Current Events, Law, Policy and Politics   

In this fourth of the Bridging Divisions series, we will try to answer this question. Discussion topics will include; what this time in our country calls us to do, what “our side” gets wrong, how and when to “fight," how to better understand and not demonize the “other side." We'll also look at a survey of depolarizing initiatives, and healing friend and family ruptures. There will be short weekly readings. Previous groups in the series included Liberals for Cultural Moderation and Critical Thinking, and Bridging Divisions: Complexity, Curiosity and Compassion.

Dennis Muzzi is a retired clinical and community social worker and part-time faculty. He received his MSW from the University of Michigan, School of Social Work in 1981. He works with Braver Angels, a national group committed to reducing polarization. He is trained as an organizer, part of the Washtenaw Alliance, and the state rep for the Braver Network.

This study group course consists of an interactive powerpoint presentation on causes and solutions to Climate Change, including actions we can take as individuals, institutions, and communities via the IRA/BIL legislation. The discussion and slide deck are informed by training with VP Al Gore’s Climate Reality Project, numerous webinars, and my role as Co-Facilitator of Third Act Educators Working Group since 2022. Book: Joelle Gergis (2023) Humanity’s Moment: A Climate Scientist’s Case For Hope; Island Press.

Jacqueline Goodman is a Certified Leader, Climate Reality Project (Al Gore's environmental org), Washtenaw County; Co-Facilitator, Third Act Educators (Bill McKibben’s environmental org.); Professor Emerita, Sociology, State Univ of New York, Potsdam College; retired Dept. Head & Professor, WGST Dept, Eastern Michigan University.

Drawing from Rachel Maddow’s book, we will explore the rise of a unique American strain of authoritarianism that has existed on the far-right edge of our politics for the better part of a century. We will gain insight into the sophisticated and well-funded campaign to undermine democratic institutions, promote antisemitism, and destroy citizens’ confidence in their elected leaders, with the ultimate goal of overthrowing the U.S. government and installing authoritarian rule. We will have four highly interactive discussion sessions, with an overview, framework, and discussion questions provided by the instructor.

Karen Bantel has facilitated some ten previous OLLI courses on topics related to geopolitics, democracy, authoritarianism, China, Russia, and related issues. Karen was a professor of business strategy and entrepreneurship.

This 3-session class will provide 1) a background in the history of why the United States has one of highest incarceration rates of any democracy; 2) a discussion on the quality of life for those currently incarcerated and the efforts to improve the culture and programming of life inside to provide pathways for prepared and safe release. There will be a presentation of current legislation to reduce mass incarceration through restorative practices, bail and parole reform, juvenile lifers, second look legislation, and good time credits; and 3) a discussion of the challenges of those who reenter our communities such as job and housing discrimination, registries and tethers and the legislative efforts to provide successful outcomes for those returning.

Carolyn Madden is a former lecturer and Associate Director of the English Language Institute, University of Michigan. She is currently a board member of Friends of Restorative Justice.

We will read and discuss The Upswing: How America Came Together a Century Ago and How We Can Do It Again by Robert Putnam. Societal and political problems, such as inequality, polarization, vitriolic discourse, a fraying social fabric, and public and private narcissism, were prevalent in the late 1800's. This environment began to improve in 1901 when Theodore Roosevelt became president, and lasted through Lyndon Johnson's Great Society. With the exception of a short pause in the 1920s, America became more egalitarian, cooperative, cohesive and more altruistic. But starting in the late 1960's, attitudes began to reverse. We moved from a “We” society to an “I” society, leaving us in the current state of disarray. The book deals with how these trends first evolved and then devolved in politics, culture, economics and other societal behaviors, using the findings of numerous studies. The author ends by suggesting ways in which we can return to a balance between the individual and the community.

Gerry Lapidus has conducted OLLI book discussions for many years. The classes are informal and conversational.

Our health and planetary health are interconnected! In this two-part series, learn how our food choices impact both - feel more energy, gain better sleep, and feel full sooner…plus reduce inflammation, blood pressure, blood sugar, and cholesterol to lower risk of chronic diseases and auto-immune diseases. Then, experience how delicious, better choices can be with a cooking demo and taste a few samples of easy-to-make recipes that inspire your curiosity and discover more plant-based options. Our choices also impact global health as our food system has a huge impact on natural resources and pollution, and, in turn, these disruptions of our ecosystems are increasing our risk of infectious diseases too… Simple choices can be Powerful!

Terri Wilkerson is a leader in the Crossroads Group/Sierra Club focusing on shutting down Line 5 and dedicated to helping people channel their environmental concern into tasty action with the goal of “Crowd Out, Don’t Cut Out” relating to healthier food choices. Dr. Preety Gadhoke is an anthropologist and public health nutritionist. She is passionate about meeting you where you are at in your food preferences and tailoring programs that work for your “whole person” needs.

Rather than a history of antisemitism, this study group will get us into the psychological "guts" of antisemitism. Drawing on imagery of "the Jew" from a range of sources--across different cultural and historical contexts--we ask: Who is this "creature" as represented? What specific fears and phobias do representations of Jews draw upon? The format will involve engaged participation with the images and their implications. Frankly, it is not comfortable work, but it is necessary if we are to move beyond more superficial discussions of the phenomenon.

Hank Greenspan is a psychologist, oral historian, and playwright who has been teaching and writing about the Holocaust--as both scholar and dramatist--for nearly five decades.