Ideas 2024

Climate Activism and Optimism

Ideas Summit: Environmental Voices

Lucy Nalpathanchil moderates a powerful conversation on Activism and Optimism that features LGBTQ BIPOC activists Adrian Huq, co-founder of the New Haven Climate Movement Youth Action Team, and Wawa Gatheru, founder of Black Girl Environmentalist. This empowering dialogue highlights the potential of emerging climate leaders of color, including Black girls, women, and gender-expansive individuals, in climate leadership. Don't miss this opportunity to be inspired by their stories and insights as they discuss strategies for driving positive change in our communities and beyond.

Save the Sound: Reconnected (Restoring the Rivers of Long Island Sound)

Ideas Summit: Environmental Voices

Join us for "Save the Sound: Reconnected," a documentary film screening and panel discussion on the restoration of Long Island Sound rivers through dam removal. Explore the ecological benefits of this initiative and engage with experts in a dynamic conversation on environmental restoration and conservation efforts.

Climate Displacement

Ideas Summit: Environmental Voices

Join us for an enlightening discussion on climate displacement, featuring speakers Tabitha Sookdeo from IRIS and Jennifer O'Neill from Caritas Immigration Legal. Delve into the pressing question: Who are the climate migrants, and what challenges do they encounter? Gain insight into the complexities of climate-induced migration and the legal and humanitarian issues involved. Don't miss this opportunity to deepen your understanding of this urgent global issue and explore avenues for support and advocacy.

Climate and Migration Resource Fair

Ideas Summit: Environmental Voices

Discover a wealth of resources at our Climate and Migration Resource Fair. Join us to explore essential services and initiatives aimed at addressing climate challenges and supporting immigrant communities in Connecticut. Connect with organizations dedicated to making a positive impact on these vital issues.

Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson in conversation with John Dankosky

Ideas Summit: Environmental Voices

Can science save us? Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson of Urban Ocean Lab and John Dankosky from Science Friday, discussing Dr. Johnson's latest book, "What If We Get It Right?" Explore the bold notion of envisioning a future where we act out of love for what's to come, navigating through the complexities of climate change with optimism and determination. This transformative dialogue offers a roadmap for embracing solutions at the intersection of science, policy, culture, and justice, inviting everyone to play a role in shaping a thriving world.

Tempests of the Mind: Exploring Climate Change, Shakespeare, and the Human Experience

Ideas Unleashed

Step into the tempestuous world of Shakespeare's King Lear and explore its profound relevance to our modern climate challenges! No work of English literature speaks more directly to human vulnerability in the face of climate disruption than Shakespeare's King Lear. The old king, thrust into the storm, feels his environmental weakness to his skin. This round-table conversation is led by renowned Shakespearean scholar Steve Mentz. Speakers will include David Sterling Brown, a CT native who currently teaches at Trinity College in Hartford, and actor, writer, and teacher Tara Bradway.

Amy Tan: Backyard Bird Chronicles

Explore the world of birds like you never have before with bestselling author Amy Tan at the newly remodeled Yale Peabody Museum! Join us for a celebration of all things avian as Amy shares insights from her recent book, The Backyard Bird Chronicles. Discover the beauty of nature through Amy’s witty anecdotes, observations, and stunning illustrations. Don’t miss this enchanting journey with a multihyphenate wonder, moderated by WTNH’s Ann Nyberg, as we dive into the hidden wonders of our feathered friends!

Social Connections to End Loneliness

Ideas Summit: How We Live

Join host Catherine Shen on CT Public's "Where We Live" as she moderates an engaging discussion with Deb Bibbens, founder of For All Ages. Discover innovative ideas to combat loneliness, improve treatment of older individuals, and foster intergenerational kindness. Learn about some special programs that can make people of all ages healthier and happier, and help our community feel more connected and livelier. Don't miss this chance to hear about new ways to bring different generations closer and make our society kinder for everyone.

Social Connection Art Workshop with Kwadwo Adae

Ideas Summit: How We Live

Participants in the workshop will pair off and describe a vulnerable time where they felt the most lonely in their lives. The person that shares their description will have their opposite partner draw the experience to the best of their ability on half the paper. The two participants will then switch activities and fill the other half of the paper with the other person's experience. Creating a unique vision of loneliness on paper that can have similarities as well as differences evaluated visually and emotionally.

Redefining Aging: Embracing a New Paradigm

Ideas Summit: How We Live

Join author and activist Ashton Applewhite and Donna Fedus from Borrow My Glasses for an enlightening conversation on aging and inclusivity. Discover how aging can be a period of growth and vitality, while exploring strategies to combat ageism and promote fairness. Challenge common beliefs, share ideas for fostering a welcoming society for all ages, and delve into the importance of reshaping perceptions about aging. This discussion highlights the importance of reshaping perceptions about aging and ensuring equitable treatment for everyone!

Rethinking Age Discrimination with Donna Fedus

Ideas Summit: How We Live

The experience of aging is drastically different from what it was just one or two generations ago. Yet age bias persists. Age stereotypes and discrimination are harmful for our own self-talk and for any older adult we interact with. Join us for an interactive workshop, where we challenge outdated assumptions and perceptions about aging, and practice responses to common scenarios and thoughts like “I feel old.”

Decoding the Science of Happiness with Laurie Santos and Tamar Gendler

Ideas Summit: How We Live

Join Laurie Santos, host of the Happiness Lab Podcast, and Tamar Gendler, Yale Professor of Philosophy and the Science of Human Nature, for an enlightening discussion on the science, history, and philosophy of happiness. Learn useful tips and ideas on how to live a more positive life. Whether you're curious about what makes us happy or just want some advice on feeling better, this conversation will be packed with helpful information and good vibes.

Voting Rights – Citywide Youth Coalition

Ideas Unleashed

Join us for an exciting community conversation hosted by the Citywide Youth Coalition Inc! We're diving into the topic of expanding voting rights to 16-year-olds for local state elections. Let's empower our youth with knowledge about civic engagement and voting practices. Together, we'll explore ways to invest in the next generation of voters and ensure they understand their rights and responsibilities. Get ready to engage, learn, and make a difference in our democratic process!

Indigenous Cooking with Sherry Pocknett

Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind culinary adventure with Chef Sherry Pocknett, a true pioneer and recipient of the prestigious James Beard award for the Best Chef in the Northeastern United States and the first Indigenous woman to win the award! Join us for an interactive session featuring Chef Pocknett's captivating stories and live cooking demonstration. Discover the rich heritage of the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe while savoring the flavors of seasonal bounty with her delicious corn cakes and cranberry strawberry chutney. And don't miss your chance to be one of the lucky six to join in the cooking fun!

In The Room with State Treasurer Erick Russell

Ideas Unleashed

Enjoy an unforgettable evening with John Dankosky, CT Mirror's Director of Events, and Erick Russell, Connecticut’s 84th State Treasurer! With John's charm and expertise as a renowned radio personality and moderator, and Erick's historic achievement as the first Black LGBTQ person elected to statewide office, get ready for an engaging and inspiring discussion.

Perspectives on Cultural Preservation

Ideas Summit: Intersections in the Arts

Sandy Grande, Professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies, and an additional panelist yet to be announced, share their different views on preserving cultures. They will discuss why it's important to protect our cultural identities as the world changes and why it's essential to save different cultural traditions for the people who come after us.

Midnight Oil Collective: Breaking Barriers: Transforming the Starving Artist Myth into Sustainable Creativity

Ideas Summit: Intersections in the Arts

Artists are passionate catalysts for change, envisioning a world transformed for the better through the power of art. Yet, they often face a persistent struggle: the dream of art inspiring change versus the systemic barriers of scarcity of funding, resources, and support. This tension stifles their creative potential and their role in driving societal progress.

Freedom of Expression

Ideas Summit: Intersections in the Arts

Get ready to be inspired by an important talk about the culture wars happening in the United States focusing on how more and more books are being banned and restricted. Find out about the problems librarians and teachers have to deal with as they try to handle these tricky issues. Delve into the importance of intellectual freedom and the role of education in fostering diverse perspectives. Learn about how to make sure everyone can get information and keep schools' fair.

TRANSforming Shakespeare

Ideas Summit: Intersections in the Arts

Discover the transformative power of creative casting in "TRANSforming Shakespeare." In a rapidly evolving world, delve into how gender concepts shape our interpretations of Shakespearean tales. Join Jennifer Lanier from the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival, alongside esteemed guests to soon be announced, as they explore the dynamic intersection of gender representation and theatrical storytelling. Don't miss this discussion on how diverse casting enhances our understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare's timeless works.

Shelly Lowe in conversation with Jason Mancini

Ideas Summit: Intersections in the Arts

Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo), Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and Jason Mancini, Executive Director of Connecticut Humanities, will discuss the  critical role the humanities play in tackling society’s toughest contemporary challenges. Chair Lowe will highlight new National Endowment for the Humanities initiatives that respond to some of the most pressing issues of our time:  strengthening our democracy, advancing equity for all, and addressing our changing climate.

Changemakers: Ana Maria Alvarez & Aaron Jaffaris

Ideas Unleashed

Join us for an exciting conversation with Ana Maria Alvarez, Founding Artistic Director of CONTRA-TIEMPO, and Aaron Jaffaris, hip-hop poet and playwright, as they delve into the intersection of art and activism. Discover the power of using your creativity as a tool for social change and empowerment. With lively discussion and inspiring insights, this event promises to ignite your passion and spark new ideas.