Tag Archives: Agora Speakers International

NOTES of a NOMAD #223 -A Message from Nepal -19 May 2024

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A few days ago I received a surprise message from a school I visited in 2023 during my last week in Nepal.

The Wings Agora Speakers Club they started has been active for the past year and they have invited me to join their meeting.

As I had not heard from them since last year, this was an exciting message!

NOTES of a NOMAD #210 -Yuri-WAR -18 February 2024

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This video covers a sober topic, that is war.

I just heard that the friend’s brother passed away from being injured in the war in Ukraine.

War impacts the infrastructure, economy, health, education, environment, and many other aspects of our world.

I hope one hundred years from now, that some of my future descendants will see this video and say that does not happen anymore!

Contact me with your comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #203 -The Middle Way -31-December-2023

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In a recent Afterparty at an Agora Speakers meeting the teaching of ‘The Middle Way’ from Buddha was mentioned as we discussed the status of the world.

I found it interesting that many philosophers such as Aristotle and many religions have a similar message on how to approach life in moderation.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #201 -Changing Lives -17 December 2023

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If you have watched some of my previous videos you likely noted that I believe communication skills are important.

Improving our communication skills has a positive impact on our lives.

How can we inform people about how they can improve their lives enormously by practicing and improving their communication skills?

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #200 -“WHAT” 200 Videos? -10 December 2023

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Should you ever wonder where you can easily find the videos that I have posted since February 2020, there is a website.

On the website, there is a list of all the posts with a brief description and a link to each video.

I describe the website and show the page containing the list of videos with links to each video.

The site can be found at https://www.notesofanomad.ca/

Please contact me with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #194 -How to Know A Person -29 October 2023

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An interview with the authour, David Brooks about his recent book, “How to Know A Person,” inspired some thoughts about deep listening and helping others.

When we conduct effective conversations and listen actively to others we make others feel heard, understood, and recognized.

This can help us find common ground, solve problems, and improve the world around us.

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #191 -Speak Out – Lead – Make History -8 October 2023

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With another conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Hammas the average citizen is the one who suffers.

I believe a formula that will help solve so many problems in the world is ‘Speak Up – Lead – Make History.’

We can all dig deeper into our lives, step up, and apply the above formula by improving our communication and leadership and making the world better.

Please contact me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

 

NOTES of a NOMAD #190 -100 Years From Now -1 October 2023

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This past week I received an email from a high school student asking me to write a reference for her debate coach application.

Her mother suggested that she include what she wrote when asked about a person who inspired her.

This made me think about my favorite quote about 100 Years From Now

Please contact me with any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #184 -Climate Change -20 August 2023

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I have noticed so many more extreme weather situations in the past few years.

When I was in Australia a few years ago they experienced terrible fires. What happened in Hawaii a few weeks ago was horrendous.
Here in Canada we are in the midst of the worst wildfire season on record impacting so many people.
As the world changes there are more issues requiring us to fix and thus we need to be able to change how we communicate and collaborate to solve the many challenges.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #166 NEPAL -Week Ten -(Inaruwa) -17 April 2023

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It was New Year’s Day in Nepal last week.

So Happy New Year for 2080 according to the Hindu calendar used in Nepal.

Also, since last week was during school vacation I conducted a Summer Camp approach having them at the school in the morning and a road trip some afternoons.

We did journaling, Agora Speakers practices, learning to cook, and four road trips.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #165 -Week Nine -(Damak) -10 April 2023

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This past week, I had an enthusiastic reception in the school and the library that I visited.

Also, the bus ride from Damak to Inaruwa has some dramatic activities which delayed my arrival in Inaruwa.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #164 -NEPAL -Week Eight (Dharan) -1 April 2023

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I spent the past week at the Shree Public School which has 3425 students.

It was the first government-run school as all previous schools were private schools.

I will maintain contact with the English teacher, Buddha Sagar as he appears enthusiastic about the Agora Speakers program.

I received an interesting ‘Token of Love’ from the school.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #163 -NEPAL -Week Seven -(Pokara) -26 March 2023

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I spent this week in Pokhara which is Nepal’s most popular tourist destination and is known for its Himalayan range and lakes, and its adventure activities.

I am not a good tourist. I saw or did none of the above.

I did work in a school and a college and did do a few unexpected things.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #162 -NEPAL -Week Six (Nepalgunj) -19 March 2023

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This past week was spent in Nepalgunj which is close to the border with India.

I had a great time working with about eighty students in the Spring Dell Academy from Grade 5 to Grade 10.

The school principal was very supportive and interested in the Agora Speakers Youth program.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #161 -NEPAL -Week Five (Chitran) -10 March 2023

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After a 13-hour bus ride, I arrived in Chitwan, Nepal on Sunday morning where I worked with the students at Orchid School.

I continue to learn as we progress and enjoy the hospitality of the people of Nepal.

I discuss some of the aspects of Nepal in which I believe implementing Agora Speakers clubs can make a positive contribution.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #160 -NEPAL -Week Four (Surkhet) -3 March 2023

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This week I traveled to the Surkhet area of Nepal and spent the week at the Eager Bridge Secondary School introducing the Agora Speakers Youth programs to some of the students.

The first half of the ride was exciting as I had the same driver, Rabin from the previous fast and furious week. He took me to see the Wall of Death motorcycle/car show at a local fair.

Also, I visited a Hindu/Buddhist temple built in the 12 century that has been restored in 2021 known as Kakrebihar.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD -Where Am I? (Attariya) #159 -24 February 2023

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It was another eventful and exciting week in Nepal.

It started with a 9-hour ‘fast and furious’ car trip sharing the road with dogs, cattle, people, tuk-tuks, tractors pulling trailers, mini-buses of all sizes, large buses and trucks all vying for space.

I had a busy with at Everest Academy in Attariya in western Nepal, very close to the Indian border.

We had a ‘School Show’ inviting neighboring schools to attend and I even visited a Nepali Army base.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #158 -NEPAL-Week Two -17 February 2023

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This week after a ‘bUmPy’ bus ride from Kathmandu to Butwal, I spent a remarkable week at a school.

It is hard to express how enjoyable it was to be in a school dormitory and watch children during the week enjoying their time at school.

Overall, it was an eventful and productive week promoting Agora Speakers Youth programs in this community.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, and suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #157 -NEPAL -Week One -11 February 2023

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My first week in Nepal was outstanding.

I visited four schools and shared information about Agora Speakers youth programs with many other schools that have expressed interest in the programs.

I think this might just be the best week of my life so far!

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES OF A NOMAD #155 -Next Step, Nepal! -27 January 2023

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In a few days’ time, I will be on my way to Nepal via Singapore.

As I will have limited availability to the internet, I will likely only be able to respond to emails and upload some videos until I return to Canada in early May.

Please reach out to me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #153 -An Agorian Week -13 January 2023

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This past week there has been a flurry of activity in Agora Speakers International.

As an Ambassador for Agora Speakers, I attended some meetings and have been in contact with others interested in the organization.

I also have an update about the forthcoming trip to Nepal.

Please reach out to me if you have comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #151 -Youth Testimonials -30 December 2022

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Since I have been working with youth groups since 2004, I thought it would be good to get some testimonials from those involved.

I recently sent out a request and have received a few testimonials which I can share.

The plan is to use them to promote other youth to join a youth group.

Please contact me if you have any comments, questions, or suggestions.

NOTES of a NOMAD #132 -AGORACON 2022 -18 August 2022

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The annual convention of Agora Speakers International, AGORACON 2022, is being held now in August.

This convention is being organized and hosted by the youth groups in India

I am excited as it showcases what the younger generation is capable of doing as they are often underestimated.

If you wish to know more about the convention or have comments, questions, or suggestions, please reach out to me.