Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Remembering Our Roots


Community Action has lost its father. Last week, the world mourned the loss of R. Sargent Shriver, Jr. at the age of 95. Mr. Shriver was a distinguished public servant and a visionary leader whose work laid the foundation for the Community Action movement as we know it today.

As Director of the Office of Economic Opportunity in the Johnson Administration in the mid-1960s, Shriver developed a multi-faceted “War on Poverty” designed to transform the economic and social roots of the conflict over civil rights in America. Like the Peace Corps, the programs of the War on Poverty - including Head Start, Job Corps, VISTA, Community Action Program, Legal Services to the Poor, and Foster Grandparents - continue to serve Americans today.

This man serves as an inspiration for those everywhere who wish to make a difference in the world. This quote pretty much sums up his work:

"It is not what you get out of life that counts. It's what you give and what is given from the heart."

More than anything his death serves as a reminder of the importance of giving back. I hope you will do the same!

You can read more about his Community Action legacy here.

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