October 1, 2011, Media Release
New sponsor of Lunch n’ Learn series provides exciting fall lineup
The Mount Allison Faculty Association (MAFA) is the new sponsor of the Lunch ‘n’ Learn series at the Moncton Public Library and MAFA President Stephen Law is excited about the line-up for this fall.
“We have a good mix of experienced and new faculty presenting and it is a great way for our members to introduce themselves and their ideas to the greater Moncton community,” Law says. The talks normally take place on Tuesdays beginning at 12 noon in the multi-purpose room of the Moncton Public Library on Main Street. Coffee, tea and dessert is provided and members of the public often bring their lunches. The talks are free of charge.
MAFA is the exclusive bargaining agent for the 200 full-time and part-time faculty and librarians at Mount Allison University.
Car pooling may be available from Sackville. Please call Heather Patterson at 536-1323 or email [email protected].
The schedule for this term includes:
Oct 4. – Eldon Hay – “Reflections of a gay rights advocate”
I didn’t start out being a gay rights activist. My interest in gay liberation emerged from a number of human rights concerns – including women’s rights, bilingualism in Moncton, anti-Semitism, the plight of native peoples. The focus on gay rights was sharpened when my son came out. Founding and leading PFLAG chapters in Amherst and Moncton opened up the broad spectrum of gay and transgender issues and struggles – issues that are still ongoing.
The reflections will focus on – What are the factors that assist and block gay rights advocacy? What are some of the personal lessons learned? What are the rewards, setbacks, challenges?
Oct 18 – Jennifer Farrell — “Why Live Music Matters.”
We live in a society that considers music an extra, a frill, and our various levels of government continue to make cuts to funding for music education programs and to the budgets of established Canadian ensembles. I would like to explore the function of music in our society and offer some thoughts as to why people in our Western culture need live music to form an integral part of their lives.
Nov 22 – Judith Holton – “Rehumanizing Knowledge Work”
Persistent and unpredictable change is a defining characteristic of the twenty-first century knowledge workplace. In coping with such change, many knowledge workers speak of an increasing dehumanization in their work and work environments. My work explains how some knowledge workers overcome this sense of dehumanization through informal support networks. Positive relationships and intellectual challenge attract knowledge workers to such networks where their participation additionally offers a sense of protection and control in an uncertain work environment. These informal networks not only rehumanize the work environment but they also enhance the potential for creativity, experimentation, learning and innovation.
A new professor of music, James Kalyn, will also present on November 15th, and his topic is to
be announced.
For more information contact Geoff Martin at 364-2289 or Heather Patterson at 536-1323.