"Coffee With"

Once a month from September through May, WILPF-MN offers "Coffee With," an educational program covering topics from children's books to U.S.-Iran relations. Enjoy coffee, discussion, and fascinating speakers -- on us! When: 10:00 a.m. to noon, second Saturday of every month, September through May Where: Van Cleve Community Center, 901 15th Ave. SE, Minneapolis.              Map/directions. Metro Transit: bus route 3, also near 2, 4, 6, and 25. Free and open to the public. The 2007-2008 Coffee With schedule will be posted late summer 2007.

2006-2007 "Coffee With" Schedule

September 9, 2006
Corporate Profiteering from Water: The Need to Protect Our Water for the Common Good
Presenters: Lisa Ledwidge and Leslie Reindl
Water has been called the "oil of the 21st century." The World Bank predicts that by 2025, two-thirds of the world's population will not have enough fresh drinking water. Scarcity means profits, and multinational corporations are now reaching for those profits by taking over public water sources and systems. The presenters, members of WILPF's first Water Study Group, will focus on the threat posed by privatization of public water supplies, and on the most obvious and growing profit sector -- bottled water.

October 14, 2006
Historical Review of U.S. and Iran Relations
Presenter: M. Jay Shahidi, president, Iranian-American Society of Minnesota
Mr. Shadi came to the U.S. as an economics student in 1965. Since then he has served in leadership roles in more than 30 social service and advocacy groups, including the United Nations Association, Citizens for Global Solutions, American Refugee Committee, and Amnesty International. In this program he will address the tensions between the U.S. and Iran and the history of this volatile relationship.

November 11, 2006
Youth Views on Peace: Report Out from Peace Jam
Presenters: Angie Martinez, Youth Initiatives Coordinator for the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) and Shivani Bhatt, on the Youth Advisory Council to the NYLC
PeaceJam is an international education program built around leading Nobel Peace Laureates who work personally with youth to pass on the spirit, skills and wisdom they embody. The goal of PeaceJam is to inspire a new generation of peacemakers who will transform their local communities, themselves and the world. The 10th Anniversary conference was held September 15-17, 2006 in Denver, Colorado.

No "Coffee With" in December

January 13, 2007
Global Warming & Minnesota Waters
Presenter: J Drake Hamilton of Fresh Energy
The Earth's temperature is rising, and even Minnesota's precious water resources are at risk. How might global warming affect Minnesota fishing, snow sports, agriculture, and drinking water? Find out from climate expert J Drake Hamilton, who also will suggest ways that individuals can help solve the climate change problem.

February 10, 2007
Nuclear Nonproliferation: Out of Sight, Out of Mind
Presenter: Don Irish, Professor Emeritus, Hamline University
Critique of U.S. foreign policy, with focus on double standards, exceptionalism, unilateralism, and arrogance.

March 10, 2007
Children's Books on Peace and Justice
Presenter: Jo Montie
Learn about the Jane Addams Children's Book Award with Jo Montie, who has served on this national book award committee for the last 3 years. Since 1953, the Jane Addams Children's Book Award (sponsored by the Jane Addams Peace Assocation, the educational arm of WILPF) annually honors children's books that effectively address themes of peace, social justice, equity, and world community. Ms. Montie will bring many of the books so we can be "hands on" with these marvelous books that invite both children and adults to think deeply about human rights, examining our beliefs, and choosing our actions.

April 14, 2007
Colombia in Turmoil
Presenter: Marilyn Cuneo
Marilyn will report on a recent trip to Bogotá, Colombia, where she met with the local chapter of WILPF. She will discuss the ongoing armed conflict and the threat of violence to the lives and cultural traditions of women at all levels of society. Colombian refreshments served.

May 12, 2007
U.S. Interventions Around the World: Past, Present, and Future, WILPF "Coffee With" program
With Professor Richard Martinez and the students of Empire 101
Empire 101 was a 10-week free course held at the Jack Pine Community Center in south Minneapolis during the fall of 2006. People came together voluntarily to learn about U.S. foreign policy past and present. It could be thought of as "everything CNN won't tell you." There were no books, homework, hierarchies or grades. Nevertheless, or perhaps because of this, a lot of learning took place.