Wyatt Smith
Features Editor
On Monday, Sept. 30, political activist and writer Paul Loeb will be speaking at 8 p.m. in McGaw Chapel. He will discuss the importance of civic and political engagement, especially among college students.
Loeb is the author of several books, the most recent being “Soul of a Citizen,” a guide for how ordinary citizens can effect change. He currently lectures regularly and runs the Campus Election Engagement Project, which works to increase political engagement on college campuses. Loeb got his start as an activist while in college, protesting against the Vietnam War.
“[The talk] will give students either a different perspective or a different idea of how they can take things that they care about, maybe on a small level right now, and how to turn that into activism on a larger scale,” said Andrea Patton ’14, who helped to organize the event.
Before his evening talk, which will be open to both the campus community and the general public, Loeb will teach two workshops, one for students and one for faculty and staff. Select student leaders from a variety of campus organizations — including student government, the Wooster Volunteer Network, the Black Students Association and a range of political groups — were invited to attend the exclusive student workshop, where they will learn how to engage their fellow students in civic and political matters, especially elections.
In the faculty and staff workshop, Loeb will teach the participants how best to foster activism and social responsibility among the student body.
“I think most faculty can talk about social issues in the classroom, and that’s great,” said Associate Professor of Sociology and Anthropology Thomas Tierney, “but many of us struggle finding ways to take those discussions out into the community.” Tierney is also the College’s program director of Project Pericles, a nationwide initiative that aims to increase collegiate civic engagement, which is helping to sponsor Loeb’s visit.
Loeb will also host a book signing in the lobby of Freedlander Theater following his lecture.
The idea to bring Loeb to campus started with Professor of Communication Denise Bostdorff, due to their shared enthusiasm for political engagement. Unfortunately, Loeb’s visit coincides with Bostdorff’s research leave, so Associate Professor of Political Science Angela Bos stepped in to organize the particulars of the event.
Among Bos’ responsibilities were finding sponsors and publicizing the talk. She has been aided by Patton and Daniel Cohen ’14, who had both previously demonstrated their commitment to political engagement by spearheading campus voter registration efforts, especially prior to the 2012 general election.
Even though Bos is the faculty advisor for the College Democrats and Patton is its president, Loeb’s visit is non-partisan.
“This is not something we’re doing as Democrats,” said Patton. “We want everyone to come.”
”I think [all students will] benefit from going, no matter whether their interests are in LGBT issues, globalization issues, whatever,” Tierney agreed. “He’s the kind of speaker who can help people find ways to act on their values.”