Fifty Years in Public Causes: Stories from a Road Less Traveled

O'Connell, Brian

ISBN 10: 1584654767 / ISBN 13: 9781584654766

Published by Tufts University Press, Medford, MA, 2005

About this Item

xii, 228 p. Publisher's ephemera laid in. Notes. References. List oSelected Other Brian O'Connell writings. Index. In this extraordinary memoir, Brian O'Connell traces a lifetime of encouraging citizen participation and influence beginning at the local level and extending to national and international crusades. O'Connell worked with the American Heart Association in its earliest efforts to reduce death and disability from heart attack and stroke, spent twelve years as national head of the Mental Health Association during major breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of depression, and was on the ground floor of the founding of CIVICUS: World Alliance for Civic Participation. In 1980 he and John Gardner launched Independent Sector, where O'Connell served for 15 years as president and CEO of a vast coalition devoted to strengthening voluntary initiative, philanthropy and civic action. A prolific author, beloved teacher and activist, Brian O'Connell imparts to readers the priceless lessons he gleaned during a lifetime of third-sector experience. These gird his essential and heartfelt mandate to his "successors" in public service: Take pride in America's legacy of voluntary participation and generosity, fortify the volunteer sector, preserve the independence of non-profit organizations, redress the lack of citizen participation in American democracy and, above all, pass these values on to future generations in America and around the globe. Brian O'Connell's reflections celebrate voluntary action and provide practical advice on ensuring its growth and impact in the years ahead. Very good in very good dust jacket. Signed by author. Signed bookplate.

Seller Inventory # 64970

Bibliographic Details

• Title: Fifty Years in Public Causes: Stories from a Road Less Traveled
• Publisher: Tufts University Press, Medford, MA
• Publication Date: 2005
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1584654767
• ISBN 13: 9781584654766
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: First edition. First printing [stated].
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

In this extraordinary memoir, Brian O'Connell traces a lifetime of encouraging citizen participation and influence beginning at the local level and extending to national and international crusades. O'Connell worked with the American Heart Association in its earliest efforts to reduce death and disability from heart attack and stroke, spent twelve years as national head of the Mental Health Association during major breakthroughs in the understanding and treatment of depression, and was on the ground floor of the founding of CIVICUS: World Alliance for Civic Participation. In 1980 he and John Gardner launched Independent Sector, where O'Connell served for 15 years as president and CEO of a vast coalition devoted to strengthening voluntary initiative, philanthropy and civic action. A prolific author, beloved teacher and activist, Brian O'Connell imparts to readers the priceless lessons he gleaned during a lifetime of third-sector experience. These gird his essential and heartfelt mandate to his "successors" in public service: Take pride in America's legacy of voluntary participation and generosity, fortify the volunteer sector, preserve the independence of non-profit organizations, redress the lack of citizen participation in American democracy and, above all, pass these values on to future generations in America and around the globe. Brian O'Connell's reflections celebrate voluntary action and provide practical advice on ensuring its growth and impact in the years ahead.

About the Author

Brian O'Connell is a founder of and professor at University College of Citizenship and Public Service at Tufts University, and is the author of fourteen books, including Civil Society: The Underpinnings of American Democracy (UPNE, 1999); Voices from the Heart: In Celebration of America's Volunteers (1998); Powered by Coalition (1997); People Power (1994); Volunteers in Action (1989); Philanthropy in Action (1987); and America's Voluntary Spirit (1983).