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25th Anniversary of VISTA 1/31/90 [OA 4391]
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25th Anniversary of VISTA 1/31/90 [OA 4391]
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Record Group/Collection:
George H.W. Bush Presidential Records
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Speechwriting, White House Office of
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Speech File Draft Files
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OA/ID Number:
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13518-006
Folder Title:
25th Anniversary of VISTA 1/31/90 [OA 4391]
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25
6
7
3
changes to VISTA
SARY OF VISTA / ROOSEVELT ROOM
EDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1990
FICE
p.1 Add Srgt shriver
Rep. Bartlett
ENTS -- ASSISTANT SECRETARY [[oF
of
may want to
NSON, ACTION DIRECTOR JANE KENNY,
just say
RICIA RODGERS. SARGENT SHRIVER,
members of
BAL CHAIRMAN NICOLE LARSEN. AND ALL
Congress
$ HERE -- I KNOW THIS MUST BE A
p.2 educ. must
1, AND FOR THE 25 VISTA VOLUTEERS WHO
be acquired."
Γ.))
P.3 children at
Chadwick Resid."
in Suracuse.
before to pror to VISTA
- 2 -
(WE ARE HERE TODAY TO CELEBRATE THE 25TH
ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA -- THOUGH SOME WILL TELL YOU THAT
REMEMBERING DATES IS NOT MY STRONG SUIT. III BUT I
WOULDN'T MISS THIS ANNIVERSARY FOR THE WORLD. ))
IT WAS A QUARTER OF A CENTURY AGO TODAY, SHORTLY
AFTER PRESIDENT JOHNSON SIGNED VISTA INTO LAW, THAT THE
FIRST VOLUNTEERS STARTED THEIR SERVICE. TODAY, 100,000
AMERICANS OF ALL AGES AND BACKGROUNDS CAN PROUDLY SAY:
"I WAS A VISTA VOLUNTEER."
- 3 -
AND EVEN AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THERE ARE MORE THAN
3,000 VOLUNTEERS AT WORK IN MORE THAN 650
NEIGHBORHOODS. FROM THE HOLLOWS OF APPALACHIA, TO THE
MOUNTAINS OF NEW MEXICO, TO THE CITY STREETS OF NEW
YORK AND Los ANGELES -- THESE VISTA VOLUNTEERS WORK
LONG HOURS ON SHORT PAY. AND THEY WORK ONE COMMUNITY,
ONE BLOCK, ONE CHILD AT A TIME.
- 4 -
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, PRESIDENT JOHNSON CHARGED
VISTA VOLUNTEERS WITH A TOUGH MISSION, COMMITTING YOU
"To GUIDE THE YOUNG, TO COMFORT THE SICK, TO ENCOURAGE
THE DOWNTRODDEN, TO TEACH THE SKILLS WHICH MAY LEAD TO
A MORE REWARDING LIFE."
THAT WAS YOUR MISSION THEN, AND THAT IS YOUR
MISSION TODAY.
- 5 -
EVERY TIME A KID LEARNS TO READ, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
EVERY TIME A HOMELESS FAMILY FINDS SHELTER, YOU MAKE A
DIFFERENCE. AND EVERY TIME A TROUBLED PERSON STAYS OFF
DRUGS, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR ALL AMERICANS. 111
I KNOW HOW MUCH BARBARA'S LITERACY WORK MEANS TO
HER. AND SHE OFTEN TALKS TO ME ABOUT WHAT VOLUNTEERS
ARE DOING AROUND THE COUNTRY. So I KNOW, YOU DO GIVE A
LOT -- BUT YOU ARE NOT GIVING DIGNITY, FOR DIGNITY
CANNOT BE CONFERRED.
- 6 -
You ARE NOT GIVING EDUCATION, BECAUSE EDUCATION MUST BE
ACQUIRED. You ARE NOT BESTOWING AMBITION, BECAUSE
AMBITION CAN ONLY COME FROM WITHIN. WHAT THE MEN AND
WOMEN OF VISTA DO ACHIEVE IS EVEN MORE MIRACULOUS --
YOU IMPART TO so MANY DISADVANTAGED AMERICANS THE MEANS
TO BUILD PRIDE, TO EARN A DEGREE OR SKILL, TO BELIEVE
IN THEMSELVES.
FOR AN INDIVIDUAL, DIGNITY COMES WHEN HE REALIZES
THAT HE IS THE TRUE AUTHOR OF HIS DESTINY.
as 7 -
FOR A TROUBLED COMMUNITY, IT COMES BY FINDING
LEADERSHIP FROM WITHIN. So YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS COME AS
MUCH FROM THE POWER OF SELF-CONFIDENCE, AS THEY DO FROM
MATERIAL ASSISTANCE. SOUNDS LIKE A MIRACLE. AND
PERHAPS IT IS -- A MIRACLE THAT COMES FROM CARING.
- 8 -
A FEW WHO CARE ENOUGH TO VOLUNTEER ARE WITH US
TODAY: ANDREW JACOB, WHO WORKS WITH AT-RISK STREET
YOUTH IN BRUNSWICK, MAINE; DIANA LOPEZ, WHO WENT
STRAIGHT FROM YALE TO WORK WITH LAKOTA SIOUX AND OTHER
NATIVE AMERICANS IN SOUTH DAKOTA; DAMITA WELLS, WHO
RECRUITS TUTORS FOR PRISON INMATES IN NASHVILLE.
AND FINALLY THERE IS NICK FLORES, WHO COUNSELS POOR
RURAL RESIDENTS IN NEW MEXICO; WHO IS DEEPLY INVOLVED
IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION; AND WHO HELPS
DIRECT A FOOD SERVICE FOR THE HUNGRY.
- 9 -
I REGARD NICK AS A VERY SPECIAL VOLUNTEER, BECAUSE NICK
SUFFERED A TERRIBLE INJURY IN A CAR ACCIDENT PRIOR TO
HIS ASSIGNMENT WITH VISTA. I SUPPOSE NO ONE WOULD HAVE
BLAMED HIM IF HE HAD FOCUSED ONLY ON HIMSELF, ONLY ON
HIS NEEDS. BUT NOT NICK FLORES. HE WOULD RATHER SERVE
OTHERS. So NOW NICK'S OUT ON THE FRONT LINES,
HELPING -- AND BUILDING -- AND CARING -- FOR FOLKS FROM
LAS CRUCES CLEAR UP TO SANTA FE.
- 10 -
PERHAPS NICK BELIEVES LIKE so MANY VISTA VOLUNTEERS
THAT RECOGNIZING SOMETHING GREATER THAN OURSELVES IS
WHAT REALLY MATTERS. OR TO PUT IT AS I HAVE BEFORE:
" FROM NOW ON IN AMERICA, ANY DEFINITION OF A
SUCCESSFUL LIFE MUST INCLUDE SERVICE TO OTHERS."
THIS IS WHAT ATTRACTS MEN AND WOMEN TO VISTA. THEY
ARE THE TRUE ACTIVISTS. You DON'T OFTEN SEE THEM,
BECAUSE THEY ARE OFF, HELPING OTHERS, IN THE MOST
UNLIKELIEST PLACES.
- 11 -
You DON'T OFTEN HEAR FROM THEM, BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO
MODEST TO BRAG. AND YOU DON'T OFTEN NOTICE THEM AT
WORK, BECAUSE THEIRS IS A QUIET MISSION. BUT TOGETHER,
THEY ARE MOVING THIS COUNTRY FORWARD.
So WHEN I TALK OF THE THOUSAND POINTS OF LIGHT,
PLEASE KNOW THAT NO LIGHT IS BRIGHTER OR MORE DAZZLING
THAN THE VISTA VOLUNTEERS.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO, GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD
BLESS AMERICA.
#
#
#
Document No. 107314
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
01/24/90
5:00 p.m. 01/25/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA
SUBJECT:
(01/24 draft one)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE N/C
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER N/C
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
>
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PETERSMEYER
1
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 01/25, with a copy to
my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
pesof light
Davis/Martin
January 24, 1990
Title: Vista
1990 JAN 24 PM 8: 33
Draft: One
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA, ROOSEVELT ROOM
1 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 1990
members has
( (Acknowledgements -- Assistant Secretary Aronson, Director
Dargent Shrever
Jane Kenny, Director Patricia Rodgers. [[Tule River]] Tribal
Congressrep. Bartlett
Chairman Nicole Larsen. Senator Dodd. Senator Rockefeller -- I
up
and the 25 Vista Volunteers w no
know this must be a special day for you. )) are guests of honor
( (We are here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates is not
my strong suit. But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for the
world. ))
It was a quarter of a century ago this today month, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first
Volunteers started their service. Today, 100,000 Americans of
all ages and backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA
volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the
hollows of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the
city streets of New York and Los Angeles -- these VISTA
Volunteers work long hours on short pay. And they work one
community, one block, one child at a time.
2
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged VISTA
Volunteers with a tough mission, committing you "to guide the
young, to comfort the sick, to encourage the downtrodden, to
teach the skills which may lead to a more rewarding life."
That was your mission then, and that is your mission today.
learns
Every time you teach a kid to read, you make a difference. Every
a homeless family
time you finds shelter for a family, you make a difference. And
a troubleds pason Stays
every time you keep a kid off drugs, you make a difference for
all Americans.
help people in communities make
As VISTA volunteers it is up to you to find sponsors to
neighborhoods safe, give at rick youth a chance to succeed, and provide
repair the school buses, to build the roads and create the
disabled elderly WITH special services
counseling centers. These are not marginal matters. These are
matters of real success or failure for people in need, even of
life-and-death.
I know how much Barbara's literacy work means to her. And
she often talks to me about what volunteers are doing around the
country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not giving
dignity, for dignity cannot be conferred. You are not giving
education, because education must be earned. acquired You are not
bestowing ambition, because ambition can only come from within.
What the men and women of VISTA do achieve is even more
miraculous -- you impart to so many disadvantaged Americans the
means to build pride, to earn a degree or skill, to believe in
themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when he realizes that he is
the true author of his destiny. For a troubled community, it
3
comes by finding leadership from within. So your achievements
come as much from the power of self-confidence, as they do from
material assistance. Sounds like a miracle. And perhaps it is -
- a miracle that comes from caring.
A few who care enough to volunteer are with us today:
Andrew Jacob, who works with at-risk street youth in Brunswick,
Maine; Diana Lopez, who went straight from Yale to work with
Lakota Sioux and other Native Americans in South Dakota; Damita
recreits for
Wells, who tutors prison inmates in Nashville; Sandra Jellison
Knock, who uses puppets and theater to educate children.
Then there is Margaret Paye, who retired from a 33-year
career as an educator and school instructor, but who didn't
retire from the service of others. Now she's as busy as ever,
helping low-income women and children at a shelter in Syracuse.
And finally there is Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents in New Mexico; who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention; and who helps direct a food service for
the hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer, because
Nick suffered a terrible injury in a car accident before he
joined VISTA. I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his needs. But not Nick Flores.
He would rather serve others. So now N Rick's out on the front
lines, helping -- and building -- and caring -- for folks from
Las Cruces clear up to Santa Fe.
Some
you
recent college graduates.
you may
Many of these volunteers are students. And though students
can get a partial break on their your student loans, no one does it
Wastever their ass, 4
for the money. No, they do it for love of country and fellow
stet
man. And, I suspect, they serve for yet another reason simply
NICK
for the challenge of it all. Perhaps they believe that what
like somony Vista volunteers
my
really matters is that we simply recognize something greater than
is what really matters.
ourselves. or to put it as I have before: From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include service ing
to others.
This is what attracts young men and women to VISTA. There
is this mistaken notion that every student in America is an up-
and-coming Gordon Gecko -- the character who personified greed in
the movie Wall Street, But we know the truth -- the young men
and women of America are involved. They are the true activists.
You don't often see them, because they are off, helping others,
in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often hear from them,
because they are too modest to brag. And you don't often notice
them at work, because theirs is a quiet mission. But together,
they are moving this country forward.
So when I talk of the thousand points of light, please know
that no light is brighter or more dazzling than the VISTA
Volunteers.
Thank you for all you do, God bless you and God bless
America.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 31, 1990
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
DURING CEREMONY TO CELEBRATE
THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA
The Roosevelt Room
1:05 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Let me welcome all of you and pay my
respects to Bernie Aronson, our Assistant Secretary of State, who is
with us today; ACTION Director Jane Kenny; Pat Rodgers, the VISTA
Director; Sarge Shriver was supposed to be here. Now, whether the
man is here or not, I don't know; I don't see him. But I do see
Senator Chris Dodd and Senator Jay Rockefeller -- and we are
delighted that you came for this. And is Tribal Chairman Nicole
Larsen here? I think. Right here. Welcome, Nicole. I know this
must be a special day for everybody -- particularly for the 25 VISTA
volunteers who are our special guests of honor.
We're here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates isn't my
strong suit. (Laughter.) But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for
the world.
It was a quarter of a century ago, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first volunteers
started their service. And today, 100,000 Americans of all ages and
backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the hollows
of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the city streets of
New York and Los Angeles -- these volunteers work long, long hours on
very short pay. And they work one community, one block, one child at
a time.
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged the
VISTA volunteers with a tough mission, committing you -- and here's
what he said -- "to guide the young, to comfort the sick, to
encourage the downtrodden, to teach the the skills which may lead to
a more rewarding life." "
That was your mission then and that certainly is your
mission today. Every time a kid learns to read, you make a
difference. Every time a homeless family finds shelter, you make a
difference. And every time a troubled person stays off drugs, you
make a difference for all Americans.
I know how much Barbara's work in literacy means to her
and to others. And she often talks about what volunteers are doing
around the country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not
giving dignity, for that cannot be conferred, or education, because
that must be acquired. You're not bestowing ambition because
ambition's got to come from within. What the men and women of VISTA
do achieve is even more miraculous -- you impart to SO many
disadvantaged Americans the means to build pride, to earn a degree or
a skill, to believe in themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when he realizes that
he's the true author of his destiny. For a troubled community, it
comes by finding leadership from within. So your achievements come
MORE
- 2 -
as much from the power of self-confidence as they do from the
material side -- from material assistance. Sounds like a miracle.
Maybe it is. It is a miracle that comes from caring.
Now, a few who care enough to volunteer are with us
today; many, as a matter of fact. But Andrew Jacob, who works with
at-risk street youth in Brunswick, Maine; Damita Wells, who recruits
tutors for prison inmates in Nashville.
And finally, Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents out in New Mexico, who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention, and who helps direct a food service for the
hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer because he
suffered a terrible injury in a car accident prior to his assignment
with VISTA. And I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his own needs. But not Nick -- Nick
Flores. He would rather serve others. And so now he's out on the
front lines, helping, building and caring for people from Las Cruces
to Santa Fe.
Perhaps he believes, like so many VISTA volunteers, that
recognizing something greater than ourselves is what really matters.
or to put it as I have before: "From now on in America, any
definition of a successful life must include serving others."
And that's what attracts men and women to VISTA,. True
activists. You don't often see them because they're off, helping
others in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often hear from
them because they're too modest to brag. And you don't often notice
them at work because theirs is a quiet mission. But together,
helping move this country forward.
So when I talk of the Thousand Points of Light, please
know that no light is more dazzling, brighter, than the VISTA
volunteers.
I dropped by with Barbara to say thank you for all you
do, and God bless you. Of course, God bless the United States.
Thank you very much.
(Mrs. Bush administers the oath of service to the new
Vista volunteers.) (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: I forgot to mention the person with whom
I work most closely in the White House involving volunteerism, and
that's Gregg Petersmeyer here, who I know takes the same great pride
in your work that Barbara and I do. But lest you didn't know who he
was -- this big, tall guy in the front -- that's who it is.
(Laughter.) And he spends all his time trying to help stimulate this
service to others that you've all made the hallmark of your lives.
Thank you all very, very much. (Applause.)
END
1:15 P.M. EST
THE WHITE HOUSE
Office of the Press Secretary
For Immediate Release
January 31, 1990
REMARKS BY THE PRESIDENT
DURING CEREMONY TO CELEBRATE
THE 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA
The Roosevelt Room
1:05 P.M. EST
THE PRESIDENT: Let me welcome all of you and pay my
respects to Bernie Aronson, our Assistant Secretary of State, who is
with us today; ACTION Director Jane Kenny; Pat Rodgers, the VISTA
Director; Sarge Shriver was supposed to be here. Now, whether the
man is here or not, I don't know; I don't see him. But I do see
Senator Chris Dodd and Senator Jay Rockefeller -- and we are
delighted that you came for this. And is Tribal Chairman Nicole
Larsen here? I think. Right here. Welcome, Nicole. I know this
must be a special day for everybody -- particularly for the 25 VISTA
volunteers who are our special guests of honor.
We're here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates isn't my
strong suit. (Laughter.) But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for
the world.
It was a quarter of a century ago, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first volunteers
started their service. And today, 100, Americans of all ages and
backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the hollows
of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the city streets of
New York and Los Angeles -- these volunteers work long, long hours on
very short pay. And they work one community, one block, one child at
a time.
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged the
VISTA volunteers with a tough mission, committing you -- and here's
what he said -- "to guide the young, to comfort the sick, to
encourage the downtrodden, to teach the the skills which may lead to
a more rewarding life."
That was your mission then and that certainly is your
mission today. Every time a kid learns to read, you make a
difference. Every time a homeless family finds shelter, you make a
difference. And every time a troubled person stays off drugs, you
make a difference for all Americans.
I know how much Barbara's work in literacy means to her
and to others. And she often talks about what volunteers are doing
around the country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not
giving dignity, for that cannot be conferred, or education, because
that must be acquired. You're not bestowing ambition because
ambition's got to come from within. What the men and women of VISTA
do achieve is even more miraculous -- you impart to so many
disadvantaged Americans the means to build pride, to earn a degree or
a skill, to believe in themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when he realizes that
he's the true author of his destiny. For a troubled community, it
comes by finding leadership from within. So your achievements come
MORE
- 2 -
as much from the power of self-confidence as they do from the
material side -- from material assistance. Sounds like a miracle.
Maybe it is. It is a miracle that comes from caring.
Now, a few who care enough to volunteer are with us
today; many, as a matter of fact. But Andrew Jacob, who works with
at-risk street youth in Brunswick, Maine; Damita Wells, who recruits
tutors for prison inmates in Nashville.
And finally, Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents out in New Mexico, who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention, and who helps direct a food service for the
hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer because he
suffered a terrible injury in a car accident prior to his assignment
with VISTA. And I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his own needs. But not Nick -- Nick
Flores. He would rather serve others. And so now he's out on the
front lines, helping, building and caring for people from Las Cruces
to Santa Fe.
Perhaps he believes, like so many VISTA volunteers, that
recognizing something greater than ourselves is what really matters.
or to put it as I have before: "From now on in America, any
definition of a successful life must include serving others."
And that's what attracts men and women to VISTA,. True
activists. You don't often see them because they're off, helping
others in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often hear from
them because they're too modest to brag. And you don't often notice
them at work because theirs is a quiet mission. But together,
helping move this country forward.
So when I talk of the Thousand Points of Light, please
know that no light is more dazzling, brighter, than the VISTA
volunteers.
I dropped by with Barbara to say thank you for all you
do, and God bless you. of course, God bless the United States.
Thank you very much.
(Mrs. Bush administers the oath of service to the new
Vista volunteers.) (Applause.)
THE PRESIDENT: I forgot to mention the person with whom
I work most closely in the White House involving volunteerism, and
that's Gregg Petersmeyer here, who I know takes the same great pride
in your work that Barbara and I do. But lest you didn't know who he
was -- this big, tall guy in the front -- that's who it is.
(Laughter.) And he spends all his time trying to help stimulate this
service to others that you've all made the hallmark of your lives.
Thank you all very, very much. (Applause.)
END
1:15 P.M. EST
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 25, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON an
FROM:
MARK W. DAVIS MD
SUBJECT:
VISTA 25th anniversary
I. Summary:
January 31st marks the 25th anniversary of a ceremony
President Johnson held in honor of the first group of volunteers
for VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America). You will address a
small audience in the Roosevelt Room; later, the First Lady will
swear-in a new group of volunteers. Your remarks are about seven
minutes long, and are on cards.
Davis/Martin
January 26, 1990
Title: Vista
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA, ROOSEVELT ROOM
1 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 1990
( (Acknowledgements -- Assistant Secretary [[of State
Bernard]] Aronson, ACTION Director Jane Kenny, VISTA Director
Patricia Rodgers. Sargent Shriver, [[Tule River]] Tribal
Chairman Nicole Larsen. And all Members of Congress here -- I
know this must be a special day for you, and for the 25 VISTA
Voluteers who are guests of honor.)
( (We are here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates is not
my strong suit. III But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for the
world. ))
It was a quarter of a century ago today, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first
Volunteers started their service. Today, 100,000 Americans of
all ages and backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA
Volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the
hollows of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the
city streets of New York and Los Angeles -- these VISTA
Volunteers work long hours on short pay. And they work one
community, one block, one child at a time.
2
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged VISTA
Volunteers with a tough mission, committing you "to guide the
young, to comfort the sick, to encourage the downtrodden, to
teach the skills which may lead to a more rewarding life."
That was your mission then, and that is your mission today.
Every time a kid learns to read, you make a difference. Every
time a homeless family finds shelter, you make a difference. And
every time a troubled person stays off drugs, you make a
difference for all Americans.
I know how much Barbara's literacy work means to her. And
she often talks to me about what volunteers are doing around the
country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not giving
dignity, for dignity cannot be conferred. You are not giving
education, because education must be acquired. You are not
bestowing ambition, because ambition can only come from within.
What the men and women of VISTA do achieve is even more
miraculous -- you impart to so many disadvantaged Americans the
means to build pride, to earn a degree or skill, to believe in
themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when he realizes that he is
the true author of his destiny. For a troubled community, it
comes by finding leadership from within. So your achievements
come as much from the power of self-confidence, as they do from
material assistance. Sounds like a miracle. And perhaps it is -
- a miracle that comes from caring.
3
A few who care enough to volunteer are with us today:
Andrew Jacob, who works with at-risk street youth in Brunswick,
Maine; Diana Lopez, who went straight from Yale to work with
Lakota Sioux and other Native Americans in South Dakota; Damita
Wells, who recruits tutors for prison inmates in Nashville;
And finally there is Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents in New Mexico; who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention; and who helps direct a food service for
the hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer, because
Nick suffered a terrible injury in a car accident before he
joined VISTA. I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his needs. But not Nick Flores.
He would rather serve others. So now Nick's out on the front
lines, helping -- and building -- and caring -- for folks from
Las Cruces clear up to Santa Fe.
Perhaps Nick believes like so many VISTA Volunteers that
recognizing something greater than ourselves is what really
matters. Or to put it as I have before: " From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include service
to others."
This is what attracts men and women to VISTA. They are the
true activists. You don't often see them, because they are off,
helping others, in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often
hear from them, because they are too modest to brag. And you
don't often notice them at work, because theirs is a quiet
mission. But together, they are moving this country forward.
4
So when I talk of the thousand points of light, please know
that no light is brighter or more dazzling than the VISTA
volunteers.
Thank you for all you do, God bless you and God bless
America.
#
#
#
Document No. 107314
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
1/27/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA
ROOSEVELT ROOM
SUBJECT:
WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1990
(1/26 - draft: two)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
1
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PETERSMEYER
HAGIN
REMARKS:
The attached has been forwarded to the President.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
1990 JAN
26 PM 6. 40
January 25, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR THE PRESIDENT
THROUGH:
CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
MARK W. DAVIS MD
SUBJECT:
VISTA 25th anniversary
I. Summary:
January 31st marks the 25th anniversary of a ceremony
President Johnson held in honor of the first group of volunteers
for VISTA (Volunteers in Service to America) You will address a
small audience in the Roosevelt Room; later, the First Lady will
swear-in a new group of volunteers. Your remarks are about seven
minutes long, and are on cards.
Davis/Martin
January 26, 1990
Title: Vista
Draft: Two
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA, ROOSEVELT ROOM
1 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 1990
((Acknowledgements -- Assistant Secretary [[of State
Bernard] Aronson, ACTION Director Jane Kenny, VISTA Director
Patricia Rodgers. Sargent Shriver, [Tule River] Tribal
Chairman Nicole Larsen. And all Members of Congress here -- I
know this must be a special day for you, and for the 25 VISTA
Voluteers who are guests of honor.) )
( (We are here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates is not
my strong suit. But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for the
world.) ))
It was a quarter of a century ago today, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first
Volunteers started their service. Today, 100,000 Americans of
all ages and backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA
Volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the
hollows of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the
city streets of New York and Los Angeles -- these VISTA
Volunteers work long hours on short pay. And they work one
community, one block, one child at a time.
2
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged VISTA
Volunteers with a tough mission, committing you "to guide the
young, to comfort the sick, to encourage the downtrodden, to
teach the skills which may lead to a more rewarding life."
That was your mission then, and that is your mission today.
Every time a kid learns to read, you make a difference. Every
time a homeless family finds shelter, you make a difference. And
every time a troubled person stays off drugs, you make a
difference for all Americans.
I know how much Barbara's literacy work means to her. And
she often talks to me about what volunteers are doing around the
country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not giving
dignity, for dignity cannot be conferred. You are not giving
education, because education must be acquired. You are not
bestowing ambition, because ambition can only come from within.
What the men and women of VISTA do achieve is even more
miraculous -- you impart to so many disadvantaged Americans the
means to build pride, to earn a degree or skill, to believe in
themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when he realizes that he is
the true author of his destiny. For a troubled community, it
comes by finding leadership from within. So your achievements
come as much from the power of self-confidence, as they do from
material assistance. Sounds like a miracle. And perhaps it is -
- a miracle that comes from caring.
3
A few who care enough to volunteer are with us today:
Andrew Jacob, who works with at-risk street youth in Brunswick,
Maine; Diana Lopez, who went straight from Yale to work with
Lakota Sioux and other Native Americans in South Dakota; Damita
Wells, who recruits tutors for prison inmates in Nashville;
And finally there is Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents in New Mexico; who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention; and who helps direct a food service for
the hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer, because
Nick suffered a terrible injury in a car accident before he
joined VISTA. I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his needs. But not Nick Flores.
He would rather serve others. So now Nick's out on the front
lines, helping -- and building -- and caring -- for folks from
Las Cruces clear up to Santa Fe.
Perhaps Nick believes like so many VISTA Volunteers that
recognizing something greater than ourselves is what really
matters. or to put it as I have before: " From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include service
to others."
This is what attracts men and women to VISTA. They are the
true activists. You don't often see them, because they are off,
helping others, in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often
hear from them, because they are too modest to brag. And you
don't often notice them at work, because theirs is a quiet
mission. But together, they are moving this country forward.
4
So when I talk of the thousand points of light, please know
that no light is brighter or more dazzling than the VISTA
volunteers.
Thank you for all you do, God bless you and God bless
America.
#
#
#
Davis/Martin
January 24, 1990
Title: Vista
Draft: One
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA, ROOSEVELT ROOM
1 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 1990
((Acknowledgements -- Assistant Secretary Aronson, Director
Jane Kenny, Director Patricia Rodgers. [[Tule River] Tribal
Chairman Nicole Larsen. Senator Dodd. Senator Rockefeller -- I
know this must be a special day for you, and the 25 VISTA
Voluteers who are guests of honor.) )
( (We are here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates is not
my strong suit.\\\ But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for the
world.) )
It was a quarter of a century ago today, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first
Volunteers started their service. Today, 100,000 Americans of
all ages and backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA
Volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the
hollows of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the
city streets of New York and Los Angeles -- these VISTA
Volunteers work long hours on short pay. And they work one
community, one block, one child at a time.
2
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged VISTA
Volunteers with a tough mission, committing you "to guide the
young, to comfort the sick, to encourage the downtrodden, to
teach the skills which may lead to a more rewarding life."
That was your mission then, and that is your mission today.
Every time a kid learns to read, you make a difference. Every
time a homeless family finds shelter, you make a difference. And
every time a troubled person stays off drugs, you make a
difference for all Americans.
I know how much Barbara's literacy work means to her. And
she often talks to me about what volunteers are doing around the
country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not giving
dignity, for dignity cannot be conferred. You are not giving
education, because education must be acquired. You are not
bestowing ambition, because ambition can only come from within.
What the men and women of VISTA do achieve is even more
miraculous -- you impart to so many disadvantaged Americans the
means to build pride, to earn a degree or skill, to believe in
themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when he realizes that he is
the true author of his destiny. For a troubled community, it
comes by finding leadership from within. So your achievements
come as much from the power of self-confidence, as they do from
material assistance. Sounds like a miracle. And perhaps it is -
- a miracle that comes from caring.
3
A few who care enough to volunteer are with us today:
Andrew Jacob, who works with at-risk street youth in Brunswick,
Maine; Diana Lopez, who went straight from Yale to work with
Lakota Sioux and other Native Americans in South Dakota; Damita
Wells, who recruits tutors for prison inmates in Nashville;
And finally there is Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents in New Mexico; who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention; and who helps direct a food service for
the hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer, because
Nick suffered a terrible injury in a car accident before he
joined VISTA. I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his needs. But not Nick Flores.
He would rather serve others. So now Nick's out on the front
lines, helping -- and building -- and caring -- for folks from
Las Cruces clear up to Santa Fe.
Perhaps Nick believes like so many VISTA Volunteers that
recognizing something greater than ourselves is what really
matters. Or to put it as I have before: " From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include service
to others."
This is what attracts men and women to VISTA. They are the
true activists. You don't often see them, because they are off,
helping others, in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often
hear from them, because they are too modest to brag. And you
don't often notice them at work, because theirs is a quiet
mission. But together, they are moving this country forward.
4
So when I talk of the thousand points of light, please know
that no light is brighter or more dazzling than the VISTA
volunteers.
Thank you for all you do, God bless you and God bless
America.
#
#
#
Document No. 107314
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
01/24/90
5:00 p.m. 01/25/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA
SUBJECT:
(01/24 draft one)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PETERSMEYER
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 01/25, with a copy to
my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-25-90 10:33AM ;
2024562397-
963491261# 2
3)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 25, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR JANE KENNY
FROM:
MARNIE HAINES MH
SURJECT:
SPEECH CLEARANCE - VISTA ANNIVERSARY
Please review and call and/or fax your comments to me NO LATER
THAN 4:00PM, TODAY, JANUARY 25. Phone: 456-2164 Fax: 456-2397.
Thanks,
deliner to
4 pages to follow.
/ st floor west
David wing, Bates'
officer
my edits are
attached If you
have any questions,
please call me
directly at 634-9380.
game 1/25/90 Henny
1100 pm
RCV BY:XEROX TELECOPIER 7010 ; 4-26-90 11:30PM ;
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 : 1-25-90 11:37AM ;
2024562397-
53844 1
Davis/Martin
January 24, 1990
Title: Vista
!990 JAN 24 PM 8: 33
Draft: One
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA, ROOSEVELT ROOM
1 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 1990
7
ACTION
Shouldr's Shouters
(Acknowledgements -- Assistant Secretary Aronson, n Director
VISTA
Jane Kenny, Director Patricia Rodgers. [[Tule River] Tribal
Steve
472
See ined
Chairman Nicole Larsen. Senator Dodd. Senator Rockefellen I
first?
know this must be a special day for you. ))
and our 25 VISTA who
are
our
Volunteers
quest of
house
( (We are here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
today.
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates is not
my strong suit. But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for the
world. ))
It was a quarter of & century ago today this month, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first
olunteers started their service. Today, 100,000 Americans of
all ages and backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA
Volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the
hollows of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the
city streets of New York and Los Angeles -- these VISTA
Volunteers work long hours on short pay. And they work one
community, one block, one child at a time.
2
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged VISTA
Volunteers with Ri tough mission, committing you "to guide the
young, to comfort the sick, to encourage the downtrodden, to
teach the skills which may lead to a more rewarding life."
That was your mission then, and that is your mission today.
VISTA
learna
Volunteers is
Every time each = kid N=0 read, you make & difference. Every
a hundred family
mon-
do
time you findSshelter for & family, you make & difference. And
every time you keep # kidsloff keep druge, you make a difference for
a
ascepments
all Americans.
help Dear people in the community
As VISTA Volunteers, it is up to you to find sponsors to
make neighborhsods safe,
repair the school buses,
build give the at risk roads youth and create a change the to succes,
and provide disabled elderly with special services.
counseling centers. These are not marginal matters. These are
matters of real success or failure for people in need, even of
life-and-death.
I know how much Barbara's literacy work means to her. And
she often talks to me about what volunteers are doing around the
country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not giving
dignity, for dignity cannot be conferred. You are not giving
education, because education must be earned. You are not
bestowing ambition, because ambition can only come from within.
What the men and women of VISTA do schieve is even more
miraculous -- you impart to so many disadvantaged Americans the
means to build pride, to earn a degree or skill, to believe in
themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when he realizes that he is
the true author of his destiny. For a troubled community, it
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 : 1-25-90 10:49AM ;
2024562397-
53844;# 2
3
comes by finding leadership from within. so your achievements
come as much from the power of self-confidence, as they do from
material assistance. Sounds like a miracle. And perhaps it is -
- a miracle that comes from caring.
A few who care enough to volunteer are with us today:
Andrew Jacob, who works with at-risk street youth in Brunswick,
Maine; Diana Lopez, who went straight from Yale to work with
Lakota Sioux and other Native Americans in South Dakota; Damita
recrits for
Wells, who tutors prison inmates in Nashville; Sandra Jellison-
Knock, who uses puppets and theater to educate children.
Then there is Margaret Paye, who retired from a 33-year
career as an educator and school instructor, but who didn't
retire from the service of others.
now NOW she a former as busy VISTA as ever, Volunteer
Sie
ed
helping low-income women and children at a shelter in Syracuse.
And finally there is Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents in New Mexico; who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention; and who helps direct a food service for
the hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer, because
Nick suffered a terrible injury in a car accident before he
joined VISTA. I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his needs. But not Nick Flores.
He would rather serve others. So now N Rick's out on the front
lines, helping -- and building -- and caring -- for folks from
Las Cruces clear up to Santa Fe.
graduates
Some you
Many of these volunteers are students. And though. students
you may
can get a partial break on their your student loans, no one does it
RCV BY:XEROX TELECOPIER 7010 ; 4-26-90 10:44AM ;
20245623974
53844;# 3
SENT BY:Xerox Telecopier 7020 ; 1-25-90 :10:50AM ;
2024562397-
53844:# 3
But nometteryowage, 4
for the money. No, you they do it for love of country and fellow
man. And, I suspect, they you serve for yet another reason -- simply
for the challenge of it all. Perhaps you believe that what
really matters is that we simply recognize something greater than
ourselves. Or to put it as I have before From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include service
to others.
This is what attracts young men and women to VISTA. There
is this mistaken notion that every student in America is an up-
and-coming Gordon Gecko -- the character who personified greed in
the movie Wall Street But we know the truth -- the young men
and women of America are involved. They are the true activists.
You don't often see them, because they are off, helping others,
in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often hear from them,
because they are too modest to brag. And you don't often notice
them at work because theirs is a quiet mission. But together,
they are moving this country forward.
So when I talk of the thousand points of light, please know
that no light is brighter or more dazzling than the VISTA
Volunteers.
Thank you for all you do, God bless you and God bless
America.
#
#
#
Document No. 107314
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
01/24/90
5:00 p.m. 01/25/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA
SUBJECT:
(01/24 draft one)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
R
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PETERSMEYER
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 01/25, with a copy to
my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
N/C 1/25/90
DE : 6v 9203068
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 25, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
ROGER B. PORTER
RBP
SUBJECT:
Presidential Remarks: 25th Anniversary of Vista
The draft remarks are inspiring and moving. I do not have
any recommendations from a policy standpoint and approve of the
remarks in their current form.
CC: James W. Cicconi
08 DEC 26 P4 27
Document No. 107314
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
01/24/90
DATE:
5:00 p.m. 01/25/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA
SUBJECT:
(01/24 draft one)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
R
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PETERSMEYER
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 01/25, with a copy to
my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
January 24, 1990
Title: Vista
1990 JAN 24 PM 8: 33
Draft: One
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA, ROOSEVELT ROOM
1 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 1990
( (Acknowledgements -- Assistant Secretary Aronson, Director
Jane Kenny, Director Patricia Rodgers. [[Tule River] Tribal
Chairman Nicole Larsen. Senator Dodd. Senator Rockefeller -- I
know this must be a special day for you. ))
( (We are here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates is not
my strong suit. \\\ But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for the
world. ))
It was a quarter of a century ago this month, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first
volunteers started their service. Today, 100,000 Americans of
all ages and backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA
volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the
hollows of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the
city streets of New York and Los Angeles -- these VISTA
volunteers work long hours on short pay. And they work one
community, one block, one child at a time.
2
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged VISTA
volunteers with a tough mission, committing you "to guide the
young, to comfort the sick, to encourage the downtrodden, to
teach the skills which may lead to a more rewarding life.'
That was your mission then, and that is your mission today.
Every time you teach a kid to read, you make a difference. Every
time you find shelter for a family, you make a difference. And
every time you keep a kid off drugs, you make a difference for
all Americans.
As VISTA volunteers, it is up to you to find sponsors to
repair the school buses, to build the roads and create the
counseling centers. These are not marginal matters. These are
matters of real success or failure for people in need, even of
life-and-death.\
I know how much Barbara's literacy work means to her. And
she often talks to me about what volunteers are doing around the
country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not giving
dignity, for dignity cannot be conferred. You are not giving
education, because education must be earned. You are not
bestowing ambition, because ambition can only come from within.
What the men and women of VISTA do achieve is even more
miraculous -- you impart to so many disadvantaged Americans the
means to build pride, to earn a degree or skill, to believe in
themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when he realizes that he is
the true author of his destiny. For a troubled community, it
3
comes by finding leadership from within. So your achievements
come as much from the power of self-confidence, as they do from
material assistance. Sounds like a miracle. And perhaps it is -
- a miracle that comes from caring.
A few who care enough to volunteer are with us today:
Andrew Jacob, who works with at-risk street youth in Brunswick,
Maine; Diana Lopez, who went straight from Yale to work with
Lakota Sioux and other Native Americans in South Dakota; Damita
Wells, who tutors prison inmates in Nashville; Sandra Jellison-
Knock, who uses puppets and theater to educate children.
Then there is Margaret Paye, who retired from a 33-year
career as an educator and school instructor, but who didn't
retire from the service of others. Now she's as busy as ever,
helping low-income women and children at a shelter in Syracuse.
And finally there is Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents in New Mexico; who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention; and who helps direct a food service for
the hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer, because
Nick suffered a terrible injury in a car accident before he
joined VISTA. I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his needs. But not Nick Flores.
He would rather serve others. So now Rick's out on the front
lines, helping -- and building -- and caring -- for folks from
Las Cruces clear up to Santa Fe.
Many of these volunteers are students. And though students
can get a partial break on their student loans, no one does it
4
for the money. No, they do it for love of country and fellow
man. And, I suspect, they serve for yet another reason -- simply
for the challenge of it all. Perhaps they believe that what
really matters is that we simply recognize something greater than
ourselves. or to put it as I have before: From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include service
to others.
This is what attracts young men and women to VISTA. There
is this mistaken notion that every student in America is an up-
and-coming Gordon Gecko -- the character who personified greed in
the movie Wall Street. But we know the truth -- the young men
and women of America are involved. They are the true activists.
You don't often see them, because they are off, helping others,
in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often hear from them,
because they are too modest to brag. And you don't often notice
them at work, because theirs is a quiet mission. But together,
they are moving this country forward.
So when I talk of the thousand points of light, please know
that no light is brighter or more dazzling than the VISTA
volunteers.
Thank you for all you do, God bless you and God bless
America.
#
#
#
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
89 DEC 25 P5: 00
January 25, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
DEPUTY ASSISTANT TO THE PRESIDENT
FOR COMMUNICATIONS
FROM:
FREDERICK D. NELSON FOW.
ASSOCIATE COUNSEL TO THE PRESIDENT
SUBJECT:
25th Anniversary of Vista
Counsel's Office makes no legal objection to the above-referenced
presidential remarks.
Thank you for the opportunity to review this matter.
CC: James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Document No. 107314
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
01/24/90
DATE:
5:00 p.m. 01/25/90
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA
(01/24 draft one)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
R
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PETERSMEYER
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 01/25, with a copy to
my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
January 24, 1990
Title: Vista
1990 JAN 24 PM 8: 33
Draft: One
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA, ROOSEVELT ROOM
1 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 1990
( (Acknowledgements -- Assistant Secretary Aronson, Director
Jane Kenny, Director Patricia Rodgers. [[Tule River] Tribal
Chairman Nicole Larsen. Senator Dodd. Senator Rockefeller -- I
know this must be a special day for you.))
( (We are here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates is not
my strong suit.\\\ But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for the
world. ))
It was a quarter of a century ago this month, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first
volunteers started their service. Today, 100,000 Americans of
all ages and backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA
volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the
hollows of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the
city streets of New York and Los Angeles -- these VISTA
volunteers work long hours on short pay. And they work one
community, one block, one child at a time.
2
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged VISTA
volunteers with a tough mission, committing you "to guide the
young, to comfort the sick, to encourage the downtrodden, to
teach the skills which may lead to a more rewarding life."
That was your mission then, and that is your mission today.
Every time you teach a kid to read, you make a difference. Every
time you find shelter for a family, you make a difference. And
every time you keep a kid off drugs, you make a difference for
all Americans.
As VISTA volunteers, it is up to you to find sponsors to
repair the school buses, to build the roads and create the
counseling centers. These are not marginal matters. These are
matters of real success or failure for people in need, even of
life-and-death.
I know how much Barbara's literacy work means to her. And
she often talks to me about what volunteers are doing around the
country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not giving
dignity, for dignity cannot be conferred. You are not giving
education, because education must be earned. You are not
bestowing ambition, because ambition can only come from within.
What the men and women of VISTA do achieve is even more
miraculous -- you impart to so many disadvantaged Americans the
means to build pride, to earn a degree or skill, to believe in
themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when he realizes that he is
the true author of his destiny. For a troubled community, it
3
comes by finding leadership from within. So your achievements
come as much from the power of self-confidence, as they do from
material assistance. Sounds like a miracle. And perhaps it is -
- a miracle that comes from caring.
A few who care enough to volunteer are with us today:
Andrew Jacob, who works with at-risk street youth in Brunswick,
Maine; Diana Lopez, who went straight from Yale to work with
Lakota Sioux and other Native Americans in South Dakota; Damita
Wells, who tutors prison inmates in Nashville; Sandra Jellison-
Knock, who uses puppets and theater to educate children.
Then there is Margaret Paye, who retired from a 33-year
career as an educator and school instructor, but who didn't
retire from the service of others. Now she's as busy as ever,
helping low-income women and children at a shelter in Syracuse.
And finally there is Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents in New Mexico; who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention; and who helps direct a food service for
the hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer, because
Nick suffered a terrible injury in a car accident before he
joined VISTA. I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his needs. But not Nick Flores.
He would rather serve others. So now Rick's out on the front
lines, helping -- and building -- and caring -- for folks from
Las Cruces clear up to Santa Fe.
Many of these volunteers are students. And though students
can get a partial break on their student loans, no one does it
4
for the money. No, they do it for love of country and fellow
man. And, I suspect, they serve for yet another reason -- simply
for the challenge of it all. Perhaps they believe that what
really matters is that we simply recognize something greater than
ourselves. Or to put it as I have before: From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include service
to others.
This is what attracts young men and women to VISTA. There
is this mistaken notion that every student in America is an up-
and-coming Gordon Gecko -- the character who personified greed in
the movie Wall Street. But we know the truth -- the young men
and women of America are involved. They are the true activists.
You don't often see them, because they are off, helping others,
in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often hear from them,
because they are too modest to brag. And you don't often notice
them at work, because theirs is a quiet mission. But together,
they are moving this country forward.
So when I talk of the thousand points of light, please know
that no light is brighter or more dazzling than the VISTA
volunteers.
Thank you for all you do, God bless you and God bless
America.
#
#
#
Document No. 107314
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
01/24/90
5:00 p.m. 01/25/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA
SUBJECT:
(01/24 draft one)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PETERSMEYER
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 01/25, with a copy to
my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE: S.R.
Can we somehow
add a men tion
of
Points of light / W.
James Cicconi
the two complement and Assistant Deputy Ext. to to the the 2702
President
Chief of Staff
Back other nicely
Points of VISTA)
Davis/Martin
January 24, 1990
Title: Vista
1990 JAN 24 PM 8: 33
Draft: One
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA, ROOSEVELT ROOM
1 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 1990
( (Acknowledgements -- Assistant Secretary Aronson, Director
Jane Kenny, Director Patricia Rodgers. [[Tule River]] Tribal
Chairman Nicole Larsen. Senator Dodd. Senator Rockefeller -- I
know this must be a special day for you. ))
( (We are here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates is not
my strong suit.\\\ But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for the
world.) )
It was a quarter of a century ago this month, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first
volunteers started their service. Today, 100,000 Americans of
all ages and backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA
volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the
hollows of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the
city streets of New York and Los Angeles -- these VISTA
volunteers work long hours on short pay. And they work one
community, one block, one child at a time.
2
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged VISTA
volunteers with a tough mission, committing you "to guide the
young, to comfort the sick, to encourage the downtrodden, to
teach the skills which may lead to a more rewarding life."
That was your mission then, and that is your mission today.
Every time you teach a kid to read, you make a difference. Every
time you find shelter for a family, you make a difference. And
every time you keep a kid off drugs, you make a difference for
all Americans.
As VISTA volunteers, it is up to you to find sponsors to
repair the school buses, to build the roads and create the
counseling centers. These are not marginal matters. These are
matters of real success or failure for people in need, even of
life-and-death.\
I know how much Barbara's literacy work means to her. And
she often talks to me about what volunteers are doing around the
country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not giving
dignity, for dignity cannot be conferred. You are not giving
education, because education must be earned. You are not
bestowing ambition, because ambition can only come from within.
What the men and women of VISTA do achieve is even more
miraculous -- you impart to so many disadvantaged Americans the
means to build pride, to earn a degree or skill, to believe in
themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when he realizes that he is
the true author of his destiny. For a troubled community, it
3
comes by finding leadership from within. So your achievements
come as much from the power of self-confidence, as they do from
material assistance. Sounds like a miracle. And perhaps it is -
- a miracle that comes from caring.
A few who care enough to volunteer are with us today:
Andrew Jacob, who works with at-risk street youth in Brunswick,
Maine; Diana Lopez, who went straight from Yale to work with
Lakota Sioux and other Native Americans in South Dakota; Damita
Wells, who tutors prison inmates in Nashville; Sandra Jellison-
Knock, who uses puppets and theater to educate children.
Then there is Margaret Paye, who retired from a 33-year
career as an educator and school instructor, but who didn't
retire from the service of others. Now she's as busy as ever,
helping low-income women and children at a shelter in Syracuse.
And finally there is Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents in New Mexico; who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention; and who helps direct a food service for
the hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer, because
Nick suffered a terrible injury in a car accident before he
joined VISTA. I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his needs. But not Nick Flores.
He would rather serve others. So now Rick's out on the front
lines, helping -- and building -- and caring -- for folks from
Las Cruces clear up to Santa Fe.
Many of these volunteers are students. And though students
can get a partial break on their student loans, no one does it
4
for the money. No, they do it for love of country and fellow
man. And, I suspect, they serve for yet another reason -- simply
for the challenge of it all. Perhaps they believe that what
really matters is that we simply recognize something greater than
ourselves. or to put it as I have before: From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include service
to others.
This is what attracts young men and women to VISTA. There
is this mistaken notion that every student in America is an up-
and-coming Gordon Gecko -- the character who personified greed in
the movie Wall Street. But we know the truth -- the young men
and women of America are involved. They are the true activists.
You don't often see them, because they are off, helping others,
in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often hear from them,
because they are too modest to brag. And you don't often notice
them at work, because theirs is a quiet mission. But together,
they are moving this country forward.
So when I talk of the thousand points of light, please know
that no light is brighter or more dazzling than the VISTA
volunteers.
Thank you for all you do, God bless you and God bless
America.
#
#
#
,
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Date: 1/25/90
TO:
Chriss Winston
FROM:
x6266 Office CLARK of KENT National ERVIN Service C
Action
Your Comment
Let's Talk
FYI
Altached are me connects m
the VISTA anniversary remork.
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
Document No. 107314
01/24/90
5:00 p.m. 01/25/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA
SUBJECT:
(01/24 draft one)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
P
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
R
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PETERSMEYER
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 01/25, with a copy to
my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
89 DEC 25 All : 47
James W. Cicconi
Assistant to the President
and Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext. 2702
Davis/Martin
January 24, 1990
Title: Vista
1990 JAN 24 PM 8: 33
Draft: One
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA, ROOSEVELT ROOM
1 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 1990
( (Acknowledgements -- Assistant Secretary Aronson, Director
Jane Kenny, Director Patricia Rodgers. [[Tule River] Tribal
Chairman Nicole Larsen. Senator Dodd. Senator Rockefeller -- I
know this must be a special day for you.) )
( (We are here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates is not
my strong suit. But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for the
world. ))
It was a quarter of a century ago this month, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first
volunteers started their service. Today, 100,000 Americans of
all ages and backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA
volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the
hollows of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the
city streets of New York and Los Angeles -- these VISTA
volunteers work long hours on short pay. And they work one
community, one block, one child at a time.
Men and women
( Query whither me is however a "voluteer"
of helshe is paid, paltry
such pay may be)
2
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged VISTA
volunteers with a tough mission, committing you "to guide the
young, to comfort the sick, to encourage the downtrodden, to
teach the skills which may lead to a more rewarding life. =
That was your mission then, and that is your mission today.
Every time you teach a kid to read, you make a difference. Every
time you find shelter for a family, you make a difference. And
every time you keep a kid off drugs, you make a difference for
all Americans.
As VISTA volunteers, it is up to you to find sponsors to
repair the school buses, to build the roads and create the
counseling centers. These are not marginal matters. These are
matters of real success or failure for people in need, even of
life-and-death.
I know how much Barbara's literacy work means to her. And
she often talks to me about what volunteers are doing around the
country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not giving
dignity, for dignity cannot be conferred. You are not giving
education, because education must be earned. You are not
bestowing ambition, because ambition can only come from within.
What the men and women of VISTA do achieve is even more
miraculous -- you impart to so many disadvantaged Americans the
means to build pride, to earn a degree or skill, to believe in
themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when or she he realizes that he is
5r she
the true author of his/destiny. For a troubled community, it
3
comes by finding leadership from within. So your achievements
come as much from the power of self-confidence, as they do from
material assistance. Sounds like a miracle. And perhaps it is -
- a miracle that comes from caring.
A few who care enough to volunteer are with us today:
Andrew Jacob, who works with at-risk street youth in Brunswick,
Maine; Diana Lopez, who went straight from Yale to work with
Lakota Sioux and other Native Americans in South Dakota; Damita
Wells, who tutors prison inmates in Nashville; Sandra Jellison-
Knock, who uses puppets and theater to educate children.
Then there is Margaret Paye, who retired from a 33-year
career as an educator and school instructor, but who didn't
retire from the service of others. Now she's as busy as ever,
helping low-income women and children at a shelter in Syracuse.
And finally there is Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents in New Mexico; who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention; and who helps direct a food service for
the hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer, because
Nick suffered a terrible injury in a car accident before he
joined VISTA. I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his needs. But not Nick Flores.
He would rather serve others. So now Rick's out on the front
lines, helping -- and building -- and caring -- for folks from
Las Cruces clear up to Santa Fe.
Many of these volunteers are students. And though students
can get a partial break on their student loans, no one does it
4
for the money. No, they do it for love of country and fellow
man. And, I suspect, they serve for yet another reason -- simply
for the challenge of it all. Perhaps they believe that what
really matters is that we simply recognize something greater than
ourselves. or to put it as I have before: From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include service serving
to others.
1
This is what attracts young men and women to VISTA. There
is this mistaken notion that every student in America is an up-
and-coming Gordon Geeko -- the character who personified greed in
the movie Wall Street. But we know the truth -- the young men
and women of America are involved. They are the true activists.
You don't often see them, because they are off, helping others,
in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often hear from them,
because they are too modest to brag. And you don't often notice
them at work, because theirs is a quiet mission. But together,
they are moving this country forward.
unlikely
So when I talk of the thousand points of light please know
that no light is brighter or more dazzling than the VISTA
volunteers.
Thank you for all you do, God bless you and God bless
America.
Wicle the we applaced points VISA of light we're not very be much used "are prefer $ paid, describe that
it, # term inasruuch President us intertuces VISTA his Democrat valenteers community alternative service partly bill M
when the skintly, the he that will it oppose parides the rather for stipended emborrusing pregram. position an The the if
Presided he grand walls to he ague in a against stipended to his service "prints of light
Hill were as being emert, antithetical while praising VISTA are
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 25, 1990
MEMORANDUM FOR CHRISS WINSTON
FROM:
JIM PINKERTON
SUBJECT:
25th Anniversary of Vista Draft Speech
A moving, upbeat draft. We like the phrases reminiscent of
the '88 Convention speech passages, e.g., "That was your mission
then, and that is your mission today;" and "You don't often hear
from them because theirs is a quiet mission. " These combine
in a sense the Acceptance speech's "That is my mission "
passage with the "I'm a quiet man " passage (both of course
used later in campaign commercials).
The "you make a difference" repetition is effective -- even
more so is the series of negatives: "you are not giving dignity
education
ambition" which sets up the affirmative
statement about imparting the means to these ends.
Finally, we salute the scotching of the Gordon Gecko image
("There is this mistaken notion that every student in America is
an up-and-coming Gordon Gecko "). How many "Looking Back At
the 80's" retrospectives included some reference to this figure
as the totem of the age? The public will understand that that
"Greed is good" is better understood as an 80's updating of
"national malaise."
###
20 : t'd 52030 62
Document No. 107314
WHITE HOUSE STAFFING MEMORANDUM
01/24/90
5:00 p.m. 01/25/90
DATE:
ACTION/CONCURRENCE/COMMENT DUE BY:
PRESIDENTIAL REMARKS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA
SUBJECT:
(01/24 draft one)
ACTION FYI
ACTION FYI
VICE PRESIDENT
MCCLURE
SUNUNU
NEWMAN
SCOWCROFT
PORTER
DARMAN
ROGICH
BATES
UNTERMEYER
CARD
ROGERS
CICCONI
PINKERTON
DEMAREST
PORTER ROSE
FITZWATER
WINSTON
GRAY
PETERSMEYER
HAGIN
REMARKS:
Please provide any comments/recommendations directly to Chriss
Winston by 5:00 p.m. on Thursday, 01/25, with a copy to
my office. Thanks.
RESPONSE:
6s ??d se DEC 68
least This too lors is one but at pase for its possevelt Assistant room very James to nice W. the AP Cicconi
Image
President
Deputy to the Chief of Staff
Ext.
2702
Davis/Martin
January 24, 1990
Title: Vista
1990 JAN 24 PM 8: 33
Draft: One
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA, ROOSEVELT ROOM
1 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 1990
( (Acknowledgements -- Assistant Secretary Aronson, Director
Jane Kenny, Director Patricia Rodgers. [[Tule River]] Tribal
Chairman Nicole Larsen. Senator Dodd. Senator Rockefeller -- I
know this must be a special day for you.) )
( (We are here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates is not
my strong suit. But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for the
world.) )
It was a quarter of a century ago this month, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first
volunteers started their service. Today, 100,000 Americans of
all ages and backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA
volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the
hollows of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the
city streets of New York and Los Angeles -- these VISTA
volunteers work long hours on short pay. And they work one
community, one block, one child at a time.
2
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged VISTA
volunteers with a tough mission, committing you "to guide the
young, to comfort the sick, to encourage the downtrodden, to
teach the skills which may lead to a more rewarding life. "
That was your mission then, and that is your mission today.
Every time you teach a kid to read, you make a difference. Every
time you find shelter for a family, you make a difference. And
every time you keep a kid off drugs, you make a difference for
all Americans.
As VISTA volunteers, it is up to you to find sponsors to
repair the school buses, to build the roads and create the
counseling centers. These are not marginal matters. These are
matters of real success or failure for people in need, even of
life-and-death.
I know how much Barbara's literacy work means to her. And
she often talks to me about what volunteers are doing around the
country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not giving
dignity, for dignity cannot be conferred. You are not giving
education, because education must be earned. You are not
bestowing ambition, because ambition can only come from within.
What the men and women of VISTA do achieve is even more
miraculous -- you impart to so many disadvantaged Americans the
means to build pride, to earn a degree or skill, to believe in
themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when he realizes that he is
the true author of his destiny. For a troubled community, it
3
comes by finding leadership from within. So your achievements
come as much from the power of self-confidence, as they do from
material assistance. Sounds like a miracle. And perhaps it is -
- a miracle that comes from caring.
A few who care enough to volunteer are with us today:
Andrew Jacob, who works with at-risk street youth in Brunswick,
Maine; Diana Lopez, who went straight from Yale to work with
Lakota Sioux and other Native Americans in South Dakota; Damita
Wells, who tutors prison inmates in Nashville; Sandra Jellison-
Knock, who uses puppets and theater to educate children.
Then there is Margaret Paye, who retired from a 33-year
career as an educator and school instructor, but who didn't
retire from the service of others. Now she's as busy as ever,
helping low-income women and children at a shelter in Syracuse.
And finally there is Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents in New Mexico; who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention; and who helps direct a food service for
the hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer, because
Nick suffered a terrible injury in a car accident before he
joined VISTA. I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his needs. But not Nick Flores.
He would rather serve others. So now Rick's out on the front
lines, helping -- and building -- and caring -- for folks from
Las Cruces clear up to Santa Fe.
Many of these volunteers are students. And though students
can get a partial break on their student loans, no one does it
4
for the money. No, they do it for love of country and fellow
man. And, I suspect, they serve for yet another reason -- simply
for the challenge of it all. Perhaps they believe that what
really matters is that we simply recognize something greater than
ourselves. Or to put it as I have before: From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include service
to others.
This is what attracts young men and women to VISTA. There
is this mistaken notion that every student in America is an up-
and-coming Gordon Gecko -- the character who personified greed in
the movie Wall Street. But we know the truth -- the young men
and women of America are involved. They are the true activists.
You don't often see them, because they are off, helping others,
in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often hear from them,
because they are too modest to brag. And you don't often notice
them at work, because theirs is a quiet mission. But together,
they are moving this country forward.
So when I talk of the thousand points of light, please know
that no light is brighter or more dazzling than the VISTA
volunteers.
Thank you for all you do, God bless you and God bless
America.
#
#
#
STAFFED 1/24/90 8pm
Davis/Martin
January 24, 1990
Title: Vista
Draft: One
PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS: 25th ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA, ROOSEVELT ROOM
1 p.m., Wednesday, January 31, 1990
( (Acknowledgements -- Assistant Secretary Aronson, Director
Jane Kenny, Director Patricia Rodgers. [[Tule River]] Tribal
Chairman Nicole Larsen. Senator Dodd. Senator Rockefeller -- I
know this must be a special day for you.) )
( (We are here today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of
VISTA -- though some will tell you that remembering dates is not
my strong suit. \\\ But I wouldn't miss this anniversary for the
world. ))
It was a quarter of a century ago this month, shortly after
President Johnson signed VISTA into law, that the first
volunteers started their service. Today, 100,000 Americans of
all ages and backgrounds can proudly say: "I was a VISTA
volunteer."
And even at this very moment, there are more than 3,000
volunteers at work in more than 650 neighborhoods. From the
hollows of Appalachia, to the mountains of New Mexico, to the
city streets of New York and Los Angeles -- these VISTA
volunteers work long hours on short pay. And they work one
community, one block, one child at a time.
2
Twenty-five years ago, President Johnson charged VISTA
volunteers with a tough mission, committing you "to guide the
young, to comfort the sick, to encourage the downtrodden, to
teach the skills which may lead to a more rewarding life. "
That was your mission then, and that is your mission today.
Every time you teach a kid to read, you make a difference. Every
time you find shelter for a family, you make a difference. And
every time you keep a kid off drugs, you make a difference for
all Americans.
As VISTA volunteers, it is up to you to find sponsors to
repair the school buses, to build the roads and create the
counseling centers. These are not marginal matters. These are
matters of real success or failure for people in need, even of
life-and-death.
I know how much Barbara's literacy work means to her. And
she often talks to me about what volunteers are doing around the
country. So I know, you do give a lot -- but you are not giving
dignity, for dignity cannot be conferred. You are not giving
education, because education must be earned. You are not
bestowing ambition, because ambition can only come from within.
What the men and women of VISTA do achieve is even more
miraculous -- you impart to so many disadvantaged Americans the
means to build pride, to earn a degree or skill, to believe in
themselves.
For an individual, dignity comes when he realizes that he is
the true author of his destiny. For a troubled community, it
3
comes by finding leadership from within. So your achievements
come as much from the power of self-confidence, as they do from
material assistance. Sounds like a miracle. And perhaps it is -
- a miracle that comes from caring.
A few who care enough to volunteer are with us today:
Andrew Jacob, who works with at-risk street youth in Brunswick,
Maine; Diana Lopez, who went straight from Yale to work with
Lakota Sioux and other Native Americans in South Dakota; Damita
Wells, who tutors prison inmates in Nashville; Sandra Jellison-
Knock, who uses puppets and theater to educate children.
Then there is Margaret Paye, who retired from a 33-year
career as an educator and school instructor, but who didn't
retire from the service of others. Now she's as busy as ever,
helping low-income women and children at a shelter in Syracuse.
And finally there is Nick Flores, who counsels poor rural
residents in New Mexico; who is deeply involved in drug and
alcohol abuse prevention; and who helps direct a food service for
the hungry. I regard Nick as a very special volunteer, because
Nick suffered a terrible injury in a car accident before he
joined VISTA. I suppose no one would have blamed him if he had
focused only on himself, only on his needs. But not Nick Flores.
He would rather serve others. So now Rick's out on the front
lines, helping -- and building -- and caring -- for folks from
Las Cruces clear up to Santa Fe.
Many of these volunteers are students. And though students
can get a partial break on their student loans, no one does it
4
for the money. No, they do it for love of country and fellow
man. And, I suspect, they serve for yet another reason -- simply
for the challenge of it all. Perhaps they believe that what
really matters is that we simply recognize something greater than
ourselves. Or to put it as I have before: From now on in
America, any definition of a successful life must include service
to others.
This is what attracts young men and women to VISTA. There
is this mistaken notion that every student in America is an up-
and-coming Gordon Gecko -- the character who personified greed in
the movie Wall Street. But we know the truth -- the young men
and women of America are involved. They are the true activists.
You don't often see them, because they are off, helping others,
in the most unlikeliest places. You don't often hear from them,
because they are too modest to brag. And you don't often notice
them at work, because theirs is a quiet mission. But together,
they are moving this country forward.
So when I talk of the thousand points of light, please know
that no light is brighter or more dazzling than the VISTA
volunteers.
Thank you for all you do, God bless you and God bless
America.
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25TH ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA / ROOSEVELT ROOM Peteraments
1 P.M. / WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1990
((ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS -- ASSISTANT SECRETARY 1990 [[oF
STATE BERNARD]] ARONSON, ACTION DIRECTOR JANE KENNY !:
10
VISTA DIRECTOR PATRICIA RODGERS. SARGENT SHRIVER,
[[TULE RIVER]] TRIBAL CHAIRMAN NICOLE LARSEN. AND ALL
MEMBERS OF CONGRESS HERE -- I KNOW THIS MUST BE A
SPECIAL DAY FOR YOU, AND FOR THE 25 VISTA VOLUTEERS WHO
ARE GUESTS OF HONOR.))
- 2 -
(WE ARE HERE TODAY TO CELEBRATE THE 25TH
ANNIVERSARY OF VISTA -- THOUGH SOME WILL TELL YOU THAT
REMEMBERING DATES IS NOT MY STRONG SUIT. III BUT I
WOULDN'T MISS THIS ANNIVERSARY FOR THE WORLD. "
IT WAS A QUARTER OF A CENTURY AGO TODAY, SHORTLY
AFTER PRESIDENT JOHNSON SIGNED VISTA INTO LAW, THAT THE
FIRST VOLUNTEERS STARTED THEIR SERVICE. TODAY, 100,000
AMERICANS OF ALL AGES AND BACKGROUNDS CAN PROUDLY SAY:
"I WAS A VISTA VOLUNTEER."
- 3 -
AND EVEN AT THIS VERY MOMENT, THERE ARE MORE THAN
3,000 VOLUNTEERS AT WORK IN MORE THAN 650
NEIGHBORHOODS. FROM THE HOLLOWS OF APPALACHIA, TO THE
MOUNTAINS OF NEW MEXICO, TO THE CITY STREETS OF NEW
YORK AND Los ANGELES -- THESE VISTA VOLUNTEERS WORK
LONG HOURS ON SHORT PAY. AND THEY WORK ONE COMMUNITY,
ONE BLOCK, ONE CHILD AT A TIME.
- 4 -
TWENTY-FIVE YEARS AGO, PRESIDENT JOHNSON CHARGED
VISTA VOLUNTEERS WITH A TOUGH MISSION, COMMITTING YOU
"To GUIDE. THE YOUNG, TO COMFORT THE SICK, TO ENCOURAGE
THE DOWNTRODDEN, TO TEACH THE SKILLS WHICH MAY LEAD TO
A MORE REWARDING LIFE."
THAT WAS YOUR MISSION THEN, AND THAT IS YOUR
MISSION TODAY.
- 5 -
EVERY TIME A KID LEARNS TO READ, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
EVERY TIME A HOMELESS FAMILY FINDS SHELTER, YOU MAKE A
DIFFERENCE. AND EVERY TIME A TROUBLED PERSON STAYS OFF
DRUGS, YOU MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR ALL AMERICANS. III
I KNOW HOW MUCH BARBARA'S LITERACY WORK MEANS TO
HER. AND SHE OFTEN TALKS TO ME ABOUT WHAT VOLUNTEERS
ARE DOING AROUND THE COUNTRY. So I KNOW, YOU DO GIVE A
LOT -- BUT YOU ARE NOT GIVING DIGNITY, FOR DIGNITY
CANNOT BE CONFERRED.
- 6 -
You ARE NOT GIVING EDUCATION, BECAUSE EDUCATION MUST BE
ACQUIRED. You ARE NOT BESTOWING AMBITION, BECAUSE
AMBITION CAN ONLY COME FROM WITHIN. WHAT THE MEN AND
WOMEN OF VISTA DO ACHIEVE IS EVEN MORE MIRACULOUS --
YOU IMPART TO so MANY DISADVANTAGED AMERICANS THE MEANS
TO BUILD PRIDE, TO EARN A DEGREE OR SKILL, To BELIEVE
IN THEMSELVES.
FOR AN INDIVIDUAL, DIGNITY COMES WHEN HE REALIZES
THAT HE IS THE TRUE AUTHOR OF HIS DESTINY.
- 7 -
FOR A TROUBLED COMMUNITY, IT COMES BY FINDING
LEADERSHIP FROM WITHIN. So YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS COME AS
MUCH FROM THE POWER OF SELF-CONFIDENCE, AS THEY DO FROM
MATERIAL ASSISTANCE. SOUNDS LIKE A MIRACLE. AND
PERHAPS IT IS -- A MIRACLE THAT COMES FROM CARING.
- 8 -
A FEW WHO CARE ENOUGH TO VOLUNTEER ARE WITH US
TODAY: ANDREW JACOB, WHO WORKS WITH AT-RISK STREET
YOUTH IN BRUNSWICK, MAINE; DIANA LOPEZ, WHO WENT
STRAIGHT FROM YALE TO WORK WITH LAKOTA SIOUX AND OTHER
NATIVE AMERICANS IN SOUTH DAKOTA; DAMITA WELLS, WHO
RECRUITS TUTORS FOR PRISON INMATES IN NASHVILLE.
AND FINALLY THERE IS NICK FLORES, WHO COUNSELS POOR
RURAL RESIDENTS IN NEW MEXICO; WHO IS DEEPLY INVOLVED
IN DRUG AND ALCOHOL ABUSE PREVENTION; AND WHO HELPS
DIRECT A FOOD SERVICE FOR THE HUNGRY.
- 9 -
I REGARD NICK AS A VERY SPECIAL VOLUNTEER, BECAUSE NICK
SUFFERED A TERRIBLE INJURY IN A CAR ACCIDENT PRIOR TO
HIS ASSIGNMENT WITH VISTA. I SUPPOSE NO ONE WOULD HAVE
BLAMED HIM IF HE HAD FOCUSED ONLY ON HIMSELF, ONLY ON
HIS NEEDS. BUT NOT NICK FLORES. HE WOULD RATHER SERVE
OTHERS. So NOW NICK'S OUT ON THE FRONT LINES,
HELPING -- AND BUILDING -- AND CARING -- FOR FOLKS FROM
LAS CRUCES CLEAR UP TO SANTA FE.
- 10 -
PERHAPS NICK BELIEVES LIKE so MANY VISTA VOLUNTEERS
THAT RECOGNIZING SOMETHING GREATER THAN OURSELVES IS
WHAT REALLY MATTERS. OR TO PUT IT AS I HAVE BEFORE:
" FROM NOW ON IN AMERICA, ANY DEFINITION OF A
SUCCESSFUL LIFE MUST INCLUDE SERVICE TO OTHERS."
THIS IS WHAT ATTRACTS MEN AND Serving WOMEN TO VISTA. THEY
ARE THE TRUE ACTIVISTS. You DON'T OFTEN SEE THEM,
BECAUSE THEY ARE OFF, HELPING OTHERS, IN THE MOST
UNLIKELIEST PLACES.
- 11 -
You DON'T OFTEN HEAR FROM THEM, BECAUSE THEY ARE TOO
MODEST TO BRAG. AND YOU DON'T OFTEN NOTICE THEM AT
WORK, BECAUSE THEIRS IS A QUIET MISSION. BUT TOGETHER,
THEY ARE MOVING THIS COUNTRY FORWARD.
So WHEN I TALK OF THE THOUSAND POINTS OF LIGHT,
PLEASE KNOW THAT NO LIGHT IS BRIGHTER OR MORE DAZZLING
THAN THE VISTA VOLUNTEERS.
THANK YOU FOR ALL YOU DO, GOD BLESS YOU AND GOD
BLESS AMERICA.
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