Forums To Address Youth Obesity, Michigan's Economy
The economic and social costs of youth obesity and the state’s
economic crisis are the topics of this spring's final two Michigan
Issues Forums developed by Alma College students.
“Making a New Michigan” is the unifying theme of the forums, sponsored
by Alma’s Center for Responsible Leadership and developed and organized
by the College’s leadership fellows.
The forums, free and open to the public, feature guest panelists from
around Michigan who will address issues related to the forum topics.
• “Reforming Education for a Healthier Michigan,” 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Thursday, March 27, Dow Science Center Room L1.
A discussion with a healthy meal will focus on solving the obesity
epidemic in K-12 schools, according to student forum contact Taylor
Gibson. In addition to a healthy conversation about obesity, the forum
will provide a topic-appropriate meal to encourage healthy consumption.
Teachers and parents are particularly encouraged to partake of this
forum. Panelists will include Robyn Anderson, profesor of exercise and
health science at Alma College; Martha Powelson, chairwoman of the Alma
Public Schools Wellness Committee; and Peggy Thelen, associate
professor of education at Alma College.
• “Behind the Scenes of Michigan’s Economic Crisis: Labor Unions vs.
Right to Work?” 7 to 9 p.m. Thursday, March 27, Dow Science Center Room
L1.
Guest panelists will address union, business, workers’ and legislative
perspectives of right to work and then conclude with a final segment
that wraps up the discussion, according to student forum contact
Kristina Fuehring.
“The purpose of the Michigan Issues Forums is to open dialogue about
change in Michigan,” says John Leipzig, director of Alma’s Center for
Responsible Leadership. “These dialogues are organized and presented by
our leadership fellows, who have explored in depth some of the
challenges facing Michigan. These are students concerned with the
future of Michigan, and they have zeroed in on some major issues.
“The forums will approach each issue in the following way: What
we know, what we need to know, and what are the next steps for
addressing these issues in ways that advance Michigan,” he says.
Previous forums focused on energy-transportation issues on March 6 and
the impact of DDT on human health, the environment and malaria control
March 14.
The Center for Responsible Leadership Fellows’ Program offers students
advanced opportunities for in-depth leadership training and
development. Fellows engage in leadership development activities
throughout the program. Fellows participate in the LeaderShape
Institute at Ghost Ranch Conference Center in New Mexico in their first
year, followed by international and/or domestic leadership and service
opportunities, as well as speakers and leadership workshops. The
Michigan Issues Forum is a culminating leadership activity for the
fellows.
Posted: Sat, March 15th, 2008 at 2:03PM
