The University YMCA at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

"Designing a Solution for E-Waste"

William Bullock, Director, Design for Energy and Environment Laboratory, Illinois Sustainable Technology Center, Professor of Industrial Design, School of Art and Design, University of Illinois

Electronic Waste, or “E-Waste,” generated by computers, TVs, cameras, printers, and cell phones, is a growing global issue. Learn about ways to re-use E-Waste for new and productive means and explore ideas that contribute to the practice of environmentally responsible product design for current and future computing technology products.

February 12

"Urban Farming and Local Food Systems"

Wes Jarrell, Professor, Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Sciences and Interim Director, Environmental Change Institute, University of Illinois

Wes Jarrell discusses the potential for organic and sustainable agriculture in urban environments and the importance of recognizing connections between food production and consumption. Learn how Prairie Fruit Farms is working to become a model for others interested in small-scale diversified farming systems and building a vibrant local food system in Central Illinois by transforming the landscape from cash grain agriculture to diversified perennial fruit trees and berries, goat pastures, hayfields and prairie.

February 19

"Business as a Solution to Poverty in Africa"

Ben Hafele, Founder, Haute: Empowering Entrepreneurs in Africa

Rather than addressing the root causes of poverty in Africa, many of the current "economic development" initiatives underway on this great continent are aimed at alleviating its symptoms in the form of aid and relief.  While it is essential that we continue to alleviate the symptoms of poverty and protect human life at all costs, we must at the same time work to eliminate the need for aid and relief by building self-sustaining, vibrant economies which empower people in Africa to create their own future.  Learn about Haute’s efforts to encourage entrepreneurship.

February 26

John Clarke, Assistant Dean, College of Business

At the dawn of the 21st century, business and society are confronted with a confluence of factors ranging from environmental degradation, widespread poverty, and the need for renewable sources of energy.  Explore the current challenges and opportunities of incorporating social values into business objectives, social responsibility and the need to meet triple bottom lines relating to people, planet, and profit. 

March 5

"Doing Well and Doing Good: Expatriates and Economic Development in Bangladesh"

Salim Rashid, Professor of Economics, University of Illinois

This talk will focus on the grounds for hope for development in Bangladesh.  Despite facing overpopulation and regular floods and cyclones, Professor Salim Rashid argues Bangladesh can achieve 10 % growth for the next three decades.  This talk examines a new form of social entrepreneurship that builds on the earlier work of Dr.  Yunus, Nobel laureate, and F H Abed, of BRAC fame, and incorporates Public-Private partnerships with the goal of earning long-term profits.

March 12

"Collaborations for Change: Building Effective Partnerships for Social Entrepreneurship"

Paul McNamara, Professor of Consumer and Family Economics, University of Illinois

Professor Paul McNamara uses case studies from his work in international development, including the rebuilding of a university in war-torn Sierra Leone and a micro-health insurance program to examine the role of effective partnerships in fostering social entrepreneurship

April 2

"From Subsistence Marketplaces to Sustainable Marketplaces"

Director of the Sustainable Marketplaces Initiative and founder of the Marketplace Literacy Project, Madhu Viswanathan discusses efforts to enable subsistence marketplaces to move toward sustainable marketplaces i.e., marketplaces characterized by sustainable production and consumption that enhance individual and community welfare and conserve natural resources.

April 9

"Development Informatics as a Tool for Social Entrepreneurship: Service Learning and Action Research in Sao Tome, West Africa."

Paul Adams, Director of Community Networking, Graduate School of Library and Information Science, University of Illinois

In São Tomé, West Africa the University of Illinois is initiating projects, such as One Laptop Per Child, which are strengthening democratic institutions.  These projects promote uncensored access to information and assist in infrastructure development which will enhance the economy and support social institutions.  Director of the São Tomé Project, Paul Adams discusses a model of interdisciplinary service learning and growth of a developing country.