2004: Author, Activism Scholar Loeb To Speak At Muhlenberg

Author, Activism Scholar Loeb To Speak At Muhlenberg

Monday, March 8, 2004 09:41 AM

Paul Rogat Loeb, author of "Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time," will discuss community involvement in a public talk at Muhlenberg College, Monday, March 22, 7:30 p.m., Miller Forum, Moyer Hall. Admission is free. Loeb appears as the College's 2004 RJ Fellowship Symposium lecturer.

Loeb's talk will explore how ordinary citizens - particularly students - can make their voices heard and actions count in a time when we're told neither matter. Challenging images of a generation universally perceived as apathetic and greedy, Loeb explores the struggle of current students to find their voice in a challenging world. He looks at how ordinary citizens of all ages learn to take committed stands. He describes how people get involved in larger community issues and what stops them from getting involved; how they burn out in exhaustion or maintain commitment for the long haul; how involvement can give a rare sense of connection and purpose. He challenges us all to help create a better world.

The author of four books on community activism, Loeb has spent 25 years researching and writing about citizen responsibility and empowerment - asking what makes some people choose lives of social commitment, while others abstain. An associated scholar at Seattle's Center for Ethical Leadership, Loeb attended Stanford University and the New School for Social Research. His lectures have earned enthusiastic responses at over 200 colleges and universities, and he has keynoted numerous conferences including the National Education Association, American Society on Aging, national environmental conferences and a national summit of college presidents.