Social Action Speaker Series 

In conjunction with service activities, GenerAction is hosting the Social Action Speaker Series, highlighting major issues and trends in the social sphere in efforts to help youth identify new passions and avenues for philanthropic involvement. High profile individuals from a variety of different backgrounds will share their stories of how their lives have been impacted by social action and how young people can learn from both their successes and failures.

Below are the speakers that will address students throughout the week of April 5-11, 2010 in Chapel Hill.

Monday, April 5th

Dr. Ralph Byrns - UNC Professor of Economics

Dr. Byrns is a UNC favorite and will be discussing the economics of community service.

Tuesday, April 6th

Liz McCartney- Founder of the St. Bernard Project (http://www.stbernardproject.org/v158/)

Winner of the 2008 CNN Hero of the Year award for her efforts to rebuild the city and surrounding areas of New Orleans.

Thursday, April 8th

Clare Richardson, CEO of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund International (http://gorillafund.org/)

Founded by the renowned Dr. Dian Fossey in 1978, DFGFI is an Atlanta-based international NGO dedicated to the conservation and protection of gorillas and their habitats in Africa. As part of its mission, DFGFI promotes continued research on their threatened ecosystems and education about their relevance to the world. In collaboration with government agencies and other international partners, DFGFI also provides assistance to local communities through education, health, training and economic development initiatives.