Author Paul Rogat Loeb will bring his recipe for social activism to UB and Buffalo April 5-7 at the invitation of the UB Green Office.

The author of "Soul of a Citizen: Living with Conviction in a Cynical Time"-the blueprint for how ordinary citizens can make their voices heard and their actions count-Loeb will hold several workshops for UB faculty, staff and students, as well as members of the public during his three-day residency.

Loeb's visit is important because it brings home the message that it's vital that all members of the community participate in the process, says Walter Simpson, UB energy officer and director of the UB Green Office in University Facilities.

"For many people, citizenship has become just an abstraction, a topic last heard about in a junior high school civics class. While most people care privately about society, there is a giant disconnect," Simpson says. "We disengage from the public sphere. Fewer and fewer people vote. And far fewer find a place in their lives for social advocacy and engaged citizenship. This lack of public participation is not good for democracy and the future of our country," he notes.

"Paul Loeb's message in an antidote to this withdrawal from public life. He speaks of hope and inspiration by sharing stories of ordinary people who stepped up to the plate, overcame cynicism and other barriers to action, and made a difference."

"We can all make a difference in our communities and here at UB," Simpson points out. "Just imagine the improvements we would see at the university and in our contributions to the wider community if more of us found our voice and a way to participate."

Loeb will begin his visit to Buffalo on April 5 with several appearances on the North Campus that will be free and open to all members of the campus community. They are:

• A presentation on "Making a Difference on Campus and in the Community" at 8:30 a.m. in the Student Union Theatre. The presentation, an expanded Service Excellence Assembly, is co-sponsored by University Services, the Faculty Senate, the Professional Staff Senate, the Office of the Vice President for Public Service and Urban Affairs, and the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs.

• "Teaching for Social Involvement and Citizenship-A Faculty Workshop" at 3 p.m. in 280 Park Hall. The workshop is co-sponsored by the Environment and Society Institute and the Faculty Senate.

• "Community Service and Social Change-A Student Leadership Forum" at 5 p.m. in 33 Student Union. The forum is co-sponsored by Student Affairs.

Loeb will continue his visit April 6 with a lecture at 8 p.m. in Allen Hall on the South 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.

The event also will feature a panel discussion-in which Loeb will participate-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.

Loeb will conclude his appearances in the Buffalo area by leading 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.

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 several widely praised books, as well as articles for such publications as The New York Times and Utne Reader, and has lectured at more than 200 colleges and universities.