Points of Light Volunteer Pathway – Washington, DC
Near the White House is a pathway of prominent Americans who volunteered for the betterment of their fellow citizens. The project was made possible by a grant from The Washington Times.
Jane Addams
In 1889, with Ellen Gates Starr, Jane Addams founded Hull House in Chicago, one of the nation’s first settlement houses. Hull House served as a community center for the poor and its success helped lead to the creation of hundreds of similar organizations in communities across the country. An active reformer throughout her career, Jane Addams was a leader in the woman’s suffrage and pacifist movements and a recipient of the 1931 Nobel Peace Prize.
“Nothing could be worse than the fear that one had given up too soon, and left one unexpended effort that might have saved the world.” – Jane Addams
Susan B. Anthony
Blessed with an industrious and self-disciplined spirit, Susan B. Anthony persevered through the prejudice and culture of her time to emerge as the architect of a movement which secured the passage of the 19th amendment that gave women the right to vote. Her belief that U.S. citizenry entitled everyone to the same rights under the Constitution formed her platform for lifelong activism.
“Cautious, careful people, always casting about to preserve their reputation and social standing, never can bring about a reform. Those who are really in earnest must be willing to be anything or nothing in the world’s estimation.” – Susan B. Anthony
Dorothea Dix
Inspired by her social conscience, Dorothea Dix launched a self-financed career aimed at improving the lives of the mentally ill. Her crusade to document squalid institutional living conditions and inhumane treatment built public awareness and redefined political thought, leading to more benevolent treatment practices.
“I encounter nothing which a determined will, created by the necessities of the cause I advocate, does not enable me to vanquish.” – Dorothea Dix
W.E.B. DuBois and Mary White Ovington
In 1909, W.E.B. DuBois, a leading sportsman in the campaign for racial equality, joined Mary White Ovington, Moorfield Storey, William English Walling, John Milholland, Oswald Garrison Villard, Frances Blascoer and 54 other prominent Americans as founding officers of the NAACP. Both Ovington and Dubois served in crucial roles at the NAACP for decades, helping guide its policies and programs.
“I believe that all men, black and brown and white, are brothers, varying in time and opportunity, in form and gift and feature, but differing in no essential particular, and alike in soul and the possibility of infinite development.” – W.E.B. DuBois
Luther and Charlotte Gulick
Founded Camp Fire in 1910 as America’s first nonsectarian, interracial organization for girls, with boys joining in 1976. The organization provided opportunities for real-life lessons in seven areas key to successful childhood and adulthood: seeking beauty, giving service, pursuing knowledge, being trustworthy, holding onto health, glorifying work, and being happy.
“The primary purpose of Camp Fire is to promote service to others, team work, and opportunities for a well-rounded life – a vivid, intense life of joy and service.” – Dr. Luther Halsey Gulick
Harriet Tubman
Harriet Tubman escaped a life of slavery only to return south, at her own peril, time and again, to lead more than 300 fugitive slaves through the underground railroad to safety and freedom. After the Civil War, Tubman raised money to clothe and educate newly freed African American children and established a home for aged and indigent African Americans.
“I had crossed the line of which I had so long been dreaming, I was free; … to this solemn resolution I came; I was free, and they should be free also.” – Harriet Tubman