(WASHINGTON, June 7, 2010)—Independent Sector will honor General Colin and Alma Powell with the 2010 John W. Gardner Leadership Award in recognition of their tireless commitment to young people, service, and advancing the common good. The award will be presented at the 2010 Independent Sector Annual Conference in Atlanta, October 20-22.
In drawing attention to the needs of our most vulnerable children, and in promoting greater opportunity for America’s youth, the Powells have not only recognized the importance of investing in our future, but have mobilized varied resources that can meet critical needs. Powerful voices for volunteerism and concern for their fellow citizens, they have inspired countless Americans. Their advocacy for and their engagement in the work of the nonprofit community have empowered others to strengthen our society.
One of their most significant contributions is America’s Promise Alliance, a cross-sector partnership of more than 400 corporations, nonprofits, faith-based organizations, and advocacy groups that share a passion for improving lives and changing outcomes for children and youth. The Alliance was born out of the 1997 Presidents’ Summit for America’s Future, organized by General Powell and President Clinton.
The Alliance has since become the nation’s largest partnership network dedicated to improving the lives of America’s youth. Through its work raising awareness of the challenges facing young people, supporting communities, and engaging in nonpartisan advocacy, the Alliance seeks to ensure all children and young adults experience more
of the Five Promises. The founding principles of the Alliance, the Five Promises are those essential health, academic, and life resources all youth need to succeed: caring adults; safe places; a healthy start; an effective education; and opportunities to help others. General Powell was the Alliance’s founding chair, and Mrs. Powell has served as chair since 2004.
“Building a national coalition requires commitment and resources, and the Powells have delivered both,” said Brian A. Gallagher, president and CEO of United Way Worldwide and chair of Independent Sector. “In an initiative like America’s Promise Alliance, they’ve already brought together 30,000 leaders across America who have signed on to the principles of the Alliance -- mayors, teachers, business leaders, doctors, and parents alike -- an unprecedented movement that has put real, workable solutions on the table.”
Born in the South Bronx, the son of Jamaican immigrants, General Powell has been dedicated to reaching out to and mentoring children confronted with barriers to success. The Five Promises embraced by the Alliance reflect his desire to put opportunity within reach of everyone growing up in America. His commitment to these values also appears through his distinguished leadership over the years on the boards of the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Howard University, and the United Negro College Fund. He is the founder of the Colin Powell Center for Policy Studies at his alma mater, the City College of New York.
Mrs. Powell has been recognized for her service-related work in both the nonprofit and military communities. She chairs the Advisory Board for Civic Change Inc, serves on the YouthBuild USA Advisory Board, and from 1989 to 2000 she was chair of the National Council of the Best Friends Foundation, an organization dedicated to improving the lives of young girls. She is also the author of two children’s books: My Little Wagon and America’s Promise, the latter of which demonstrates for young readers the real world applications of the Alliance’s Five Promises.
“Our sector has been strengthened by the leadership, vision, and commitment of General Powell and Mrs. Powell,” said Diana Aviv, president and CEO of Independent Sector. “Working with and through nonprofit organizations, they are champions not only for our children, but also for our nation, inspiring all of us to share our time, talents, and resources to build stronger communities, and, in turn, a stronger democracy.”
The award is named after John Gardner, the founding chair of Independent Sector. An advisor to six presidents and recipient of the Presidential Medal of Freedom, Mr. Gardner was an active and distinguished participant in America’s educational, philanthropic, and political life, and his many achievements demonstrate the ideals this award celebrates. The award is generously supported by the William Randolph Hearst Foundations and includes a replica of an original bust of John Gardner by the late sculptor Frederick Hart. To learn more about the John W. Gardner Award, visit:
www.independentsector.org/Gardner_Leadership_Award
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Independent Sector is a nonprofit, nonpartisan coalition of approximately 550 charities, foundations, and corporate giving programs, collectively representing tens of thousands of charitable groups in every state across the nation. Its mission is to advance the common good by leading, strengthening, and mobilizing the nonprofit and philanthropic community.
