International author Chuck Collins will speak about tackling inequality at a public forum next Monday.

Mr Collins has been brought to the island by the Bermuda Community Foundation to meet with economists, bankers and philanthropists, as well as experts in the public, private and non-profit sectors.

Myra Virgil, chief executive of BCF, said: “We invited him to help inform us on a pressing topic for Bermuda at the moment — how to negotiate the wealth gap, poverty and social welfare.

“Chuck’s message is relevant to the community discussion on the topic right now and we’re delighted he was able to come.”

The event on Monday, at Heritage Worship Centre on Dundonald Street from 5.30pm, is titled “Tackling Inequality and the Case for Community Philanthropy”, and will also feature a performance from the Dynamic Debaters and Learners.

Mr Collins’s book, Born on Third Base: A One Percenter Makes the Case for Tackling Inequality, Bringing Wealth Home, and Committing to the Common Good examines the subject of inequality. He was born into a family of wealth and privilege — but gave away his inheritance at the age of 26. He spent the next three decades mobilising against inequality and, according to a press releaser, uses his perspective from both sides to deliver a new narrative on the topic.

Over the course of his visit, the BCF and Mr Collins will also cohost a breakfast meeting with the Bermuda Chamber of Commerce, a lunch with members of the Young Presidents’ Association and a reception for BCF supporters and donors.

The visit will end with a convening of field experts in economics, poverty and policy development working in the government, non-profit and private sectors.

It will serve as a precursor to BCF’s upcoming Vital Conversations, a new programme coming out of the recently released 2017 Bermuda Vital Signs Report. Vital Signs is a method of measuring quality of life in the community with a view to targeting areas of greatest need.

Dr Virgil said: “Part of the BCF’s role is to build community knowledge on relevant topics. Income inequality, poverty and social welfare are major topical issues in Bermuda today.

“Bringing Chuck here will help us inform our discussions with a view to moving towards some solutions.”

For more information, visit www.bcf.bm.