Learn how youths in Indiana are taking a stand against climate change. Ask what we can do in South Bend. After a light supper, we will be screening a short film called Little Warriors. This will be followed by an open discussion with panelists Jim Poyser, Executive Director of Earth Charter Indiana, Therese Dorau, South Bend Director of Sustainability, and Jo Broden, South Bend Council Member for the 4th District. Families are warmly invited.

Jim Poyser joined Earth Charter Indiana as its executive director in September, 2013, to engage Indiana young people in climate leadership. He has been trained by the Climate Reality Project and has presented to over 10,000 people, including live presentations, radio interviews, sermons and a TEDx talk. His climate change game show, The Ain’t Too Late Show, advances his mission of bringing humor to the heavy subject of climate change.

Jim was born in South Bend, then lived in Bloomington where he received his degree from IU (Telecommunications and English). His over 30 plays have been performed throughout Indiana, as well as Chicago and New York City. He is an award winning journalist and a published fiction writer, essayist and haiku poet. He lives on the White River with his wife.

Therese Dorau became South Bend's first Director of Sustainability in 2014. She holds a bachelor's degree in chemistry from Xavier University in Ohio and a master's in sustainable systems from the University of Michigan's School of Natural Resources and Environment.

Therese comes to South Bend from Washington, D.C., where she managed consulting projects related to energy efficiency, renewable energy and environmentally friendly practices for corporate and government clients. A former legislative assistant in the Iowa General Assembly and college chemistry instructor, she has worked extensively with city and county governments in developing sustainability programs.

Jo Broden is a lifelong resident of South Bend.   Work experience includes teaching & social service administrative positions in Washington, D.C. and 17 years as a small business owner.  During her 9 year executive tenure with the Alzheimer’s Association Northern Indiana Chapter, she served as a Governor Bayh appointee to the Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Senile Dementia Task Force.  She has served in leadership positions within St. Margaret’s House, Holy Cross Grade School, and Holy Cross Parish. 

In City Council, Jo is chairperson of the Health and Public Safety Committee and Vice-Chairperson of the Residential Neighborhood Committee. This is her twenty-first year living in the 4th District.

Sponsored by the Hesburgh Program in Public Service, Environmental Change Initiative, First Year of Studies, Minor in Sustainability, Native American Initiatives, Robinson Community Learning Center, Shaw Center for Children and Families, William P. and Hazel B. White Fund, and ND Energy.

Originally published at sustainabilitystudies.nd.edu.

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