Social Activist, Author Paul Loeb to Speak at UB April 6

BUFFALO, N.Y. -- Author Paul Loeb will bring his recipe for social activism to Buffalo April 5-7 at the invitation of the University at Buffalo's UB Green Office.

The author of "Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time," Loeb will speak at 8 p.m. April 6 in Allen Hall on the UB South (Main Street) Campus. The lecture, which will be free of charge and open to the public, also will be broadcast live on WBFO 88.7 FM, UB's National Public Radio affiliate.

In addition to his lecture, Loeb will participate in a panel discussion focusing on the challenges faced by the Buffalo region and how those challenges can be met by citizen involvement.

Other panelists will be Valeria Cray-Dihaan, founder of "50 Women with a Vision," a citizen group dedicated to revitalizing Buffalo's East Side; Kevin Gaughan, local attorney and nationally recognized proponent of regionalism, government collaboration and community renewal; Judy Robinson, director of the Western New York Citizens' Environmental Coalition, and Walter Simpson, UB energy officer, environmental educator and activist.

While in Buffalo, Loeb also will lead a day-long workshop for citizen activists. "Creating and Sustaining the Vision: Effective Citizen Advocacy as a Life Calling," will be held from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 7 in Amherst Community Church, 77 Washington Highway, Amherst. The cost of the workshop, sponsored by the UB Green Office, will be $5. Space is limited. To register or for more information, call 829-3535 or email mfay@facilities.buffalo.edu.

Loeb will begin his visit to Buffalo on April 5 with several activities at UB, including meetings with students and faculty and professional staff members.

An associated scholar at Seattle's Center for Ethical Leadership, Loeb has spent 30 years researching and writing about citizen responsibility and empowerment. He has written four widely praised books, lectured at more than 200 colleges and universities around the country and delivered addresses at numerous national conferences.