Forum Speakers

 

2012

April 30 – Preventing Bullying, Drs. Stephanie Jones and Richard Weissbourd, two outstanding anti-bullying experts, addressed the forum only weeks after helping orchestrate the Harvard Graduate School of Education launch of Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation (Feb. 29). The foundation has partnered with The Berkman Center at Harvard and other foundations to explore the best ways to reach youth and create a new culture of of kindness, bravery, acceptance and empowerment.

March 23 – Gabriel Bol Deng, one of the Lost Boys of Sudan, spoke about his experiences and the civil war that devastated his country for 20 years. He discussed how he made it and what he is doing to give back to a country struggling to survive /rebuild from the devastating civil war. He also talked about what is happening today in Africa, South Sudan and the still troubling North Sudan; what he is doing to effect change; and what it means to us here in the U.S.

February 21 – “Using Humor to Participate in the National Conversation” – Political comedian Jimmy Tingle addressed the Walden Forum and talked about how for 30 years he has been writing, performing, booking, marketing, and producing his one-person comedy and theatrical shows for colleges, corporations, social groups, and audiences from America and Great Britain to Canada and Australia

January 19 - What We Know About Climate Change – Dr. Kerry Emanuel a Professor of Atmospheric Science at MIT, discussed his book “What We Know about Climate Change.”  What are the risks and possible benefits of climate change?  How much of it is manmade and how much is natural?  Will we be in for more intense hurricanes, how will society cope with increased incidence of drought and floods, and will there be a problem with climate refugees? And has the American public been misinformed by a media obsessed with sensational debate? Dr. Emanuel will review what is known about climate science and discuss the problem from the sober point of view of risk assessment and management, focusing on the enormous challenge of dealing with uncertain risks affecting primarily our grandchildren and their descendants.

2011

December 1 - Freedom to Learn – Dr. Peter Gray a research professor of psychology at Boston College, is a specialist in developmental and evolutionary psychology. His recent research and writing has focused on the value of play, including its educational value for children and it societal value in promoting peaceful, egalitarian ways of living.  His talk, entitled "Freedom to Learn: An Analysis of the Roles of Play and Curiosity in Children's Natural Ways of Learning" presented evidence that children's playfulness and curiosity are powerful vehicles for education, but to allow them to function effectively we must create educational environments that foster rather than suppress these natural drives.

November 3 – On Point with Tom Ashbrook – a National Public Radio (NPR) talk-radio personality is host of the nationally syndicated WBUR show, "On Point." We learned about his compelling career as a journalist... from his perspective what it was like covering turmoil, shifting cultures and social upheaval around the world.... as a veteran newspaper man and now as a radio host. Tom also addressed the role of public radio, and "On Point" in particular, in fostering public debate in an atmosphere of great political polarization and the dramatically changing media landscape.

October 18 - Dating Violence Panel – A trio of dating violence prevention experts will review the prevalence and causes of dating violence, discuss innovations in prevention, and look at the possibilities for local action in a discussion titled "Preventing Dating Abuse and Promoting Healthy Relationships:  A whole community approach to supporting youth" Dr. Emily Rothman, Boston University Community Health Sciences - Casey Cocoran, Director of the Boston Public Health Commissions initiative..."Start Strong," and Joanne Patterson, Director of Education & Prevention programs at Reach Beyond Domestic Violence will talk to us about teen relationships.

May 12 - Dr. Jeff Hoffman - Astronaut and Director of Astronautics at MIT - His talk, “Where Are We Going In Space?,” Dr. Hoffman says, "Human space flight in this country is at a critical junction. Commercial space flight is poised to assume a new and perhaps revolutionary role in our country's space activities. I will discuss the current space policy situation and look ahead to what the future might bring."

April 26 - Phil Giudice - MA Undersecretary of State for Energy - Discussed our Clean Energy Journey that took us from the fields of Massachusetts to reflections on the US as well as the worlds energy direction.

March 15 – Dr. Lazzouni – Islamic Scholar: An authentic American Muslim Voice talked to us about our intersecting heritages as Walden Forum continues to present “Captivating Discussions with Extraordinary People.”

Feb. 15 – Inaugural program: Dr. Giovanni Fazio– Astrophysicist: "Where Are We? Our Place in the Universe," taking us on a trip starting at the Earth and traveling to the edge of the Universe.

 

 

About Walden Forum

The Walden Forum gives voice to important ethical, religious, political, science, energy topics and more in a live forum setting. It will challenge preconceived notions about the world around us and offer access to issues that might not otherwise be heard in Wayland or our surrounding community. It features great speakers on great topics on a periodic basis at the historic 1815 First Parish Meeting House building in Wayland center.