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Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
The
China Initiative
@@@@@@
JOHN F. KENNEDY SCHOOL OF GOVERNMENT
Harvard University
February 1998
Clinton Presidential Records
Digital Records Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff.
This marker identifies the place of a publication.
Publications have not been scanned in their entirety for the purpose
of digitization. To see the full publication please search online or
visit the Clinton Presidential Library's Research Room.
CHINACHEM GROUP
HONG KONG
SPORT
AND THE
ENVIRONMENT
UNITED NATIONS
FIRST DAY OF ISSUE JULY 19, 1996
ATLANTA, GA 30304
Very
SPORT AND THE ENVIRONMENT FIRST DAY OF ISSUE WORLD FEDERATION OF UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATIONS WFUNA CACHET
SHITED JUL A.M. NATIONS 1
NEW
1997ORK
United Avaions
55c
J
WE
HK
is D
HEART TO HEART
HONG KONG, CHINA. / JULY 1997 THE WORLD FEDERATION OF UNITED NATIONS ASSOCIATIONS
WFUNA CACHET
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 6, 1998
Dear Father Robert Kondritick,
Included are the White House photographs taken when
His Holiness Patriarch Ilia Shiolashvili visited the First Lady in
early May. We would really appreciate it if you could send
them to him in Gerogia. Thank you very much.
Best Wishes, and God Bless.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 24, 1998
Ms. Nina Kostina
Executive Vice President
Frank Foundation
1030 15th Street, NW, Suite 1020
Dear Ms. Kostina:
1 me
Thank you very much for keeping us posted on the
and 2, sir
proposed visit of the orphaned children in November.
Though it is not yet clear what Mrs. Clinton's schedule
me opkaned
will be later this year, we look forward to your keeping us
appraised of progress on the children's trip. You know we will
do what we can to be helpful.
h
and to
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
keepeng
Nue Chief of Staff to
Melanne Verveer were
yrund
the First Lady
thip
06/29/1998
13:28
202-452-0719
FRANK FOUNDATION USA
PAGE 02
All Children Smile
in the Same Language
@
Frank
June 25, 1998
Foundation
Child Assistance
International, Inc.
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to the First Lady
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Ms. Verveer:
In mid March, my colleagues and I had the pleasure of meeting with you at the White House as a follow up to
my initial encounter with the First Lady during her visit of the Bonum Center in Yekaterinburg, Russia. You
may recall, we had described our past, current and future activities in further detail and asked for the support
of the First Lady for those endeavors which were of highest priority.
In my last correspondence to you (letter dated March 16, 1998), I mentioned a special event which would
bring eight blind orphans (ages 7-10) to the United States under a unique cross cultural exchange program. At
that time, the target date was June of 1998. However, as we developed the program, some truly fantastic
events have evolved which prompted us to change the dates of the program to November of 1998. Since our
March meeting, we have developed a partnership with the National Sports Center for the Disabled in Winter
Park, Colorado. Our simple idea has now expanded to a much greater level to include recreational
rehabilitation for our disabled children. The extraordinary support this project has received from the corporate
world, the local and global community has been inspirational. For your convenience, I have enclosed a
preliminary outline which briefly describes the exchange and provides an envisioned calender of events.
You may recall during our March meeting, I had asked you if you felt Mrs. Clinton would be inclined to greet
this special group of orphaned children at the White House upon their arrival to the United States. At the time,
you had replied that should Mrs. Clinton's schedule allow it, you felt the event would be something which
would be highly favored by the First Lady. Since the dates have now shifted from June to November, I now
ask for your kind guidance and support for this opportunity. You will note from the program outline, we
have tentatively proposed November 20, 1998 as the meeting date. However, we understand that the First
Lady's schedule may require us to consider alternate dates. As the opportunity to meet Mrs. Clinton is so
exceptional for these children, we remain flexible.
As the program develops, we will be happy to forward updates to you. As I mentioned earlier, the support
for this project has been phenomenal. United Airlines has agreed to pay for all the domestic airline costs for
the participants. Winter Park Resort is hosting the children and providing all lessons and local hospitality pro
bono. Acclaimed athletes and other celebrities have embraced the project's philosophy and have asked to be a
part of its implementation.
1030 Fifteenth Street, NW, Suite 1020, Washington, DC 20005
Phone: (202) 452-8279 Fax: (202) 452-0719
http://www.frankfoundationcai.com Email: [email protected]
06/29/1998 13:28 202-452-0719
FRANK FOUNDATION USA
PAGE 03
page 2
Should it be beneficial, I would welcome the opportunity to meet with you again to further discuss the details
of this wonderful program. In the meantime, as 1 will be traveling for the majority of the summer, please
contact my assistant, Julie Hogan at the office via phone (202-452-8279), fax (202-452-0719), or email
(jleehogan), should you have any immediate concerns or questions.
Thank you for your time, assistance and support.
Sincerely
nina hostine
Nina Kostina
Executive Vice President
06/29/1998 13:28 202-452-0719
FRANK FOUNDATION USA
PAGE 04
INTERNATIONAL WINTER WONDERLAND
An Innovative Cultural Exchange Opportunity for
Visually Impaired Orphaned Children from Russia
Sponsors:
Frank Foundation Child Assistance International, Washington, DC and
National Sports Center for the Disabled, Winter Park, CO
Program Summary:
Under the auspice of Frank Foundation Child Assistance International, eight blind orphans
(ages 7-10) from Russia will have a once in a life time opportunity to engage in a unique
cultural experience designed to enhance self-esteem, dispel cultural and physical stereotypes
and inspire hope through the vehicle of sports. The children will engage in a week long
intensive fun filled educational training program at the National Sports Center for the Disabled
in Winter Park Colorado. Volunteer Instructors, specially trained to address the needs of
visually impaired youths, will provide one on one skiing lessons for each child. During their
stay in Colorado, the children will be living with local families which will provide an added
cultural, familial experience for the orphaned youths.
A true testimony to the power of global partnerships for the good of children, the International
Winter Wonderland Program has been embraced by the highest level of government. Prior to
the group's departure from Russia, First Lady of Russia, Mrs. Naina Yeltsina, will greet them at
the Kremlin to wish them a safe and wonderful journey abroad. In turn, First Lady of the
United States, Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton, will warmly welcome the children at the White
House upon their arrival within the United States. Two First ladies of two world powers, once
again, symbolically unite, to celebrate international cooperation for the world's children.
Other highlights of the program include special lessons with internationally acclaimed athletes
such as Scott Hamilton and Ekaterina Gordieva (figure skating champions) and Alberto Tomba
(World Cup Champion and Olympic Gold Medalist in Alpine Skiing). A welcome VIP
Thanksgiving dinner/fundraiser is being planned at commencement of the group's stay at
Winter Park.
Frank Foundation Child Assistance International has been designing and sponsoring
innovative exchange programs for less advantaged children in Russia and the United States
since its initiation in 1992. The foundation's other activities include medical evacuations,
child advocacy work, humanitarian assistance, fact finding missions, professional training
programs and adoption support. The organization's endeavors are guided by two
objectives: delivering immediate relief for children with the greatest need and sustaining
ongoing efforts to eradicate suffering for all children. All activities reaffirm the
foundation's belief that "All Children Smile in the same language."
The National Sports Center for the Disabled (NSCD) begin in 1970 and has since become
the largest and most successful program of its kind in the world. Enabling the spirit through
sport for participants from every continent except Antarctica, NSCD is recognized as a
leader in therapeutic recreation. Since its founding in 1970, NSCD provides nearly 28,000
lessons a year to children and adults with physical and mental disabilities. Participants
learn there is "no mountain too high" through NSCD opportunities that build self-
confidence through recreational and competitive challenges.
06/29/1998 13:28 202-452-0719
FRANK FOUNDATION USA
PAGE 05
Dates of Program:
November 19 - November 27, 1998
US Cities:
Washington, DC (November 20 and 26)
Winter Park, CO (November 21 - November 26)
Special
United Airlines, Aeroflot Airlines, Winter Park Resort,
Corporate Sponsors:
Victoria Adoption Center
Program/Highlight Events:
November 18, 1998: 1
Special Meeting with Mrs. Naina Yeltsina, First Lady
of the Russian Federation: The Kremlin, Moscow,
Russia
November 19, 1998:
Depart Moscow; Arrive in Washington, DC (via NYC)
November 20, 1998: 2
Special meeting with Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton,
First Lady of the United States of America: The White
House, Washington, DC, USA
November 21, 1998:
Depart DC to Winter Park, CO (via Denver) on United
Airlines (pro bono tickets)
November 21, 1998
Winter Park Program -- designed and
through
supported by NSCD and local businesses
November 26, 1998:
November 26, 1998:
[Thanksgiving Day] Depart CO to DC
November 27, 1998:
Depart DC for Moscow
*1 Meeting awaits confirmation from the Kremlin
*2 Request to White House in in process of review
U
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 24, 1998
Jurate Kazickas
15 East 92 Street,
New York, NY 10128
Dear Jurate:
Thanks for your letter; it was so nice to hear from you.
The Save America's Treasures trip went very well. I am
sorry that you missed the First Lady in Seneca Falls, but glad
that Lynn was able to be there. Enclosed are Mrs. Clinton's
2 this week
remarks. She loved being with Roger this week and is so
grateful to him.
I is
Best wishes, and I hope all is well. I am
grateful to
him
And Sincerely yours,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
JUL-10-98 10:13 PM
P.01
R.
Jurate Kazickas
July 10, 1998
To: Melanne Verveer
From: Jurate Kazickas
It's been a while since we spoke but I hope all is well.
I just read about Mrs. Clinton's tour of historic sites. Are you joining her? Wish I
could come along. especially when she visits Harriet Tubman et al. I hope she has her
trusty copy of SUSAN B. ANTHONY SLEPT HERE as she travels around. Lynn is
going to be doing a book signing in Seneca Falls during the big celebrations. But much
to our dismay, the publisher is threatening to put our book out of print. Next week may
well be our final hurrah. Is there any way Hillary could make a passing reference to this
essential guide book in one of her many specches? That would mean so much to Lynn
and me.
I'll just miss you as I am not scheduled to be in Seneca Falls until July 18th (after ]
return from climbing Mt. Rainier.) And I'm disappointed I won't be in East Hampton
(where my family has had a home for 40 years) when the Clintons visit, I think they'll
really enjoy it. They have so many friends and supporters there.
Hope you get to take some time off with Phil. Remember you have standing
invitation to come to the ranch in Wyoming. Roger and I will be there all of August.
All the best,
Jurce
15 East 92 St. New York, N.Y. 10128
212-426-0051 Fax 426-0261
1)
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 21, 1998
Jacquelyn Kendall
Executive Director
Midwest Academy
225 W. Ohio Street, Suite 250
Chicago, IL 60610
Dear Ms. Kendall:
Thank you for your letter and invitation for the First
Lady to attend your 25th Anniversary celebration to honor
Heather Booth, here in Washington on December 10, 1998.
It is not yet certain whether Mrs. Clinton's schedule
will allow her to accept your invitation, but I know she would
want me to convey her appreciation for your thoughtfulness. I
have forwarded your invitation to Patti Solis Doyle, Director of
Scheduling for the First Lady, and she will be in touch with
you.
Best wishes, and thank you for all the important work
you do in so many areas.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
R
MIDWEST ACADEMY
Celebrating 25 years of training activists
July 8, 1998
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Attn: Melanne Verveer
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Midwest Academy, the nation's leading
training institute for progressive activists in the country. In commemoration of this special
milestone, we will honor the Academy's founder, Heather Booth, at a December 10, 1998 gala at
the Capitol Hilton in Washington, DC. I am writing to ask you to be our special guest that
evening. Your participation will help us to ensure that the evening is a great success
There is much to celebrate. Strong staff and leaders have always been at the center of our
organizing efforts. With over 20,000 alumni, Midwest Academy has played a central role in
ensuring that organizations have had the staff and leadership with the skill level and commitment
needed to carry out the work.
While the Academy has worked with a variety of issue-based organizations striving to
make improvements in the environment, health care delivery, child care, transportation, housing
and access to education, our principal goal has been to ensure that citizens are actively involved
in the decision-making processes that influence their daily lives. Among the groups that we are
proud to have worked with are labor and women's organization, Citizen Action, the National
Council of Senior Citizens, AARP, Stand for Children, the United States Student Association, the
Alzheimer's Association and hundreds of local community organizations.
On this occasion, I can think of no one more appropriate to honor than Heather - an
activist of great vision and leadership who has left an indelible mark on so many progressive,
grassroots initiatives across the country, including the Citizen/Labor Energy Coalition, Citizen
Action, and Health Security Express. Most recently she brought those very skills to her work
with the Democratic National Committee, most recently as the Director of Field Operations.
We look forward to honoring Heather as we celebrate the Midwest Academy's twenty-
five years, and we hope you will agree to join us on December 10th. We will be in touch with
your staff shortly to discuss your participation in more detail.
Thank you.
Sincerely,
Jache Kendallyn
Jacquelyn Kendall
Executive Director
225 W. Ohio Street, Suite 250
Chicago, IL 60610
(312) 645-6010
Fax (312) 645-6018
[email protected]
www.mindspring.com/midwestacademy
540
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 22, 1998
Mr. Robert J. Keefe
TKC International, Inc.
Suite 711
444 N. Capitol St.
Washington, DC 20001
Eve
Dear Mr. Keefe:
On behalf of the First Lady, thank you for your letter
and invitation to participate in a discussion on the Internet with
Japanese children under the auspices of KONET and the
Japanese Ministry of Education.
I have forwarded your request to the scheduling office
and they will be in contact with you should Mrs. Clinton be
able to accept your offer.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Men Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
06-04-1998 10: 45AM FROM
TO
4561213 P.01
R
TKC INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED
Carl
444 North Capitol Street, N.W. * Suite 841 # Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: (202) 638-7030 Fax: (202) 638-6784
comment
FACSIMILE TRANSMITTAL
DATE
June 4, 1998
MESSAGE TO: Ms. Anne Lewis
COMPANY:
The White House
FAX NUMBER: (202) 456-1213
MESSAGE FROM:
Cheryl Ali, Assistant to Mr. Bob Keefe
FAX NUMBER: (202) 638-6784
NUMBER OF PAGES: _39_ (Including Cover Sheet)
IF THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE IS RECEIVED POORLY OR
INCOMPLETE, PLEASE CALL (202) 638-7030.
06-04-1998 10:45AM
FROM
TO
4561213 P.02
TKC INTERNATIONAL, INCORPORATED
Suite
711
444 North Capitol Street
Washington, D.C. 20001
Phone: (202) 638-7030
Fax No. (202) 638-6784
May 5, 1998
Hon. Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Ave., NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Hillary,
I would like to invite you to participate in an interactive media session with about one
million school children in Japan and the United States. KONET (literally, the children's network)
is a Japanese multimedia system which links more than 1000 K-12 schools with Internet
connections and video conferencing. The KONET Plan Promotion Council, a group of leading
Japanese companies which sponsor the project along with the Japanese Ministry of Education
would like to have you participate in an hour long session on their network.
Previously, Prime Minister Hashimoto and Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates have both
participated in KONET sessions. Attached is a brief video giving an overview of the system and a
snapshot of the Hashimoto and Gates sessions. With your strong leadership in education and your
prominence on the world scene, you would make a very attractive guest in an interactive session.
KONET is prepared to support the project in any manner to make it easy, productive and
satisfying for you If you have a topic that you would prefer to make the focus of the session,
they would certainly accommodate you.
The session can be scheduled to fit your convenience - anytime during the morning school
time in Japan. That is anytime from 8 pm through midnight Washington time, Sunday through
Thursday until mid July. The session can be done from almost anywhere - including from your
home, The White House. All it takes is an ISDN line. KONET is prepared to handle the
technical requirements.
Although time differences make it difficult, KONET officials are working to gain
participation from American students. Pennsylvania-based Classroom Connect has agreed to
Internet broadcasting of such an event. They provide Internet solutions to over 40,000 US
schools. KONET is also working to bring in additional schools in Hawaii and California. This
has the potential to be the largest Video Conference ever.
06-04-1998 10:45AM FROM
TO
4561213 P.03
In preparation for the conference, participating schools would develop special educational
programs on the United States, and on you and your husband. These programs would
supplement normal curriculums which provide little current affairs information about the United
States.
President Clinton and Prime Minister Hashimoto agreed last year to encourage more
collaboration and exchange programs between the US and Japanese education systems using
modern network technology. This event will be a great way to promote this particular agenda. It
will give you the opportunity to talk with and hear from students in different locations, using
modern technology to make for a new mutual understanding model in the Global Network Age.
I hope you will be able to participate in this exciting technological event.
Material describing KONET and its background is attached for your information.
Thank you for considering this request.
X Keefe
FYI: KONET is a project of the Ministry of Education of Japan and Nippon Telegraph and
Telephone Company. Minister of Education Nobutaku Machimura is a long time friend of mine
and is personally interested in the project. I have represented NTT on international procurement
matters for nearly 20 years.
TOTAL P.03
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 28, 1998
Ms. Judith Kaufmann
Mission Permanente Des Etats-Unis,
Route de Pregny 11, 1292
Cambesy-Geneva, Switzerland
Dear Judith:
Thank you for the book, which I have passed along to
the First Lady. I know she will read it with considerable
interest. The photo was hilarious. You can just tell how much
the Ambassador and First Lady enjoy each other's company. I
just wish they'd shared their observation with us!
We fondly remember our all-too brief time in Geneva.
We are so grateful to you and George for your many
kindnesses and I so enjoyed our dinner conversation. I hope
you both have a fascinating and rewarding stay in Geneva.
All the best.
Sincerely,
New Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
@
JUDITH KAUFMANN
GEORGE MOOSE
July 1, 1998
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to the First Lady
The White House
Washington, DC
Dear Melanne:
During the First Lady's second visit to Geneva, she and I spoke briefly about the mind-
set of the Middle East and sub-continent. At the time I was reading, and have since
finished, the enclosed book. I found it fascinating. It provides a history of Islam and an
analysis of the basic texts of Islam from a feminist and academic perspective. The asides
about the affect of Western culture on the psyche of the Arabs were as interesting to me as
the history and analysis about the role of women in Islam.
Fatima Mernissi, the author, is well-known and respected. She has also written on
Islam and Democracy, althugh I have not yet read that book. Ms. Mernissi is obviously not
a woman who shies away from controversial subjects. I think Mrs. Clinton might enjoy this
book, if she has not already read it, although I know she must have more than enough to
read as it is.
I enclose as well a copy of a photo taken during Mrs. Clinton's visit. George claims not
to remember what caused such hilarity; I just think he's not telling!
I enjoyed being able to chat with you and hope that you can come back - either with or
without the First Lady. I also hope that your trip to Prague was wonderful; I am trying to
convince George that we should go sometime.
Sincerely,
Rolitt
Judith R. Kaufmann
GENEVA - DEPT. OF STATE WASHINGTON, DC 20521-5120
PHONE: (41) (22) 715-4010 FAX: (41) (22) 715-4027
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 28, 1998
Mr. Tom Keneally,
24 The Serpentine,
Bilgola Beach
NSW 2107 Australia
Dear Mr. Kenally:
Thank you for your invitation to the First Lady to attend
the National Childrens' Summit, in Canberra this December.
Senator Kennedy forwarded your request to Mrs. Clinton.
Regrettably, Mrs. Clinton's schedule will not allow her
to accept your kind invitation. But she has asked me to convey
her appreciation, along with her best wishes for a successful
event.
Very best wishes, and thank you all you do in our
common cause to improve the lives of children.
Sincerely,
Mene Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
Tom Keneally, 24 The Serpentine, Bilgola Beach, NSW 2107,
AUSTRALIA.
5th June, 1998
The Hon. Hillary Clinton
FIRST LADY
The White House
Washington DC
Dear Mrs Clinton,
Re: Possible Australia Visit, Mr and Mrs Clinton, December 1998;
Childrens' Summit, Canberra
I hope you do not mind if, on the basis of our acquaintance and your past
kindnesses, I write to you at the urging of some associates of mine. I am aware that if
you accompany your husband in December, you will do so for relaxation, in which
case you should ignore this tentative suggestion.
Here in Australia as in your Grand Republic there is a sense in all sections of the
community that there has been a decline in the quality and security of children's lives,
and the negative impact of many policies common in the developed world. A peak
group named the Coalition for Australia's Children represents many programs,
professionals and experts in this area, and it is under the aegis of that body, led by a
Queenslander named Jan Owen, that we are trying to mount a full-scale, bi-partisan,
highly professional and visible Children's Summit, the first one in our history, to be
held in Canberra in the first week of December.
One of the objectives of the Summit is to increase the visibility of children's issues
both with politicians and in society in general. We hope that through our influence an
Australian Federal office for children will be established.
And again, the organisers have had the temerity to ask me would you like to speak
at the summit at any time during your possible stay in December. While it may seem,
and no doubt is, an act of Aussie hubris to suggest this, I know how you have been
concerned yourself with questions of the health and happiness of children. I am
emboldened to approach you because a statement made on these issues from the exotic
distance of Australia may perhaps have an inevitable visibility which a similar statement
made at events in the United States might not.
Naturally, if by any chance you could visit, we would speak to the Department of
Foreign Affairs. Again, I know all this is a remote chance, but I write because there is
some marginal hope that our sole agenda and yours, the happiness of the child, might
make the Canberra summit a suitable platform for you.
In the meantime I look forward to sending you next year via Nan Talese my new
book next March, and I hope you know what an impact you and the President had
upon Australia during your visit, and how welcome you will always be here.
Yours respectfully,
Tom Tom Keneally Keneally
Briefing Kit
Coalition for Australia's Children
2
a united project of
commitment and action
for australia's children
and young people
contents
1
A Vision for Australia's
Children and Young People
2
Coalition Participants
3
About the Coalition
8
Commitments to Australia's Children
and Young People
Campaign 1998
including
~ National Children's Summit~
13
Operating guidelines of the Coalition
coalition for australia's children
postal address: Level 4 313-315 Flinders Lane Melbourne Victoria 3000
Convenor Jan Owen Tel: 07 3847 8880 Fax: 07 3847 8889
email = [email protected]
Coalition for Australia's Children - a united project of commitment and action for australia's children and young people
A VISION FOR AUSTRALIA'S
CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
A nation's humanity can be measured in the well being and condition of its children.
Its status is diminished by every child who suffers needlessly.
What happens to our children physically, emotionally and intellectually today, effects
them for the rest of their lives and will be reflected in the kind of nation Australia will
be in the 21st century.
Every childhood lasts a lifetime.
Viewed within a global context, most of Australia's children and young people are
endowed with good health, education, income support and protection by their
families and community.
But not all.
There are still far too many children and young people who are denied the
opportunity to reach their full potential. By the age eighteen, seven out of ten young
Australians will have experienced poverty, physical and/or sexual abuse, homelessness
or mental illness. Seven out of ten.
Australia has one of the highest youth suicide rates in the world.
As many as 25,000 of our children and young people are homeless.
Another 20,000 live in care.
We seek to celebrate and build on Australia's diversity with peace, tolerance and
freedom. Affirming the fundamental worth and dignity of every child, encouraging
their right to participate and belong.
We see resources spent on our children not as consumption or some kind of drain, but
as an investment which pays dividends with safe, healthy, happy children who grow
into responsible, contributing and productive adults.
We see it as an investment in Australia's future.
The Coalition for Australia's Children calls on community leaders, institutions,
organisations and each government in Australia to make a commitment to Australia's
children and young people now and in the future.
1
Coalition for Australia's Children May 1998
Coalition for Australia's Children - a united project of commitment and action for australia's children and young people
COALITION PARTICIPANTS
Australian Association of Young People in Care
Amnesty International
Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission
Australian Early Childhood Association
Australian Family Association
Australian Institute of Family Studies
Australian Law Reform Commission
Australians Against Child Abuse
Australian Youth Policy & Action Coalition
Australian Society of Psychologists
Association of Support Services to Australia's Families
Child and Family Welfare Association of Australia
CENTACARE Australia
New Children's Hospital, Westmead
Children's Welfare Association of Victoria
Community Services Australia
Defence for Children International
End Child Prostitution & Trafficking Australia
Ethnic Child Care, Family & Community Services Co-operative Ltd
Human Rights & Equal Opportunity Commission
International Social Services
Kids HelpLine
Marrickville Legal Centre
National Association for Prevention of Child Abuse & Neglect
National Childrens and Youth Law Centre
National Network of Law Centres
OZ Child
Relationships Australia
Secretariat National of Aboriginal & Islander Child Care
UNICEF Australia
William Glasser Institute
Young Media Australia
Ann Symonds
Dr John Yu
Chief Justice Alastair Nicholson
2
Coalition for Australia's Children May 1998
Coalition for Australia's Children - a united project of commitment and action for australia's children and young people
ABOUT THE COALITION
In 1996 the Coalition for Australia's Children was formed to bring together the
expertise and experience of over 30 national and peak children's and youth interest
organisations operating within Australia.
The current status and situation for children and young people in Australia is
precarious as indicated by the high levels of reported cases of child abuse and neglect,
youth homelessness, drug addiction, unemployment levels amongst young people and
youth suicide.
There is little coordination, data or evaluation of effectiveness, from a national
perspective, of care and services provided to children and young people. It is
estimated that 7 out of 10 children and young people will require additional support
systems throughout their childhood and adolescence.
After consultation and input from various stakeholders, and research into the United
States initiative - 'America's Promise to Children' - the Coalition has developed the
Commitments to Australia's Children and Young People Campaign as the vehicle to
drive policy reform for children and young people in Australia.
The Coalition Membership
The Coalition for Australia's Children was formed in 1996. It's membership consists
of a wide range of peak and national non-government organisations plus several highly
regarded professionals with a strong record of advocacy for children.
The Coalition Aim
The central aim of the Coalition is to create a united effort across all sectors of
society for commitment and action for children and young people in Australia
embracing and building upon the spirit and principles of the UN Convention on the
Rights of the Child.
The Coalition Philosophy
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The Coalition has adopted a five point plan as the fundamental philosophy around
which the membership will focus. The Coalition will work to help create an
environment where all children and young people in this country:
Feel supported, are bonded with caring adults and are connected to good networks
Are treated fairly and have access to resources for safe and healthy development
Trust they will have a happy future and possess the capacity to dream
Have skills to communicate, with confidence in their written and verbal abilities
Want to contribute to building a united, productive and rewarding society.
The Coalition Action Framework
The Coalition will promote the need for and direct it's activities to:
Unite people to commit and act to achieve the Coalition philosophy
Coordinate strategies which facilitate a diverse range of commitments and action
for children and young people
Develop, implement and strengthen policies which promote commitment and action
for children and young people
Support service providers and programs dedicated to achieving the Coalition
philosophy
Promote the need for evaluation, research and accountability for programs
established for children and young people.
The Coalition Campaign Strategy
The Coalition will achieve it's aim and philosophy by running a variety of campaigns
targeted at different segments such as: federal and state governments, corporations,
community groups, families, and children and young people. The Coalition will tailor
specific messages which contain both an educational component and an action
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orientation. In all cases, campaigns will foster the development of commitments to
help improve the way that we as a nation think about and respond to the needs of
children and young people.
The campaign strategy will include the following elements:
The Government sector
The focus of the government campaign is to establish it's commitment to children and
young people. The target outcome is to have government:
1. Implement Child Impact Statements as federal government policy
2. Develop and evaluate Child Action Plans in all government institutions
3. Table in parliament, biennial reports on the status of children and young people
4. Establish independent advocacy and monitoring mechanisms at the national level
5. Coordinate policy development at the national level
The Community sector
The Community campaign will address key issues that emerge from a Coalition survey
on:
1. The views that society holds towards children and young people
2. The nature of their current commitment and activities, and
3. The community's perceived capacity to impact positive change for children and
young people.
At this early stage the goal is to develop a theme to improve understanding about key
issues and to improve the experiences of children and young people in Australia. The
campaign will draw attention to the need for all children to experience the basic
components of a happy and healthy childhood outlined in the Coalition philosophy.
Activities that help make the philosophy a reality will be promoted. Community
commitment and action is the target outcome.
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The Corporate sector
The campaign for the corporate sector will gain commitments from businesses
throughout Australia with a view to engaging private industry in a range of activities
tailored, with assistance from the Coalition, to match their own corporations
particular interest. Some corporations may choose to commit to Australia's children
and young people, for example, by:
1. Supporting employees to teach young people computer skills
2. Partnering with community sector organisations to enhance service delivery
capabilities
3. Sponsoring the Coalition media campaign or the project for government
4. Ensuring business practices are family friendly
5. Providing the person-power to participate in, or fund, literacy programs
The Non-Government sector
The Campaign for families and children, and those who provide services to this target
group, will focus on different points at different stages of the Coalition strategy. A
key goal is to place services for families and children on the national agenda as an
election item for analysis and discussion. Initially, the Coalition has engaged in joint
consultation with the National Children's and Youth Law Centre, the Australian
Association of Young People In Care, and the Australian Youth Policy and Action
Coalition, to examine ways children and young people can directly participate in, and
give input to, the campaign.
The Coalition Leadership
The Coalition recognises that what it has set out to achieve will take:
1. Strong leadership, vision, strategic foresight, and integrated planning
2. Skilled management, professional team work, and multiple project partnerships
3. Frequent communication, clarity of outcomes and goals, and utilisation of focused
evaluation
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4. Effective organisation, promotion, and publicity
5. Significant collaborative relationships with multiple supporters and sponsors.
The work of the Coalition is coordinated by a working group of it's membership. The
combined experiences of the working group (alone) result in over 140 years of
professional involvement in business and human services systems. Members
backgrounds include senior positions in the fields of law and human rights, advertising,
retail, child protection, the private health industry and the youth sector.
All professionals bring leadership experience to the working party and as part of this,
have experience in the development and implementation of new strategies for
children and young people.
The Coalition membership has united for a specific purpose around a unique
philosophy and is committed to achieving change for children and young people in
Australia. It has adopted a leading edge strategy which will draw upon expertise from
within the Coalition and the Working Party, and has a structured plan in which
collaborative relationships with a wide range of experts from government, non-
government and the private sector will operate.
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Coalition for Australia's Children - a united project of commitment and action for australia's children and young people
COMMITMENTS TO AUSTRALIA'S CHILDREN
AND YOUNG PEOPLE
~CAMPAIGN 1998 ~
The Commitments to Children and Young People Campaign in 1998 will focus on
securing government commitment around mechanisms for policy coordination,
monitoring and advocacy for children and young people at the national level; whilst
simultaneously seeking corporate support and commitment to the goals of the
Coalition.
To this end, the Coalition for Australia's Children will convene a
National Children's Summit with the following objectives -
1. To develop a model framework and mechanism for policy coordination,
monitoring and advocacy for children and young people within Australia
at the national level
2. To develop a range of model 'commitments' showcasing community and
business partnership in improving the situation of Australia's children
and young people
Summit Theme
"Australia's Commitment to Children and Young People
Government and Community - responsibility and partnership"
There will be two streams within the Summit for which participants will nominate
prior to the event -
1. Advocacy and policy mechanisms at the national level
2. Community and business partnership and participation in setting the
agenda for children and young people.
Terms of Reference
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Coalition for Australia's Children - a united project of commitment and action for australia's children and young people
Stream One - advocacy, policy and coordinating mechanisms
Is there a need for the Commonwealth to establish a national approach to policy
coordination, monitoring, and advocacy for children and young people ?
What issues would be addressed through such a national approach?
What mechanisms would achieve a coordinated national approach?
How will your proposal benefit children and young people?
Stream Two - Community and business partnership
Is there a role for the community and business sectors to work in partnership for
the benefit of children and young people ?
What are the issues to be addressed in establishing such partnerships?
What are the benefits for children and young people?
Has your organisation participated in such partnerships? If yes, please outline the
activity/program undertaken. What did you learn and what were the outcomes?
Format
The deliberations of the Summit will occur in syndicate groups with specific outcomes
required for each stream.
Several keynote speakers with experience and expertise will be sought to address the
two major Summit themes.
The participation of young people will include a specific strategy to involve children
and young people prior to and during the Summit, ensuring their input as a driving
force which informs the Summit outcomes.
The outcomes of the Summit, in the form of a statement of Commitment to
Australia's Children and Young People will be formally presented to the Prime
Minister, Opposition Leader and leaders of the other parties in a ceremony at the
close of the Summit.
Pre Summit forums
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Coalition for Australia's Children - a united project of commitment and action for australia's children and young people
A number of forums will be convened in preparation for the Summit:
"Stream One" - mechanisms for policy, coordination and advocacy at the national
level - will take the form of a full meeting of Coalition members, representatives of
government agencies and other interested stakeholders to review the
recommendations of the Joint Parliamentary Treaties Committee Report; present
coordinating/ infrastructure models from
overseas; and finally develop two or three model frameworks for discussion and
debate at the Summit.
"Stream Two" - partnerships between business and the community sector to advance
the interests of children and young people - will bring together interested parties in
the business and community sector to develop the framework and program for
'stream two' within the Summit.
It is anticipated that the preparatory forums be presented as part of the overall
Summit program and that an Advance Notice and registration materials are prepared
early in order for participants to register for one or more of the pre-Summit forums,
as well as the actual Summit, as a whole package.
Summit Participation
All Coalition members are reserved two delegate positions at the Summit with a
third available if the delegate is a child or young person. All other participation in the
Summit will be by application. Invitations to participate will be open and widely
advertised. Specific areas of children's and young people's lives including education,
health, child welfare, NESB and indigenous groups will be targeted. Governments - at
commonwealth and state/territory level, media groups and the corporate /business
sector will be invited to participate.
Intending participants will be asked to provide a written indication of their
contribution to the Summit, having regard to the terms of reference developed by the
Coalition.
Following consideration of the submissions by the Coalition, organisations
/agencies will be invited to attend the Summit. Participating organisations will be
required, where appropriate, to bring a young person to the Summit as part of their
delegation. It is suggested delegations consist of no more than two people per
organisation/agency.
Date
Proposed last sitting session of Parliament early December 1998
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Coalition for Australia's Children - a united project of commitment and action for australia's children and young people
Venue
Parliament House, Canberra
Cost
Cost of Summit registration and participation fee will be $300.00 for the Summit
only; $100 per pre- Summit forum; $350.00 for both. Participants will make their
own transport and accommodation arrangements. The registration fee will not extend
to children and young people for whom specific sponsorship will be sought. The
registration fee will include morning and afternoon teas, lunches, the Summit dinner
and pre and post Summit briefing materials.
Concessional rates may be negotiated with the Coalition as required. Travel and
accommodation discounts, subsidies and/or sponsorship will be sought for all
participants by the Coalition.
Summit Coordination
A summit Coordinator and a conference/event management company will be
sought to provide organisational and administrative support for the Summit.
The Working Group of the Coalition will oversee the planning for the Summit.
Media strategy
DDB are currently devising a three stage media strategy for the Coalition
which will involve:
1. Presenting the situation of children and young people in Australia,
including the positive and negative aspects of their lives
2. Encouraging the public to rethink their perceptions of children and
young people in Australia and their role and needs as citizens
3. Profiling the Coalition and its membership; its role as a partnership of
expertise in children's and young people's advocacy, policy and service
provision in Australia and; it's role in facilitating the voice and
participation of children and young people themselves.
This work will form the basis of a wider media program to be developed leading up to
the Summit.
Participation by Children and Young People in the work of the Coalition
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Coalition for Australia's Children - a united project of commitment and action for australia's children and young people
The Australian Association of Young People in Care (AAYPIC), the Action and Youth
Policy Coalition (AYPAC) and the National Children's & Youth Law Centre are
coordinating a strategy for the participation of children and young people in the
Summit and the on-going work of the Coalition.
Facilitating the input of children and young people to the Summit will include
resourcing and developing the use of technology to access the views of children and
young people from a variety of different experiences and perspectives, pre-Summit
briefings and support. Specific resources are being sought for this strategy.
Coalition commissioned survey of Australia's attitudes and values towards children and
young people.
The Coalition strategy for 1998 includes the commissioning of a focussed survey on
Australian's attitudes and values towards children. It is anticipated this work will be
completed by the Summit.
The Outcomes
The Summit will achieve the following outcomes
Present governments with clearly articulated options from which to develop policy
platforms and take action for children and young people.
Gain critical and on-going input and participation from children and young people
themselves in contributing their views and formulating solutions.
Harness the extensive experience and expertise of a wide range of children's, youth
and family focussed organisations, agencies and institutions in developing
appropriate responses to the current needs of children and young people.
Engage governments, the business and community sectors in partnerships to
formulate a holistic commitment to addressing the needs of children and young
people.
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Coalition for Australia's Children May 1998
Coalition for Australia's Children - a united project of commitment and action for australia's children and young people
OPERATING GUIDELINES OF THE COALITION
Mission
To promote the interests of children and young people in Australia.
Membership
Membership of the Coalition is open to all children's and youth interest organisations
at the peak and national level,
And
invited individuals who are actively promoting the interests of children at the national
level.
National/Peak organisations who are members of the Coalition will be asked to
contribute a foundation donation of $500.00 each to cover costs incurred by the
Coalition for the printing, distribution and launch of the Commitment and other
associated costs of the Coalition in 1997.
Membership of the Coalition is not subject to payment of the foundation donation.
Structure
The Coalition will meet 3 times per year or more often as required.
Coalition meetings should include a representative from each member organisation.
Coordinating Group
The Coalition has established a Coordinating Group whose role is to:
implement the activities, action and outcomes desired by the Coalition between
meetings
be proactive on behalf of the Coalition to promote children's interests as and when
necessary - delegations, lobbying and representation of the Coalition at
conferences, forums etc.
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Coalition for Australia's Children May 1998
Coalition for Australia's Children - a united project of commitment and action for australia's children and young people
establish working groups or delegate individuals to undertake specific tasks for the
Coalition as and when necessary
produce a Communique, for use and distribution by members, after each meeting
and for any other purpose in the work of the Coalition
the group should consist of no more than 8 people.
Coalition Convenor
The Coalition has appointed a Convenor until the completion of the Commitment to
Australia's Children Campaign in 1998.
The Convenor's role is to:
chair the Coalition meetings
represent the Coalition in the public arena
be the spokesperson for the Coalition
The Convenor is the person authorised to speak on behalf of the Coalition. Members
of the Coalition are encouraged to speak on their own and/or organisations behalf to
promote the work of the Coalition.
In the absence of the Convenor, the Coordinating Group will nominate another
person to act in the role.
Treasurer
A Coalition member will administer funds on behalf of the Coalition including:
payment of costs incurred by the Coalition
providing financial statements to Coalition meetings
The organisation acting as Treasurer should be incorporated and have charitable
status.
Communication
The Coordinating Group will record the outcomes, and distribute them after each
meeting of the Coalition. A Communique will be distributed after each meeting
outlining the current progress of the Coalition.
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Coalition for Australia's Children May 1998
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 28, 1998
Senator Edward Kennedy
315 Russell Building
Washington, DC 20510
Dear Sen. Kennedy:
Thank you for forwarding the invitation from Tom
Keneally to the First Lady to participate in the Childrens'
Summit in Australia this December.
Unfortunately, Mrs. Clinton is not able to travel to
Australia in December. Enclosed is a copy of the letter sent to
Mr. Keneally.
Very best wishes, and thanks for all you do.
Sincerely,
Mer Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
August 28, 1998
Mr. Tom Keneally,
24 The Serpentine,
Bilgola Beach
NSW 2107 Australia
Dear Mr. Kenally:
Thank you for your invitation to the First Lady to attend
the National Childrens' Summit, in Canberra this December.
Senator Kennedy forwarded your request to Mrs. Clinton.
Regrettably, Mrs. Clinton's schedule will not allow her
to accept your kind invitation. But she has asked me to convey
her appreciation, along with her best wishes for a successful
event.
Very best wishes, and thank you all you do in our
common cause to improve the lives of children.
Sincerely,
Mene Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
Edward m. Bennedy
Massachusetts
United States Senate
WASHINGTON, DC 20510
July 8, 1998
The First Lady
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Hillary:
I've just received the enclosed letter of
invitation and accompanying materials from Tom
Keneally in Australia.
I've known Tom for several years as an
excellent author, historian (he's an expert on how
the Irish won America's Civil War!), and activist on
social issues. I believe you and the President may
have met Tom and his wife Judy during your visit to
Australia in November 1996. I told him I'd be glad
to send the invitation along to you, and I hope you'll
give it the highest consideration.
With respect and warmest wishes,
As ever, ll
Edward M. Kennedy
PHOTOCOPY
MISC. HANDWRITING
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 14, 1998
Ms. Linda Kerber
Obermann Center for Advanced Studies
134 Oakdale Hall
The University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA 52242-5000
Dear Linda:
Thank you for the copy of No Constitutional Right
to be Ladies, which I received through Lauren Osborne. We
are so honored to have one of the first copies.
It was a pleasure for Mrs. Clinton to spend time
with you. She conveys her best wishes, and sends her
congratulations for the publication of your newest work.
All the best.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
to
HILL & WANG
A DIVISION OF FARRAR, STRAUS AND GIROUX
212-741-6900
19 UNION SQUARE WEST. NEW YORK. N.Y. 10003 FAX: 212-633-9385
August 31, 1998
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff
Office of the First Lady
Old Executive Building, Rm. 100
Washington D.C. 20502
Dear Ms. Verveer:
We've just received our first copies of Linda Kerber's
No Constitutional Right to be Ladies, and I wanted to be sure to
get one into your hands. Thanks so much for your interest in the
book since Linda's dinner with Mrs. Clinton, and do let me know
if anyone else in your office would like to have a copy. We
publish on September 16.
)
Best regards,
Thank Tolinda
LMO
Lauren M. Osborne
you for get he harden have
Editor
(signed in her absence)
Cric-ddress her
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 23, 1998
Ms. Anu Kumar
Senior Program Officer, Population Area
MacArthur Foundation
140 South Dearborn Street
Chicago, IL 60603-5285
Dear Anu:
Thank you for your letter, and your
recommendations about the experts on Haiti.
We greatly appreciated your participation at the
meeting Mrs. Clinton convened and we are hopeful that
the trip to Haiti will produce positive results for the people
there.
Best wishes, and thank you for all you do.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
@
140 South Dearborn Street Chicago, Illinois 60603-5285
Suite 1100
Telephone: (312) 726-8000
TDD: (312) 920-6285
THE JOHN D. AND CATHERINE T.
MACARTHUR FOUNDATION
September 9, 1998
Melanne Verveer
Assitant /Chief of Staff
White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500-2000
Dear Ms. Verveer,
Thank you for inviting the MacArthur Foundation to the meeting last month on your
upcoming trip to Haiti. It was an honor and pleasure for me to meet you and learn
about USAID's work in Haiti.
I had some additional thoughts about your trip that I wish to share with you in this
message. I think it is very important that you meet with individuals who are
knowledgeable about Haiti from a non-governmental perspective. These individuals
would be able to provide you a view from civil society which we heard has been active
in Haiti.
In my preparation for the meeting, I ran across two names that might be useful for you.
The first is M. Catherine Maternowska, who is from Little Rock, AR. She conducted an
evaluation of a family planning clinic in Cite Soleil that encompassed 10 years of
observing clinical practice. An article by her entitled, "Community, clinic, and culture: a
case study of the impact of family planning in Haiti," is very informative.
Another person who I believe would be helpful is Paul Farmer. Dr. Farmer is an
anthropologist as well as a physician. He has done extensive fieldwork in Haiti and has
written widely on HIV/AIDS in Haiti. His work is outstanding. He was awarded a
MacArthur Fellowship ("genius award") and donated the money to a charitable
organization working in Haiti. I believe he is based in Washington.
You may also be interested in knowing that the Global Fund for Women has made
grants to women's groups in Haiti. In fact, one of their grantees, Clinik Solidarite Fann
Ayisyen, was recently raided by the police. A demonstration of more than 1000 women
helped the clinic to overcome their fear and reopen their doors.
Melanne Verveer
September 9, 1998
Page 2
Finally, the Panos Institute has an office in Haiti. Their local office director is Jan
Voordouw. I am aware of two projects that they have ongoing. One is linking Haitian
journalists with other Caribbean journalists to foster a more cohesive Caribbean identity
and reduce Haiti's historical sense of isolation. The other project entails women
journalists documenting women entrepreneurs and their activities. Given the success
of the USAID micro-credit program, this is likely to be an interesting project.
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in the meeting last month. If i can be of any
assistance as you prepare for this trip, please call on me.
Sincerely,
Anu kumar
Anu Kumar, PhD
Senior Program Officer, Population Area
Program on Global Security & Sustainability
Email: [email protected]
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 14, 1998
Mrs. Irena Kozminska
3101 Albemarle Street, NW
Washington, DC 20008
Dear Mrs. Kozminska: hear
Thank you very much for inviting Mrs. Clinton to serve as the Honorary Chairperson of
the new Polish foundation "The Children's Emotional Health Program" and to attend the May
1999 conference. This is a wonderful initiative of yours that should make a difference in
promoting the psychological and emotional education of Polish children, parents and teachers.
Under White House regulations, the First Lady is unable to serve on foundations and,
therefore, must decline your invitation. It is also unlikely that she will be able to attend the
conference next year for scheduling reasons. However, she would be very interested in being
kept informed of the foundation's accomplishments and the outcome of the conference.
Once again, let me express our appreciation for your gracious invitation and your kind
words about her work on children's issues. We look forward to continuing a dialogue on these
issues and your ongoing efforts to help Polish children adjust to the increasingly complex world
in which we live.
Sincerely,
Mila Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
5702
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20504
August 19, 1998
Eri- p's go the
MEMORANDUM FOR MELANNE VERVEER
FROM:
GLYN DAVIES ® for
SUBJECT:
FLOTUS Response to Mrs. Kozminska, Wife of Polish
Ambassador
Attached at Tab A is a draft letter from the First Lady to Mrs.
Kozminska, the wife of the Polish Ambassador to the United
States, who asked her to serve as honorary Chairperson of a new
Polish foundation, "The Children's Emotional Health Program" and
to attend a conference in Poland in May 1999.
The draft letter regrets Mrs. Clinton's involvement with the
foundation and attendance at the conference. There is a White
House policy which prohibits use of the First Lady's name for
fundraising by foundations, even for charitable causes.
Exceptions to the rule require that a particularly important
case be made from a foreign policy perspective and that we are
able to vouch for the integrity of the foundation. While we can
vouch for the integrity of Mrs. Kominska and another foundation
she has created, we cannot vouch for this foundation because it
is just getting started. There is also no pressing foreign
policy reason why Mrs. Clinton should serve as Chairperson.
Attachments
Tab A Letter to Mrs. Kozminska
Tab B
Incoming correspondence
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
Dear Mrs. Kozminska:
Thank you very much for inviting me to serve as the Honorary
Chairperson of the new Polish foundation "The Children's
Emotional Health Program" and to attend the May 1999 conference.
This is a wonderful initiative of yours that should make a
difference in promoting the psychological and emotional
education of Polish children, parents and teachers.
Regrettably, I am unable to serve on the foundation at this time
and probably will not be able to attend the conference next year
for scheduling reasons. However, I would be very interested in
being kept informed of the foundation's accomplishments and the
outcome of the conference.
Once again, let me express my appreciation for your gracious
invitations and your kind words about my work on children's
issues. I look forward to continuing a dialogue on these issues
and your ongoing efforts to help Polish children adjust to the
increasingly complex world in which we live.
Sincerely,
Mrs. Irena Kozminska
3101 Albemarle Street, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20008
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 22, 1998
Ms. Corene T. Kendrick
1910 37th St., NW
Washington, DC 20007
Dear Ms. Kendrick:
I am writing to let you know that I won't be able to
offer you a position in my new office. I have appreciated
your interest and impressive qualifications. If I hear of
other positions, I would be happy to let you know.
Best of luck with your job search.
Sincerely,
Shirley Sagawa
Deputy Assistant to the President
and Deputy Chief of Staff,
Office of the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 26, 1998
Ambassador Ojars Kalnins
Embassy of Latvia
4325 Seventeenth Street, NW
Washington, DC 20011
Dear Ambassador Kalnins:
Thank you for your kind words and very thoughtful
letter. From your unique position, you offer tremendous
insight and I know the President and the First lady greatly
appreciate your support. I have given your letter and the
CD to them.
Thank you for your wisdom, your leadership within
the diplomatic community, and for all that you do.
Love to Irma.
With Best Wishes,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
@
EMBASSY OF LATVIA
4325 SEVENTEENTH STREET, N. W.
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20011
Dear Melanne,
This is a personal note, written not by the Ambassador of Latvia, but by a guy who grew
up on the West Side of Chicago. The fact that I started my job as ambassador in the same January
month that Bill Clinton became president, has been special to me and has enabled me to observe
the events in Washington for the last 6 years from a very unique vantage point.
Knowing how rough it has been inside the White House this last year, I wanted to share
some recent observations. If I knew the president had time to read it, I would write the letter to
him. I' d also write one to the first Lady. But if I wrote to either one directly, I would have to
write as ambassador, on behalf of my country, knowing my letter would get filed, archived,
verified etc.
I just wanted to write as a friend.
**
I thought that the standing ovation the President received at the UN General Assembly
last Monday was one of the most electrically charged moments I have ever experienced. It looks
now like it may be remembered as part of a major turning point in the President's present
troubles.
While the world's leaders stood on their feet to express heartfelt support to Bill Clinton,
the videotape of the President's grand jury testimony was being broadcast around the world, to
the people those leaders were representing. We know now that public opinion has turned even
more in favor of the President as a result of that videotape.
But the diplomats who were in that General Assembly hall that day had no way of
knowing that. We left our hotel rooms that morning being told by every TV news reporter and
radio commentator to expect the worst. Once we entered the barricaded fortress that had been
placed around the UN, we were cut off from all news.
As we awaited the President's arrival at the podium we knew that almost everyone in the
world but us had already seen or was still watching what Dan Rather kept calling the 'historic'
testimony. For all we knew, (and based on what the press had led us to believe) what the
President was saying and revealing in that videotape would nail the coffin on the lid of his
presidency.
So you would think that the world leaders, ambassadors and other diplomats assembled in
that cavernous UN hall were preparing to welcome a condemned man.
I've been around Washington and hardball politics long enough (13 years) to
know that politicians don't readily associate themselves with the politically dead or dying.
Everyone, as we know, is out for themselves.
That's why the standing ovation in the GA hall was so remarkable. It defied political
logic. It was one of the most genuinely spontaneous and sincere demonstrations of human feeling
I have ever seen among hardcore politicians.
I was with President Ulmanis and the Latvian delegation at the back of the hall, and from
our seats we could see the entire room before us. When the President appeared on the podium the
applause broke out; polite at first, as would be expected for any US President addressing the GA.
But the applause grew. Suddenly, a delegation in the very first row (I think now it was Mexico)
stood up. The entire hall saw this. Immediately another delegation rose. Then a third. Entire rows
began to rise and soon the entire hall surged to its feet. (It's the first time I've seen diplomats do
the 'wave'.)
I think we were all surprised by what was happening. Surprised by our own spontaneity
and by our suddenly totally undiplomatic desire to let this guy know that we liked him. Despite
everything, we liked him.
There was a sense of catharsis in that hall, as if for the first time we were able to put aside
our public personnas and show how we really felt.
I had been hearing how world diplomats really felt for days, back in Washington and in
New York. Feelings were mixed, criticism came freely and predictions mingled with puzzlement.
But everyone hoped that the President would survive this so the US could return its attention to
the rest of the world. While they questioned his judgement, remarked on his weaknesses and told
good natured jokes at his expense, they still liked him, and wanted him to remain in charge of
'the world's only indispensable country'.
But no one wanted to say anything publicly, because the subject was so sensitive and
unfamiliar. They hadn't been trained how to deal with this kind of thing in diplomat's school.
I never went to that school, which is why I decided to write James Morrison of the
Washington Times a short note about how I felt about the President's troubles. James printed it
on August 24, and while it startled some of my colleagues, they all privately agreed with me.
(They also probably felt relieved that someone else chose to risk breaking the ice with a public
comment.)
The GA standing ovation let everyone finally come out of the closet in expressing their
sympathy and support for Bill Clinton.
I've continued to hear that support all week. Met the South African ambassador Franklin
Sonn last night at the MS Ambassador' S Ball, and he gushed with pride about the Nelson
Mandella visit, particularly Mandella's unqualified support for the President. I told Franklin that
our president Ulmanis had also come out publicly in support of the President, but of course, he
doesn't get the press attention of a Nelson Mandella.
The other very notable aspect of diplomatic reaction to all this concerns the First Lady.
The respect people feel for her is enormous. And continues to grow. They say that events like this
create no heroes, (except perhaps tragic ones) but Hillary's stature has indeed assumed heroic
proportions in recent months. The President recently said that this crisis has helped bring his
family closer together. In a very intimate way, it has also brought a lot of people a lot closer to his
family.
The press writes that people expect their leaders to be superhuman figures, beyond
reproach and flawless. But that's not true. Leaders are human like the rest of us, and suffer the
same anxieties, uncertainties, impulses and weaknesses we do. What sets leaders apart is their
ability to rise above all those very human, all to human traits, and lead.
My colleagues (and apparently very many Americans) believe that Bill Clinton is a good
leader. What sets him apart is a series of circumstances that have led to a very public exposure of
his human weaknesses. Since many of us have the same (or comparable) weaknesses, it is
reassuring to see that a man uniquely gifted with the skills, instincts and courage of leadership, is
also human. Just like us.
Politicians and the press will continue to attack because politics has always been a lot like
rugby - you don't care whose feet you step on when you're trying to get the ball. There's a lot of
pushing, shoving and shouting, feelings are bruised and bones are broken, but sooner or later the
ball and its possessor emerge. Someone eventually scores a goal. The game goes on.
At the UN General Assembly last Monday, I got the impression that the leaders of the
world wanted to give Bill Clinton the ball back, so he could run with it. There are a lot of goals
all out there still to be reached.
Ojars Kalnins
P.S. Although I wrote this as a guy from Chicago, I should point out that I have acquired some
authority in this town - I have become the dean' of the European diplomatic corps and am
somewhere near the top ten of all serving (surviving?) ambassadors. (It's purely a function of
longevity.) At the National Cathedral Memorial service for the victims of the US embassy
bombings I became "acting dean' of the attending diplomatic delegation, since no one higher in
rank was present. Given that this service was dedicated to all diplomats risking life and limb
around the world, it was a singular honor for me to symbolically 'head' the global diplomatic
corps. It's the kind of experience that gives a kid from Chicago the goose pumps.
P.P.S. Earlier this year I wrote the president and suggested he give a listen to the music of Steve
Earle. I suspect he hasn't had time. But if he did, I would recommend one song in particular,
called Valentine's Day. It's song 7 on the enclosed CD. It's the kind of song a guy might want to
play for his wife sometimes.
MONDAY, AUGUST 24, 1998 / PAGE A13
The Washington Times
WORLD
Embassy,
Row
By James Morrison
Diplomatic defense
President Clinton has a friend
in the diplomatic corps who be-
lieves he has been an "effective
leader" in international affairs.
Latvian Ambassador Ojars Kal-
nins, the senior European diplo-
mat in Washington, dropped Em-
bassy Row a letter last week to
offer the president some encour-
aging words from a foreign envoy
who came to Washington in April
1993, three months after Mr. Clin-
ton took office in his first term.
Mr. Kalnins' comments were
directed at the presidential sex
scandal and written before Mr.
Clinton announced the strikes
against terrorist targets in Sudan
and Afghanistan.
"In reflecting on President
Clinton's present crisis, I think it
is important to put it into a
broader perspective," Mr. Kalnins
wrote. "President Clinton has
been an effective leader in the in-
ternational arena and a good, re-
liable friend and partner to many
countries around the world."
He noted Mr. Clinton's support
for the enlargement of NATO and
said the president has played a
"pivotal role in the integration
and rebuilding of a new Europe."
"It is always unsettling to see a
friend go through difficult times,
regardless of the cause of those
difficulties," Mr. Kalnins wrote.
"Ultimately, however, the fu-
ture of President Clinton is up to
the American people. They must
decide whether they want him to
continue to lead or not. In most
foreign capitals, the story now
isn't so much what the president
did, but what the American peo-
ple will do in response."
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 29, 1998
Mr. Marvin Krislov
US Department of Labor
200 Constitution Avenue, NW Rm. S-2002
Washington, DC 20210
Dear Marvin:
Congratulations on your move to the University of
Michigan. It's a great institution with an extraordinary
president who's a fine lawyer and constitutional scholar.
You are in good company.
Thank you for all you have done. It was a pleasure
to work with you. Best of luck to you and please stay in
touch.
Alhthe best,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
FAREWELL FOR MARVIN KRISLOV
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 27
3:00-5:00 P.M.
GREAT HALL
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR
Marvin Krislov is leaving the Department of Labor to become
General Counsel of the University of Michigan.
Please join his colleagues and friends in saying thank you and
farewell to Marvin. Anyone wishing to send notes/letters can
address them to Marvin as follows: U.S. Department of Labor,
200 Constitution Avenue, NW, Room S-2002, Washington, D.C.
20210.
7
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 2, 1998
Ms. Donna Kocian
2500 Steck Avenue #27
Austin, Texas 78757
Dear Ms. Kocian:
Thank you for your recent correspondence with the First Lady and your news about the
invitation to the launch. Mrs. Clinton was pleased to learn that Jerrie Cobb had an opportunity to
discuss first hand with NASA Administrator Dan Goldin the possibility of a future flight
opportunity. She felt it was important for her to hear directly from Administrator Goldin and get
the benefit of his views since he will make any final decisions on future flight opportunities
aboard the Space Shuttle. I understand that Administrator Goldin has followed up on the
meeting with a letter directly to Ms. Cobb.
It is our understanding that NASA intends to evaluate the scientific data obtained from
John Glenn's flight before making any commitments of future flights on aging research. At that
time, if NASA does proceed with a future flight, I am confident that Ms. Cobb's experience and
credentials will be an asset in the selection process.
Please find enclosed photos from the meeting you had with Mrs. Clinton this summer. I
encourage you to stay in close contact with NASA over the coming months and wish you well.
Sincerely,
Milan Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
To Jerrie Co66 with best wishes-
Hillary Rodham Certiton
M
To Donna Kocian with best wishes- -
Hillary Rodhem Clinton
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 30, 1998
The Honorable Lakshman Kadirgamar
Minister of Foreign Affairs of the
Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Colombo
Dear Mr. Minister:
Thank you for your letter concerning the use of
children in combat by the Liberation Tigers of Tamil
Eelam. I am appalled at the abuse of these children -- any
nation's most precious assets.
You are to be commended for bringing this matter
to the world's attention. It is morally repugnant for the
children of Sri Lanka to suffer like this and caring people
everywhere condemn those who would perpetuate this
abhorrent practice.
Thank you again for your letter and for speaking out
on this important issue.
Sincerely,
Hillary Rodham Rodham Clinton Clinton
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 21, 1998
Ambassador Madeleine Kunin
US Embassy Bern
Jubilaeumstrasse 93, 3005 Bern
Switzerland
modeleene
Dear Ambassador Kunin:
Thank you for forwarding the invitation for the First
Lady to attend the FDP women's conference in Lucerne this
June.
Regrettably, the First Lady must decline the invitation.
But please convey Mrs. Clinton's appreciation to the FDP
women for their thoughtfulness, along with her best wishes for
a successful conference.
Hope all is well in Bern. Happy holidays and very best
wishes for the new year.
Sincerely,
Ane Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
December 17, 1998
Ambassador Madeleine Kunin
US Embassy Bern
Jubilaeumstrasse 93, 3005 Bern
Switzerland
Dear Ambassador Kunin:
Thank you for forwarding the invitation for the First
Lady to attend the FDP women's conference in Lucerne
this June.
me
Given the partisan nature of the event, the First
Lady must decline the invitation. But please convey Mrs.
Clinton's appreciation to the FDP women for their
thoughtfulness, along with her best wishes for a successful
conference.
Hope all is well in Bern. Happy holidays and very
best wishes for the new year.
b/c
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
@
NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL
7766
WASHINGTON, D.C. 20504
Regul
November 16, 1998
to our
MEMORANDUM FOR MELANNE VERVEER
Ambossada
m. Kuman
FROM:
GLYN T. DAVIES Om
SUBJECT:
Invitation of the Swiss Free Democratic Party to
the First Lady
The women's caucus of the Free Democratic Party (FDP) of
Switzerland has invited the First Lady to a conference in
Lucerne on June 26, 1999. The FDP is one of several political
parties in Switzerland. Given the partisan nature of this
event, we believe the First Lady may wish to consider declining
the invitation.
Attachment
Tab A Incoming correspondence
01/10 98 THU 16:50 FAX ++41 31 357 73 94
AM. EMBASSY BERNE/EXEC
THEY 002
Big Event For the Free Democrat (FDP) Women
Culture-and Congress Center Lucerne on June 26, 1999, 10 a.m.
Dear Madam Ambassador
The Women's section of the FDP Switzerland, the "FDP Women
Switzerland" and the "Young FDP Women" are organizing
together in close cooperation with Mrs. Marianne Kleiner, Vice
President of the FDP Switzerland and Executive of the
Government of Appenzell Ausserrhoden, a big event for all Free
Democratic women from the federal, cantonal and communal
levels. Women who are striving for a mandate and sympathizers
are also invited. Our goal is to experience and demonstrate
solidarity, to discuss and exchange experiences and to encourage
each other.
Most activities will take place in the concert hall of the new
culture- and congress center in Lucerne.
It would be a great honor for us if Mrs. Hillary Clinton could
attend our event! In this case we would try to organize
additional, smaller events with other senior individuals from the
business and/or cultural sectors.
We would therefore kindly ask you to determine if our wish
could become reality.
Should there be scheduling difficulties regarding the acceptance
of this invitation, we could change the event to June 19, 1999.
I would like to contact you by phone in the next few days.
With the request of a favorable consideration and best wishes
NOV
FDP Switzerland
dyner agrpreciate consideration Though
Department Women
M.-L. Baumann-Bruckner
d realize this may
be defferent to do
madeleene Sn. turn
Free Denocrationty
10F 16 parties major pring
FOIA Number: 2013-0534-S
Clinton Presidential Records
Foreign Language Marker
This is not a presidential record. This is used as an administrative
marker by the William J. Clinton Presidential Library Staff to
identify the location of a document written in a foreign language
Foreign Language Marker
Collection: Clinton Presidential Records
Subgroup: First Lady's Office
Series: Melanne Verveer
Subseries:
Document Title Women's caucus of the Free Democratic Party of
Switzerland
Language: Swiss
Folder Title Melanne Verveer's Mail -1998-K [2]
OA/ID: 14384