Family and Consumer Sciences will present Kelsey Timmerman, who explores globalization and the everyday items people often take for granted, at 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, September 27, in room 138 of Schroeder Hall. His talk “Common Threads: A Global Search for Community” is co-sponsored by the Fell Trust, College of Applied Science and Technology, and department of agriculture.
Timmerman is the New York Times bestselling author of WHERE AM I WEARING? A Global Tour to the Countries, Factories, and People That Make Our Clothes and WHERE AM I EATING? An Adventure Through the Global Food Economy. Similar to the topics of his books, Timmerman’s talk will focus on the realities of the global food and clothing industries that support an ‘all-American’ way of life.
With his life’s work dedicated to addressing global issues through storytelling, Timmerman has traveled the world and told the stories of the people he meets. He is able to educate his readers and initiate dialogue about Americans’ responsibilities as local and global citizens. His writing has appeared in places such as the Christian Science Monitor and has aired on NPR. Timmerman is also the co-founder of the Facing Project, which seeks to connect people through stories to strengthen community.
An acclaimed public speaker, Timmerman has lectured on travel and globalization around the world. He is particularly passionate about educating students through humor and storytelling, and encourages them to think globally and act locally. Timmerman is a frequent keynote speaker at universities, high schools, and conferences and has spoken to over 150 schools across the country. He brings the world to students, and empowers students to think globally and act locally, engages them with their education and the world, and helps students see where they fit in as doers, learners, consumers, volunteers, and ‘glocals’ (local and global citizens).
The talk is part of the Illinois State University Speaker Series. The series seeks to bring innovative and enlightening speakers to the campus with the aim of providing the community with a platform to foster dialogue, cultivate enriching ideas, and continue an appreciation of learning as an active and lifelong process. All talks are free and open to the public.
