pressure plates himself. He has steadily grown the business over the past couple decades and sees no end in sight. He currently rents a 22,000 manufacturing facility and has 40 employees. They have been a strong proponent of having a strict pricing policy. This was a tough decision in the beginning, but it has turned out to be the right choice. It has allowed shops and sellers to make a good margin on the parts and keep the industry going.

Inspired by the Pocket and Summary Guides recently published by ACT,the Mass Agent Now Podcast talks to two of the individuals who helped create these agent resources. Welcome Ron Berg, Executive Director of the Agents Council on Technology (ACT) at IIABA and Steve Aronson, local Mass Independent Agent, President & CEO of Aronson Insurance in Needham, who serves as the Security Issues Chair on ACT.    Steve and Ron were kind enough to answer the following questions in short time we had together.   1. We know it’s a threat to big box retailers and national banks...but is cyber security a real threat to independent insurance agencies - most of which are very small businesses? What are "hackers" looking for and are they finding it in small businesses?    2. Can you tell me briefly what ACT is and what the these resource guides have been designed for?   4. If you feel like your agency is in compliance with existing regulations like the MA laws, HIPPA, and Gramm-Leach-Bliley...is that enough?   5. For those that haven’t given this much thought yet….Where should agents start when getting their data security house in order? (general education, strong passwords, internet policing, virus protection software, eliminating personal devices?)   Steve and Ron both share the most helpful resource they think that is listed in the guides.   Resources Discussed in this episode:   ACT: Agents Council for Technology ACT's Planning & Security Section Pocket Guide Summary Guide Mintz-Levin - State Data Security Breach Notification Laws   ID Federation / Signon Once (Password Protection)

On this podcast Jason Cass speaks with Ron Berg, the new Executive Director of the Agents Council for Technology (ACT), who has recently taken over for the great Jeff Yates. Ron Berg talks about technology for the office and technology out of the office, technology for workflows and technology for sales as well as business intelligence! Get familiar with how ACT is making your life easier and helping you generate income using the tools of today.

Nitin Sawhney, Ph.D. is a Research Fellow and Lecturer with the Program in Art, Culture and Technology (ACT) in the School of Architecture and Planning at MIT. His ongoing research, teaching and creative practice engages the critical role of arts interventions in contested spaces and participatory media with marginalized youth. Nitin completed his doctoral work at the MIT Media Lab where he conducted research on open design collaboration and DIY cultures in the context of sustainable development, as well as wearable and responsive community media interfaces in transitional spaces. In 2008-2009 he served as a Visionary Fellow with the Jerusalem 2050 project, sponsored by the Dept. of Urban Studies and Planning and the Center for International Studies at MIT, conducting research on urban renewal and civic engagement through the media arts in divided cities such as Belfast and Jerusalem. Nitin co-founded the “Department of Play”, a research collaborative at the MIT Center for Future Civic Media, focused on designing participatory technologies and pedagogical approaches to facilitate civic empowerment among marginalized children and youth. Over the past few years he has been conducting a digital storytelling and youth media program in the West Bank and Gaza, while developing a longitudinal research study on the role of participatory media for resilience and civic agency among youth in conditions of conflict and crisis. Nitin is currently working on a feature-length documentary film, Flying Paper, about the culture of kite making and flying in the Gaza Strip.

Volunteers with the library’s Visiting Voices program recognize that the joy of reading never diminishes with age. Armed with a stimulating variety of reading material from poems to novels, volunteers read to a group of elders at Portland area assisted care facilities. Reading sessions are weekly and typically range from 30-45 minutes. Hear a short passage from a reading session conducted by June Fleming, a 15-year veteran volunteer. Gift People is a program of  recorded conversations with civically engaged older adults, sponsored by Library Outreach Services, Life by Design NW and the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by Oregon State Library.

“I like to live my life purposefully,” says June Fleming, who at 74 is a poster child for healthy and engaged living and who nonchalantly describes her rigorous snowcamping and hiking trips. For 15 years she has been reading weekly to residents at two local care facilities, as a volunteer for the library’s Visiting Voices program. She has always loved libraries, calling them “the great equalizers” and she has a gift for reading aloud, noting that her husband and children always loved to hear her read. June has spent a lifetime cultivating relationships with elders through conversation, letters and visits and her work with Visiting Voices has deepened her respect for the wisdom of elders. June describes wisdom as the ability to adapt to change and not be diminished by loss, illness and death.  Hear a short recording of one of her reading sessions. June is an author, too: check out copies of June’s books, The Well-fed Backpacker and Staying Found: The Complete Map and Compass Handbook. Gift People is a program of  recorded conversations with civically engaged older adults, sponsored by Library Outreach Services, Life by Design NW and the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by Oregon State Library.

Jim Wygant planned ahead to be useful in retirement. So, five years before retiring, he started volunteering for the Title Wave Used Bookstore. Thirteen years later and now retired, he thinks that volunteering at Title Wave is “close enough” to his dream of owning a bookstore. His passion for books, reading and libraries dates back to his grade school days when he volunteered at his school library. With over 3,000 hours given to Multnomah County Library, Jim’s service includes seven years teaching basic computer skills to older adults in the Cyber Seniors program. Cyber Seniors suits him well because it combines his love for teaching and his knack for reducing complex concepts to fundamentals. Asked what he gets from volunteering, Jim mentioned self-discovery and the opportunity to present himself in a fresh role, different from the familiar one that he played in his paid work career.   Gift People is a program of  recorded conversations with civically engaged older adults, sponsored by Library Outreach Services, Life by Design NW and the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by Oregon State Library.

At 62, Bill Brandt-Gasuen has a rich history of volunteering in Portland including 16 years with Multnomah County Library, 15 with Friends of Seasonal and Service Workers and 10 with Race for the Cure. When he retired in 2002, the issues that concern him deeply—literacy, homelessness and poverty—motivated him to pursue a second career as a full-time volunteer for these organizations. Having recently reached 14,000 hours of service to the  library, Bill credits his civic engagement to his upbringing, an innate desire to serve and, in the words of President Obama,”... a mandate to assist others”.   Gift People are recorded conversations with civically engaged older adults, sponsored by Library Outreach Services, Life by Design NW and the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by Oregon State Library

Hear David Rozell facilitate a discussion on the importance of community as we age. What are the qualities of a community that will allow us to age positively?   David Rozell is a certified retirement workshop facilitator leading life planning workshops and classes in California and Oregon since 2004. He is an adjunct instructor in gerontology at Marylhurst University where he teaches Creative Aging classes and he also teaches courses through Life by Design NW at PCC.   Recommended reading for this presentation is Claiming Your Place at the Fire: Living the Second Half of Your Life on Purpose by Richard Leider and David Shapiro.   Perspectives on Positive Aging is a monthly speaker series at Central Library and is made possible through the library’s partnership with Life by Design NW and, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by the Oregon State Library.

Aging is an opportunity to reclaim our own unique and eccentric qualities.  Hear Guadalupe Guajardo discuss how aging frees us to move out of our socialized consciousness and conditioning, so that we can reclaim our authentic selves. Recommended reading: From Age-Ing to Sage-Ing: A Profound New Vision of Growing Older by Zalman Schachter-Shalomi. Guadalupe Guajardo is a senior associate with TACS, an organization that serves and supports nonprofit organizations. She is also a co-founder of Tools for Diversity, a multi-cultural team that addresses problems caused by discrimination and prejudice and helps build culturally competent organizations. She is bilingual and bicultural, has advanced degrees in theology and organizational development and is a member of the Sisters of the Holy Names.   Perspectives on Positive Aging is a monthly series sponsored by Multnomah County Library, partners with Life by Design NW www.lifebydesignnw.org. This program is made possible, in part, by the Institute of Museum and Library Services through the Library Services and Technology Act, administered by Oregon State Library.