Agora Events

Gwen Millius

Named after the marketplace — the center of civic life — in ancient Athens, Agora's events are designed to meet the changing interests and varied schedules of City Club members.

Agora offers dynamic and informal small-group programs on an extremely diverse array of issues. Lectures, discussions, tours and more explore topics ranging from agriculture to urban planning, from economics to social dynamics. Agora offer topic-specific programs around themes such as heath care. The Citizens Read's book group reads and discusses books written by Portland or Northwest authors - who often join the group for discussion - or that focus on topics relevant to the city or region. Whatever your interest, Agora can address it.

If you would like to propose an idea, develop a program or join the committee, click here.

Schools Making A Difference: Portraits of Excellence, Engagement and Equity

Agora

Date:

February 8, 2012 - 5:45pm - 8:45pm

Location:

Mission Theatre, 1624 NW Glisan St.

A series of films, panel discussions and participant dialogues

Though economic realities pose significant challenges for our education system, when schools and communities work together with a clear vision and heroic effort, they can achieve stunning results. Exemplary schools provide high expectations and opportunities for all students to succeed. They also provide real world learning experiences that prepare students for college, careers and citizenship in the 21st century. They do this through an engaging curriculum that recognizes the diverse talents and needs of their student populations. Join fellow citizens, educators, and students for any of four evenings of films, panels, and participant dialogues that offer portraits of such schools in our region and around the world.

Committee:

Agora Steering Committee

Bright Lights: Shaking the Foundations

Bright Lights

Date:

February 13, 2012 - 6:00pm - 8:00pm

Location:

Jimmy Mak's, 221 NW 10th Ave

A conversation with Doug Stamm and Max Williams, CEO's of Meyer Memorial Trust and Oregon Community Foundation, who offer a look at the future of the state's two largest foundations. More information coming soon.

Committee:

Agora Steering Committee

Citizens Read: The Girl Who Fell from the Sky

Citizens Read

Date:

February 15, 2012 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Location:

Market Street Pub, 1526 SW 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97201

February's Citizens Read is being held in conjunction with the Multnomah County Library's 2012 Everybody Read program.

Committee:

Agora Steering Committee

Citizens Read: The Global Achievement Gap by Tony Wagner

Citizens Read

Date:

February 22, 2012 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Location:

Market St Pub, 1526 SW 10th Ave., Portland, OR 97201

In The Global Achievement Gap, education expert Tony Wagner discusses the disparity between what American schools teach their students and the real-world skills that serve students as they enter adult life and the workforce. Wagner interviews employers to learn what they're seeking, and offers examples of schools that are teaching to the needs of the future. Join Citizens Read for a discussion of this book and insights into better ways to educate the “net” generation.

Citizens Read: "Class Warfare: Inside the Fight to Fix America's Schools"

Citizens Read

Date:

March 20, 2012 - 6:30pm - 8:00pm

Location:

Market St Pub, 1526 SW 10th Ave.

Award-winning journalist Steven Brill takes an uncompromising look at the adults who are fighting over Americas failure to educate its children and points the way to reversing that failure.

More information coming soon. Read The New York Times review here.

Committee:

Agora Steering Committee