2017-2018 Guest Speakers
Sep. 10 Tula Goenka Behind the Scenes: Syracuse University Human Rights Film Festival
Tula Goenka is Professor of Television, Radio and Film at the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, where she teaches multimedia storytelling, film production and Indian cinema. She is the Newhouse Endowed Chair of Public Communications for 2016-19. She is the founder and co-director of the Syracuse University Human Rights Film Festival. She is the author of Not Just Bollywood: Indian Directors Speak.
Discussion will touch on topics such as: How the Syracuse University Human Rights Film Festival started and why it is so important today. The roles films can play in human rights and social justice movements. The history and politics of film festivals and why they are important in today’s media ecology. She will also give a sneak peek at this year’s festival.
Oct. 15 Paul Harvey Morningside Cultural Trails: A Unique Community Treasure, Developed by the Community for the Community
Long time resident, community member, teacher, facilitator of community, school and Agency programs. Paul has been walking these trails with his family and friends, for over 6o years and working with local groups to develop them as a public resource for the last few years. He is available to lead walks along any of them.
Discussion will touch on topics such as: The history of the area and trails, specific description of the trails, interesting anecdotal tales and legends. How all of us, individuals and community groups, can keep developing these valued resources.
Nov. 5 Vanessa Rose (Re)discovering Syracuse
Vanessa grew up in Syracuse, NY, left for college in 1990, she returned with Ken Keech, 15 years later. They live in the Westcott neighborhood with their three kids and small, barky dog. Vanessa is an elementary school teacher and community activator.
Discussion will touch on topics such as: What has been wonderful about returning to Syracuse; family, our neighborhood, our school community and more. How they became active community organizers of The Salt Market, Syracuse Improv Collective, Super 8 Film Festival, Sherman Park Baseball, etc. Finally, the appreciation that we have for the city of Syracuse, and the many opportunities that we have here as a family.
Feb. 4 Beth Broadway Syracuse: A Refugee Resettlement City
Beth is currently the President/CEO of InterFaith Works, a non-profit organization founded and operating in Central New York since 1976 that affirms the dignity of each person and every faith community. Beth is the designer and facilitator of The Leadership Classroom, a project of the CNY Community Foundation, which trains and equips neighborhood leaders to develop projects that improve city neighborhoods, and engage neighborhood residents in their community. She was the principal consultant on the development of the City of Syracuse’s neighborhood planning program, Tomorrow’s Neighborhoods Today. She has volunteered as a literacy tutor, as a sewing instructor for woman inmates at the Justice Center, and served on numerous boards throughout Syracuse. She is an award winning quilter and long distance swimmer.
Discussion will touch on topics such as: Who are refugees? How does someone end up in Syracuse? What is done to help them assimilate? What are the challenges for both the refugees and the community?
Mar. 11 Andrew Lunetta and Bill Elkins A Tiny Home for Good: Providing Affordable, Safe, and Dignified Housing to Individuals Facing Homelessness in Syracuse.
Andrew Lunetta has worked with those facing homelessness in Syracuse since 2008. His work at soup kitchens and shelters has enabled him to build relationships with those facing homelessness and gain an understanding of the epidemic’s root cause.
In 2014 he founded A Tiny Home for Good, dedicated to providing affordable, safe, and dignified housing to individuals facing homelessness. He is a bicycle rider and loves all things design and construction.
Bill Elkins got involved with A Tiny Home for Good through his career as an architect. A board member since the organization’s inception, Bill is responsible for the design of the tiny homes and backend work to make the project a reality. Bill is an avid water colorist. He teaches classes and leads groups across Central New York.
Discussion will touch on topics such as: Dearth of safe and affordable housing in the City of Syracuse; The functionality of a tiny home in combatting homelessness; Tiny home build process and design; Utilizing your skills and interests to support local causes.
Apr. 8 Robert Hupp Setting the Stage: The Future of Syracuse Stage
Bob is in his 2nd season as Artistic Director of Syracuse Stage. Prior to coming to Syracuse, Bob spent 17 seasons as the Producing Artistic Director of Arkansas Repertory Theatre and ten seasons as the Artistic Director of New York City’s Jean Cocteau Repertory.
Discussion will touch on topics such as: What’s new and exciting at Syracuse Stage today. What’s happening with theatres nationally and how does Stage fit into the evolving scene. How do we attract and hold an audience for today and the future?
All Lectures are on Sundays at 3 PM
Tickets are FREE
(Donation are always welcome)
Call 315-478-8634