Eunice Kennedy Shriver Special Olympics 1970-1990
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Eunice Kennedy Shriver Special Olympics 1970-1990 TM Mobilizing the Human Spirit The Role of Human Services and Civic Engagement in the United States 1900–2000 Foreword “We need to re-mythologize our heroes. Of course, they were only human beings like the rest of us……but they had great gifts and, due to fate or chance or perhaps providence, great currents of human and social energy passed through them.” Jacob Needleman, The American Soul Change began with them; change ordinary people who dedicated their begins with each of us! lives to found or shape significant human Throughout history, noble services organizations and, in the process, th individuals have looked out on their transformed the fabric of 20 century world and seen that more could be done American society. Blending biography to help those in need. Over the last with history, we will trace the legacy of century in America, these like-minded their actions: the growth, impact and individuals found each other, put pen promise of civil society in America. to paper and became the voice of a The public (government), private nation, manifesting that deeply human (corporate), and social (non-profit) impulse to care enough to act. Their sectors in America all impact our zeal, discipline and hard work forever quality of life and our relationships changed this nation’s collective capacity with the rest of the world. The non- to care. profit sector consists of more than 1.4 In telling the stories of their lives million organizations, employing 12 and work, the legacy and impact of million individuals. Operating within their actions, we begin to see the extent this fast-growing sector are health and to which voluntary association – the human services organizations – ranging building of healthy, diverse, inclusive from community groups to national community – lies at the heart of our associations – focused on alleviating need national character. and committed to dignity and equality for all. They include, among many others, The Human Spirit Initiative is a America’s Promise Alliance, Children’s nonprofit organization committed to Defense Fund, Communities in Schools, building greater understanding of the Mental Health America, National Urban impact of health and human services League, Special Olympics and Volunteers on American society. Presented in this of America. monograph and others in this series are stories that inspire one to action – The individuals whose lives we to recognize that we are all part of a celebrate have been memorialized community and accept responsibility for in our nation’s newest monument in the health of that community. These Washington, D.C., The Extra Mile – stories celebrate the contributions of Points of Light Volunteer Pathway. Mobilizing the Human Spirit Dedicated in 2005 to the spirit of service • William Edwin Hall, Boys & Girls in America, the Extra Mile comprises a Clubs of America, 1935-1950 series of bronze medallions forming a one- • Ruth Standish Baldwin & George mile walking path just blocks from the Edmund Haynes, The National White House. These honorees include Urban League, 1950-1980 founders of major service organizations • Eunice Kennedy Shriver, Special and civil rights leaders, individuals who Olympics, 1970-1990 selflessly championed causes to help others realize a better America. Their legacies are • William Milliken, Communities in enduring social movements that continue Schools, Inc., 1980-2000 to engage and inspire us today. These monographs offer a snapshot of These ordinary people combined the demographics, economic conditions a sense of history and responsibility and political climate of the 20th century. with altruism and independence of Each highlights the particular events and spirit. They used their skills as writers, conditions that gave rise to the need and organizers, speakers, agitators and enabled the response, while presenting advisors to spotlight social needs, change common themes and approaches that public opinion, rally forces for positive each of us can follow in our own journey change, and advance legislation. None to make a difference. We will seek to of them knew at the beginning of their discover parallels in today’s world, the work the ultimate legacy and impact legacy of these individuals’ work and, of their actions. They did not act for through the discussion guide, how each self-serving reasons, but many did gain reader can take action to benefit the prominence and influence and lived to common good and strengthen civil see their dreams flourish. society. The stories are written for “everyman” and can easily be adapted The initial seven monographs in this for specific audiences – elementary series will collectively capture the growth and secondary school students, college of health and human services in the undergraduates and educators. United States over the past century, with a focus on social welfare, health services, As you read – and marvel – at the youth development and civil rights. generosity, courage, creativity and tenacity of our “ordinary” heroes, seek to The monographs will spotlight the discover the heroes in the communities life and work of: of your life. Applaud yourself for the • Jane Addams, Hull House, role you play in enabling civil society 1889-1920 to flourish. Ask how and when you can • Clifford Beers, Mental Health enhance that role. Start Today. America, 1908-1935 Kay Horsch • Maud and Ballington Booth, Chairman, The Human Spirit Initiative Volunteers of America, 1890-1935 Mobilizing the Human Spirit Mobilizing the Human Spirit Acknowledgements This monograph was made possible abilities. The meaningful work being through the insight and generosity of done by Special Olympics has captured the following individuals from Special the imagination of people everywhere. Olympics International: Timothy Oral Interviews Shriver, Ph.D., Chairman and CEO; In preparation for this monograph, Loretta Claiborne, Special Olympics oral interviews were conducted with Athlete and Board Member; Thomas executive leadership of organizations Songster, former Staff Special Olympics that have remained faithful to their Vice President; Steven M. Eidelman, mission over time, as well as social Professor, University of Delaware and entrepreneurs whose vision and bold Kennedy Foundation Director; Judy action have contributed to the growth Engelberg, Archivist; Peter Wheeler, of our great third sector – the non-profit Chief Strategic Properties Officer; Helen social sector. These leaders have acted to MacNabb, Vice President, Strategic ensure the vibrancy and effectiveness of Properties. the social sector as it continues to offer We also wish to acknowledge hope and helps rebuild trust throughout the support of the following Special the world. The interviews added Olympics International interns: Michael significantly to our understanding of the Larussa, Georgetown University graduate impulses, opportunities and obstacles student; Jeremiah Morrow, Georgetown facing volunteers and staff at the end of University graduate student; Katie the 20th Century, serving as a bridge to Rayford, Tulane University student; the future. We are most grateful to: Kelly Bies, Duke University student. • Daniel Cardinali, President, Anne Nixon authored the narrative, Communities in Schools a significant feat in turning historical • Joe Haggerty, Chief Operating data into an inspirational tool for our Officer, United Way Worldwide readers. With this monograph, we move through the last third of the • Frances Hesselbein, Founder 20th century to study the conditions and Chairman, Leader to Leader and events which drove individuals Institute; Past CEO, Girl Scouts of who were concerned about social the USA change and justice to realize there • Irv Katz, President and CEO, was strength in numbers. We explore National Human Services Assembly the theme of advancing dignity and • Marguerite Kondracke, President promoting equality and opportunity for and CEO, America’s Promise all, regardless of physical or intellectual Alliance v Mobilizing the Human Spirit • Neil Nicoll, Chief Executive Officer, is a gift to the human spirit: YMCA of the USA • Michael Heron, President, HerCo • Les Silverman, Director Emeritus, LTD, Atlanta, GA McKinsey & Company • Frances Hesselbein, Founder • Kala Stroup, President of American and Chairman, Leader to Leader Humanics 2002-2009 Institute, New York, NY Editorial Team • Kay Horsch, Founder and Chairman, Frances Hesselbein, Mike Heron and The Human Spirit Initiative, John Johansen, members of the Human Minneapolis, MN Spirit Initiative Board of Directors, • John Johansen, Founder, Extra Mile – served as our Editorial Review Team. Points of Light Volunteer Pathway, Their valued insights and counsel helped Frederick, MD to shape both form and context for • Irv Katz, President and CEO, the entire series. They were joined by National Human Services Assembly, Nancy Lambert and Dee Fagerlie, our Washington, DC pro bono Research Associates. Together • Seymour H. Levitt, M.D., Professor, they created the balance between Radiation Oncology, University inspiration and education within of Minnesota Medical School, the content and assured accuracy of Minneapolis., MN content and language. Mike Heron has directed our monograph project since its • John R. Seffrin, PhD, CEO, American inception. Marcia Morante, the Human Cancer Society, Atlanta, GA Spirit Initiative Director, Research, • Iain Somerville, President and CEO, co-authored the Appendix documents Somerville & Associates., offering content management and