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Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at theUniversity of Michigan If this is your first time viewing us, welcome! You can explore our offeringsvia the cards below to learn more about us. Select theSign In button above to log into your account. If you would liketo join OLLI to participate inour programming, please create an account. You must be a minimum of 50 years of age to become an OLLI member. Require assistance? Please email olli.info@umich.edu or call 734-998-9351. > Study Groups > Current Events, Law, Policy and Politics

Current Events, Law, Policy and Politics   

 
  • Bridging Divisions: Essential or Folly?
  • Fee: $42.00
    Dates: 3/26/2025 - 4/30/2025
    Times: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
    Days: W
    Sessions: 6
    Building: Morris Lawrence Building- Washtenaw Community Coll
    Room:
    Instructor: Dennis Muzzi

    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.



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  • Prequel: An American Fight Against Fascism By Rachel Maddow
  • Fee: $32.00
    Item Number: WinOOSG39821
    Dates: 3/17/2025 - 4/7/2025
    Times: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
    Days: M
    Sessions: 4
    Building: Morris Lawrence Building- Washtenaw Community Coll
    Room: ML-128
    Instructor: Karen Bantel

    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 offering is currently full please add yourself to the waitlist.
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  • Stemming the Tide of Overincarceration
  • Fee: $22.00
    Dates: 3/12/2025 - 3/26/2025
    Times: 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: W
    Sessions: 3
    Building: Morris Lawrence Building- Washtenaw Community Coll
    Room:
    Instructor: Carolyn Madden

    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.



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  • The Changing Nature of Our Society May Lead to a Better Future
  • Fee: $42.00
    Dates: 3/24/2025 - 5/12/2025
    Times: 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
    Days: M
    Sessions: 8
    Building: Online only
    Room:
    Instructor: Gerry Lapidus

    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.



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  • The Power of Your Plate - Positive Choices for your Health and the Environment!
  • Fee: $22.00
    Item Number: WinOOSG40101
    Dates: 4/7/2025 - 4/14/2025
    Times: 9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
    Days: M
    Sessions: 2
    Building: Turner Senior Resource Center
    Room: Debrodt
    Instructor: Terri Wilkerson, Dr. Preety Gadhoke

    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.


    This offering is currently full please add yourself to the waitlist.
If you do not see the "Request Offering" or "Add to Waitlist" button, there are three possible reasons. 1) Registration may not be open 2) You have not added a Membership to your cart or renewed your membership 3) You are not logged in:
 

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