O'BANNON DIRECTS 'PEACE HOUSE'

"Understanding always comes before problem-solving. This is the key to true community. Service becomes an expression of purpose."

- Judy O'Bannon

Judy O’Bannon has spent much of her life supporting and promoting efforts to strengthen Indiana communities. She's still on the road sharing with Hoosier friends and made a stop in Hagerstown, Indiana on Wednesday night where, having been inspired by numerous speeches she has given, I was finally able to meet her.

As the chair of the 25-member Indiana 2016 Task Force, she encourages Hoosiers to set the state’s 200 th birthday in 2016 as a target for long-term goals and to become more involved in their communities in the years leading up to the bicentennial.

Additionally, as host of the WFYI-produced television series Communities Building Community, Judy helps bring attention to the many ways Hoosiers throughout the state are strengthening their communities. The show began airing statewide on PBS stations in spring 2003, and a second season is currently in production to be premiered in Summer 2004.

In early 2004, Judy accepted a position as director of external affairs for Peace House, a collaborative effort between Earlham, Goshen, and Manchester colleges. Peace House, part of the larger Plowshares collaborative, will house students in Indianapolis for a semester of their college experience. Here they will study peace and justice by combining academics and an internship—with a group experience of living in and exploring the diverse city of Indianapolis.