The E.N. Thompson Forum on World Issues has made an annual appearance at the Lied Center for many years, with a new theme each time. The 2015-2016 theme “Activism” was inspired by Gandhi’s words, “Be the change you want to see in the world.” Four speakers come to share their thoughts on methods that can be used to transform the global community.

The speaker, Jose Antonio Vargas, spoke last September with a talk focused on immigration. Speakers Bill McKibben and Wes Moore followed him in October and January, respectively. McKibben spoke about bettering the environment while Moore spoke of social justice. Each speaker came with a book related to their speech topic that they have written.

The final speaker will be Sheryl Wudunn on February 23. Her speech topic of women’s rights was inspired by her book Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide. The book uncovers the troubles of oppressed people around the globe, sparking activism, and a new sense of awareness worldwide. Her ideas grew into multi-platform effort on digital media that includes mobile games and a highly popular documentary series on PBS.

Wudunn plans to share stories that serve as reminders of truth about gender injustices around the world to illustrate how women are the greatest unused resource in today’s society. There is growing evidence that one of  the simplest and most effective ways to overcome global poverty is to educate girls; let them become aware of their ability to make their own decisions.

Free tickets can be ordered by going to the Lied Center website, http://www.Liedcenter.org/ENThompsonForum,  or by calling the ticket office at 402-472-4747. Forums are general admission events; seating is on a first-come, first-served basis. Do not fret if there are no more tickets available because a video of the lecture will be posted on the forum website after it is given.