We urgently need a new education paradigm.

Many of us are staring in horror, dropping our jaws and wringing our hands at the shocking reel of current events that play before us every day. Wildfires engulfing entire continents. Warmongering, domestic terrorism, lockdown drills, #metoo. I'm not a doomsayer by any means; but I am a student of society, and I know our best hope at personal wellbeing and social transformation is to pay attention and get involved. But what should we pay attention to? What deserves our trust in an era defined by information wars and fake news?

In this moment, we all need a crash course in critical literacy.

High levels of critical illiteracy make us vulnerable to (mis)information, overwhelm, and paralysis. We are left wondering what's true and what's trustoworthy. We desperately need accessible, continuous education to equip us with new tools of thought for changing times and empower us to change our lives and communities for the better. But how do we get that once our formal schooling has ended?

Onward Ed is an online learning series to equip and empower you.

Designed to introduce you to the foundations of critical theory and philosophy, you will develop essential processes of thought to better understand and respond to the world around you and your very own lives. The first course in the series is Making Sense: Thinking Critically - Acting Justly. It is designed to engage you in a critical study of society that challenges taken for granted assumptions, perceptions, notions and beliefs. Onward Ed will equip you with new intellectual skills to engage, interpret, and respond to current events, politics, economics, and culture.

Class Begins January 20, 2020

A welcome and invitation to Onward Ed with founder and professor

Dr. Laura Kalmes


Laura will discuss each week's material by weaving in commentary on the absurd, comical, and relatable elements of our lives to theories and concepts presented in the course. She will draw on extensive academic expertise, current events analysis, and pop knowledge to offer a entirely fresh and unique take on learning.

Learning happens best in conversation and community, which is why each course includes a live virtual classroom conversation. We only retain a small fraction of what is told to us, but we have highlevels of information retention and thought growth in meaningful dialogue with each other. The course includes conversation that builds greater confidence in our comprehension and connection with each other.


Some of you will want a little more content to study. (You know who you are.) I have curated a large repository of resources that range from film and documentaries to podcasts, music, tv, books, poems, plays, etc to extend and apply new material each week.


Do you just yearn for meaningful discussion that doesn't troll, demean, accuse, or abuse? Do you want a place to practice using new ways of thinking and speaking about charged issues? The online discussion forum is a safe and supportive space to ask questions or share thoughts you may be afraid to say elsewhere.


Confronting the world as-it-is can be a deeply challenging thing. A powerful antidote to feelings of helplessness, sorrow, anger is to get involved! Each week, we will explore concrete ways to get involved in outreach and activism that aligns with your level of comfort and passion. It will be empowering for you and beneficial for your community, country, and world.