MUNCIE, Ind. - Welfare for the few equals well-being for the many, a visiting professor at Ball State University says.

Jean Bauer, professor of family social science at the University of Minnesota, is currently an Emens Distinguished Professor in Ball State’s Department of Family and Consumer Sciences.

Bauer gives a public lecture at 7 p.m. Feb. 28 in Ball State’s Alumni Center on "Understanding and Influencing Public Policy That Affects the Well-Being of Families."

She has studied welfare reform for the past five years and has worked with Congress and with community groups in Minnesota on issues related to welfare reform.

Policies that strengthen families will ultimately strengthen society, Bauer said.

"It’s not a matter of ‘we’ versus ‘they’ but of ‘us.’" she said. "Often society speaks of policy as being for ‘those’ folks, but ‘those’ folks are part of the society where we all live."

Bauer hopes her visit to Ball State will create awareness of policy issues and empower both current and future professionals.

"I want them to look at things and ask questions, raise issues and challenge current policies," she said. "Maybe they will become inspired to become advocates and say ‘this must be changed.’"

While at Ball State, Bauer is teaching a seminar on family economics and public policy. Her goal is to have students understand about families and links to society.

"The biggest thing is to make students open their eyes and be aware that policy is all around them," she said. "The next time they hear something in the news, they’ll pay more attention."

By Tony Barker, Communications Manager