Bigger Ideas Event: Bill McKibben

What: Author appearance and panel discussion

When: Saturday, March 15, 2pm to 5pm

Where: Basile Auditorium, Herron School of Art & Design, 735 W. New York, Indianapolis. (For Directions)

Questions: Call Pat Coyle at 317-332-7878 or send me a message through Smaller Indiana.

Why: I found the book, "Deep Economy, the Wealth of Communities and the Durable Future" by accident, or so I thought, as I was perusing the bookshelves in an airport gift shop on my way back to Indy. Little did I know that I would find in this book not just something to pass the time as I traveled, but a piece of work that opened my eyes to a new way of looking at the world.

Actually, McKibben's ideas aren't new. They're a bit like throwbacks. But his emphasis on commmunity, his urgings to eliminate compromise and his even-handed treatment on typically polarizing issues impacted me, well, deeply. So much so that he was my first choice to be the first speaker for the "Smaller Indiana, Big Ideas Series." At least I hope it will be a "series" because there are a lot more big ideas out there in the world.

The event is sponsored by the Central Indiniana Community Foundation and 92.3 FM WTTS will occur on the afternoon of March 15 with Mr. McKibben speaking followed by a panel discussion and a book signing / reception. Please join this group if you'd like to be kept informed about this event. The event will start at 2pm and go until approx 5pm a the Herron School of Art & Design in Indianapolis.

Admission to this event will be free of charge, but seating is limited to the first 200 people who join this group.

Our panel includes:

Brian Payne, CEO of the Central Indiana Community Foundation.

Mark Miles, President and CEO of the Central Indiana Community Partnership.

Pam Blevins Hinkle

Bernard Munos, MBA, Ph.D. Advisor in corporate strategy at Eli Lilly and Co.

Dr. Garrett Higbee is the founder and Executive Director of Twelve Stones Ministries, Inc.

Kristian Andersen, President, Kristian Andersen & Assoc.

Debbie Apple, Organic Farmer, Apple Family Farm

John Ketzenberger, Business Columnist, Indianapolis Star

Jeff Sparks, Truly Moving Pictures

Special thanks to Kristian Anderson, Doug Karr and John Blue who have supported this event with their time, talents and treasures.

Lorraine Ball

My hope is that this group will inspire a level headed, constructive dialogue about the themes presented in McKibben's books. Guests at the event will be well served to read "Deep Economy" prior to the event so that we all can participate to this important discussion.