Safe, stable housing is a fundamental human right, yet millions across the U.S. face housing insecurity, homelessness, or displacement due to systemic inequality, policy challenges, and economic pressures. This February, the Samuel Lawrence Foundation’s "First Fridays" series tackles the critical issue of the housing crisis with an expert panel of advocates, policymakers, and scholars. Together, they will uncover the barriers to addressing this growing crisis and propose pathways for meaningful change.

Join us for an engaging discussion featuring:

• Tamar Ezer: Faculty Director of the Human Rights Program/ Associate Director of the Human Rights Clinic, University of Miami School of Law
• Rob Robinson: Senior Advisor at Dignity and Rights and USA-Canada Coordinator for the International Alliance of Inhabitants
• Senator Catherine Blakespear: California State Senator representing the 38th District
• Jessie Speer: Author; Assistant Professor at the London School of Economics

This thought-provoking event will delve into the systemic and political challenges that prevent meaningful progress on housing reform, highlighting both the domestic and global implications of the housing crisis, including environmental disasters. Panelists will explore innovative solutions, from grassroots advocacy and community organizing to legislative reform and international models of housing justice.

Aired: February 7, 2025

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Filmmaking is more than just a medium for visual entertainment — it’s a powerful tool for storytelling that moves, captivates, and often, transforms us. In this January’s webinar, we explore the profound impact of film on human emotion and its role in shaping culture, identity, and society. Join us for an exciting conversation with filmmakers and storytellers who are pushing the boundaries of how we tell stories through motion picture.

Our expert panelists include:​

Taye Balogun, Founder of the NGO International Film Festival, which highlights films that explore global social issues, fostering dialogue and connection through cinema.

Indrani Pal-Chaudhuri, an accomplished filmmaker whose work includes collaborations with icons like David Bowie, Beyonce, and Lady Gaga. She brings a unique perspective on how film intersects with culture and emotion.

Bruno Smadja, Founder of the Mobile Film Festival, which celebrates the power of storytelling through mobile phones and provides a platform for filmmakers to share their perspectives with the world.

Sona Tatoyan, Actor/Writer/Storyteller and Founder of the non-profit Hakawati, whose multimedia play about her family’s history in Syria and Armenia — produced by actor Bill Pullman — blends film, theater, and storytelling to preserve her heritage and critique societal issues through art.

Together, these innovators and visionaries will discuss the transformative power of film, from personal narratives to global storytelling, and explore how cinema can shape emotional connections, provoke thought, and foster empathy.

Don’t miss this opportunity to dive into the world of filmmaking as an emotional catalyst for change and artistic expression. Whether you’re an aspiring filmmaker, a lover of the arts, or simply curious about the impact of film, this webinar will leave you inspired and thoughtful about the ways storytelling shapes our world.

Aired: January 10, 2025

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Join us for a special edition of our First Fridays Webinar, where we’ll take a deep, reflective look back on the powerful moments that defined our webinar series.

This month, we’re not just revisiting key topics—we’re examining how these conversations have shaped our understanding of the pressing issues that are at the heart of the Samuel Lawrence Foundation’s mission. From the dangers of nuclear waste to the transformative power of education, the arts, and science, we’ll highlight the most impactful moments from the past year, featuring some of the brightest minds and thought leaders from around the world.​

In this unique session, we’ll explore how the work we’ve done in the First Friday's Series intersects with the Foundation’s core values—advancing justice, environmental sustainability, and societal change. You’ll hear from experts, advocates, and activists who have sparked new ways of thinking about complex challenges, and who continue to inspire hope and action. This webinar is not just a reflection; it’s an opportunity to connect with a community committed to making real change in the world. We’ll also look ahead to 2025, as we continue to push boundaries and drive innovation in the work we do together.​

We hope you’ll join us. Together, we can reflect, celebrate, and chart the path forward for a more equitable and sustainable future.

Aired: December 6, 2024

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