USFSM student organizes conference on ‘GloBull’ issues

Entitled the “2018 GloBull Showcase,” the lecture series will resemble “TED Talks” with academics and local and state experts weighing in on such topics as climate change, world hunger, homelessness, discrimination, refugee and migration issues, income inequality and human trafficking, among others. The series is set for mid-April at the USFSM campus, 8350 N. Tamiami Trail, Sarasota.

Woody says each presentation will last about 20 minutes with opportunities for audience members to respond with questions and comments. The discussions will be targeted toward students and faculty from the USF System’s three campuses, but the events will be open to the public as well. The talks are free.

An interdisciplinary social sciences student, Woody says she has volunteered at local non-profits for years and now aspires to work as a human rights attorney.

“I enjoy being involved with initiatives that hopefully create a solution or put a stop to issues we face across our planet,” Woody, a junior, said. “Through this showcase, I want to bring hope and awareness to people about important global issues and inspire our student body to become more globally conscious and open-minded about different cultures.”

She’ll have plenty of support in doing so. The showcase kicks off April 9 with a long list of speakers, including USF professors, discussing global sustainability and climate change. All of the sessions run from noon to 2 p.m. Lunch and refreshments will be provided. Here’s a listing of the events:

• Monday, April 9, 2018 – Climate Issues and Global Sustainability (SMC – A320)
• Thursday, April 12, 2018 – Trafficking and Modern Day Slavery (SMC – B229)
• Monday, April 16, 2018 – Global Prosperity, Happiness, and Well-being (SMC – A320)

Dr. Jody McBrien, an associate professor of literacies education and one of the advisors to the student-run Global Society, is one of the event’s participants. Dr. McBrien, who came to USFSM 13 years ago, has focused much of her academic research on women and children in war-torn areas.

“Globalization is increasingly affecting all aspects of our lives, and I am excited to work with students who are engaging in its challenges and opportunities,” she said. “I am so proud of Yolanda’s leadership and of the Global Society’s officers in promoting this and other global events on campus.”

Each day of the talks is dedicated to different global issues, such as poverty, climate change, human trafficking and others that affect people’s lives on a daily basis.

The discussions conclude April 16 with the main Globull Showcase event taking place on April 17, featuring the Salinas Family Aztec Dancers, appearances by local charitable organizations and the Taste of the World food festival. The Multicultural Affairs Committee (MAC) will sponsor the festival and the Global Society will sponsor the remaining events.

Woody spent two months organizing the showcase and received support from MAC, the Global Engagement Office and fellow members of the Global Society, which is dedicated to promoting awareness of international cultures.

“When I started working on this event I had a vision of how I wanted it to play out,” she said. “I wanted the GloBull Showcase to be an event where students come out and are made aware of different issues and cultures while also having fun mingling with their peers and faculty. The advisors and members of the Global Society have been extremely helpful in assisting with the planning and details of this event.

“Overall, I hope the showcase empowers people to serve and speak up about issues and do something about them.”

To attend any of the GloBull Showcase talks, register at eventbrite.com/e/globull-showcase-lecture-series-tickets-44191611299. Registration is free.

For more information about the event, contact Woody at yolandawoody@sar.usf.edu.

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