A birthday celebration and fundraiser kick-off is planned for 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday in Babylon restaurant, downtown Grand Forks, to increase programming by the UND-based organization that sponsors the "Why? Radio" show on Prairie Public Radio.
It would take $10,000 in new funds to continue the Institute for Philosophy in Pubic Life, said Jack Russell Weinstein, host of the monthly "Why? Radio" show.
But Weinstein, the founder and director of IPPL and a professor of philosophy at UND, has more ambitious goals for IPPL than simply surviving and/or continuing its signature radio show.
If $15,000 could be raised, Weinstein said, it would sustain "Why? Radio" and a digital IPPL and fund some statewide advertising expansion. For $25,000, IPPL could fund all that and resume its monthly Art & Democracy Film Series, which it had to drop in 2010 because it could not longer afford the rent at Empire Arts Center.
For $35,000, IPPL could fund all of the above plus a modest visiting fellows program. For $50,000, it could do all that and add part-time administrative support. And for $70,000, IPPL could fund all of the above and physical publication of a "Why?" magazine, Weinstein believes.
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The "Why? Radio" show recently marked it's third anniversary of programs that featured interviews with a Nobel Laureate, economists and philosophers, professors of law and ethics, sociologists and authors from institutons such as Harvard University and the University of Chicago.
Weinstein's guests also included regional favorites such as Clay Jenkinson, host of Prairie Public's "Thomas Jefferson Hour," and Paul Sum, UND professor of political science and public administration.
Weinstein would like to raise money to continue to offer radio shows and other programs to encourage discussions of philosophy in everyday life, offering all events free of charge to the general public.
"UND is really committed to community-based programs and having a state wide presence, and IPPL takes that very seriously," Weinstein said. "Our purpose is to bring this conversation out of Grand Forks and into the world."
Sunday's fundraiser kick-off at Babylon, 108 N. Third St., will feature free food and drink for all who attend. Children are welcome too.
"The goal is to formally announce the fundraising campaign but also for listeners (of 'Why? Radio') -- and others who are interested -- to get together and chat and get to know one another," Weinstein said.
Weinstein said he'll give a short presentation about plans for IPPL and have a fact sheet that lists fundraising goals. Weinstein said he's also eager for people to try the food at Babylon, a family-owned business that serves Middle Eastern cuisine.
People who can't attend the kick-off Sunday can go to www.philosophyinpubliclife.org to learn more about IPPL and to give money to its programming.
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In the first three years of its existence, IPPL operated on a budget of $39,000, Weinstein said. This year, it is operating on a $10,000 allocation from the UND Office of Research and Economic Development. No further funding is, as of yet, available. If IPPL cannot raise money, it will cease to operate, although "Why? Radio" has been funded through December 2012, he said.
UND contributes 38 cents for every $1 IPPL raises. This pays for rent, administrative costs, digital facilities, electricity and publicity. UND allocates 20 percent of Weinstein's time to directing IPPL and creating "Why? Radio." More time will be allocated as the budget is increased.
Prairie Public contributes $8,500 in resources for each season of "Why? Radio." This includes access to the recording studio, airtime, publicity and engineering costs.
"We estimate that 90 percent of your donation will go directly to programming," Weinstein said.
For more information, contact Weinstein at jack.weinstein@email.und.edu or call (701) 777-2887.
Reach Tobin at (701) 780-1134; (800) 477-6572, ext. 134; or send e-mail to ptobin@gfherald.com .
