Homework Assignment A: Inspiration and Information

This week's homework assignment is meant to give us a greater understanding of what some people and organizations are currently doing today to address global concerns throughout the globe, and to give us greater understanding of the context of these situations. As well as inspire us to see some of the progressive thinkers of our day. 

The speakers we will watch vary from native peoples, social entrepreneurs, politicians, comedians, and beyond, all finding a way to use their skills for the greater good. Additionally, the approaches to development vary from speaker to speaker from government aid, to investing in education, to products to increase income and etc. Let us think about different forms of partnership, empowerment, and mutually beneficial investments. 

As you watch consider these questions: 

What global concern does the person discuss?

What is the main thesis and other important points and facts of their talk?

What country or region are they talking about?

What is the context?

Are there any specific numbers or statistics they discuss to convey their argument?

How does this person's talk or work relate to a UN MDG?

What type of emotion does the talk convey?

Develop one page 8 1/2" x 14" visually representing the talk and information discussed-as well as the emotional landscape. And be prepared to present your page and your thoughts on Tuesday. 

If there is a different speaker not listed here that you would like to research and present on, please contact me. Feel free to browse other TED talk and PopTech! speakers and explore as there are so many amazing ones to watch!

The suggested speakers below are more or less related to the following themes:  

Poverty:
Andrew Mwenda- Rethinking African Aid

Iqbal Quadir- How Cell-Phones are going to End Poverty. 

Jessica Flannery- Kiva.org

Education: 

Sugata Mitra- Can kids teach themselves?

Gender Equality: 

Eve Ensler- Finding happiness in body and soul

Child Mortality: 

Amy Smith- The Number one Cause of Infant Death

Maternal Health: 

At Highest Risk- YouTube

UN Millennium Campaign- YouTube

UNICEF- Child and Maternal Mortality

HIV/AIDS + Diseases: 

Emily Oster-  The Economics of AIDS in Africa

Zinny- Fighting HIV/AIDS in South Africa 

Bill Clinton- Clinton Global Initiative- Building Healthcare

Environmental Sustainability: 

The Story of Stuff- Annie Leonard

Al Gore- Averting Climate Crisis

Global Partnership: 

Patrick Awuah- training new leaders

Ray Avery- a social entrepreneur