Author Paul Loeb to deliver keynote at Middlebury College Civic Engagement Forum March 13

MIDDLEBURY, Vt. ? Paul Loeb, author of the books “Soul of A Citizen: Living With Conviction in a Cynical Time” and “The Impossible Will Take A Little While,” will give the keynote talk at Middlebury College’s 5th Annual Civic Engagement Forum on Thursday, March 13, at 4:30 p.m.  The event, which is free and open to the public, will take place in Mead Chapel, located on Hepburn Road, off College Street (Route 125).

Loeb has spent over thirty years researching and writing about citizen responsibility and empowerment - asking what makes some people choose lives of social commitment while others abstain. In his books, he explores how people can act on their deepest beliefs and make a difference, despite all the obstacles. Loeb describes what gets people - especially students - involved in working for change; how community involvement can give us a powerful sense of connection and purpose, nurturing hope in a time of fear; and how we can avoid burning out in exhaustion over the long term.

Loeb has written for a range of publications including the New York Times, Washington Post, USA Today, Los Angeles Times, Boston Globe, Psychology Today, Christian Science Monitor, Chronicle of Higher Education, The Nation and Utne Reader. An Affiliate Scholar at Seattle’s Center for Ethical Leadership, Loeb has done more than 1,000 television and radio interviews, including nationwide appearances on NBC, CNN, PBS, Fox, C-Span, National Public Radio, the BBC, and ABC, NBC, and CBS radio networks.

The annual Civic Engagement Forum brings together students, staff, faculty and community members for thought-provoking dialogue on civic engagement, activism and social change. Loeb’s talk is sponsored by Middlebury College’s Alliance for Civic Engagement, People of Addison County Together (PACT) and United Way of Addison County. It is co-sponsored by the college’s office of Campus Activities and Leadership (CCAL), the Charles P. Scott Center for Spiritual and Religious Life, and Wonnacott Commons.

For more information, contact Ashley Calkins at 802-443-3099 or email jcalkins@middlebury.edu.