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Verveer, Melanne Correspondence: January to June 1997: U-Z [1]
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May 21, 1997
Ms. Tania Vitvitsky
Project Director
Sabre Foundation
872 Massachusetts Avenue
Suite 2-1
Cambridge, MA 02139
Dear Ms. Vitvitsky:
Thank you very much for your letter and the update on
the Sabre Foundation's projects in Mongolia and Romania,
which I have shared with the First Lady. The progress is truly
impressive.
Thanks for writing and best wishes in your important
work. You make such a positive difference. I'm sure it's
gratifying.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
SABRE FOUNDATION, INC.
Tania Vitvitsky
Program Director
Scientific Assistance Project
872 Massachusetts Ave., Suite 2-1
Telephone: (617) 868-3510
Cambridge, MA 02139
Fax: (617) 868-7916
USA
email: [email protected]
URL: http://www.sabre.org/
SABRE FOUNDATION, INC.
Scientific Assistance Project
telephone 617/868-3510
872 Massachusetts Avenue, Suite 2-1
fax 617/868-7916
Cambridge, MA 02139
e-mail [email protected]
May 5. 1997
Metanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to the First Lady
White House
Old Executive Office. Room 100
Washington DC 20500
Dear Ms. Verveer:
I am pleased to bring you and the First Lady up to date on Sabre's Mongolia and Romania book donation
initiatives.
MONGOLIA Plans for a Mongoha book program are moving along nicely. We have raised the funds
necessary to initiate the program and send a first shipment: identified an efficient partner organization (a
consortium of II institutions of higher learning): and next month. will be preparing the shipment of a
forty-foot container. The shipment. holding approximately 20,000 books. should arrive 111 time for the
new school year. Also including III the shipment will be two pallets of encyclopedias. dictionaries and
children's books for distribution by the Peace Corps 1 enclose a recent e-mail from Mark Zober. Peace
Corps Country Director III Mongolia expressing his gratitude for the upcoming donation.
ROMANIA As evident from the enclosed letter from the Peace Corps in Romania. the shipment of
children's books to Romania was greeted with great enthusiasm and gratitude Catalina Gherman,
Program Manager. Social Work/NGO Development. describes how the distribution process has been
managed and how the process not only serves children III hospitals, orphanages and schools. but also
increases the credibility of Romanian NGOs In addition. a particularly gratifying description of the
Romania book project appears in a recent Peace Corps brochure (Gifts III Kind Program --- please see
article and photo on page 2 of the brochure).
We continue working with the Peace Corps on a variety of projects For example. we have just submitted
a grant proposal to place "Env ironmental Shelves" in 200 sites in Eastern Europe and the former Soviet
Union, the Middle East. Latin America and the Caribbean. With I. 165 ironmental Volunteers and
Trainees working in 45 countries. the Peace Corps will help Sabre identify appropriate recipients for the
donated collections.
We are quite delighted with the progress of both the Mongolia and Romania projects to date. Kindly let
me know if you have any suggestions or would like additional information.
Sincerely
Tania Vitvitsky
Project Director
P.S. Also enclosed is a 1993 publication about Mrs. Clinton which is part of a series of biographies for
children. This book. 11) multiple copies. along with a biography of the President. is included III our
donation program.
Date: 04/28/97 03:31:44 PM
From: Ann Truxaw OPSR ([email protected])
Via: World Unix
Subject: FWD>RE>Donation of Referenc
From [email protected] Mon Apr 28 19:55:59 1997
Received: from mailshare.peacecorps.gov by world.std.com (5.65c/Spike-2.0)
id AA07564; Mon, 28 Apr 1997 16:58:36 -0400
Received: from mailserver.peacecorps.gov (199.100.193.25) by mailshare.peacecorp
with SMTP (Apple Internet Mail Server 1.1.1); Mon, 28 Apr 1997 16:59:41 -0400 -
Message-Id: <[email protected]>
Date: 28 Apr 1997 16:55:59 -0300
From: "Ann Truxaw OPSR" <[email protected]>
Subject: FWD>RE>Donation of Referenc
To: "Colin McCullough" <[email protected]>,
"Jordan Pollinger OPSR" <[email protected]>
X-Mailer: Mail*Link SMTP-QM 4.0.0
Status: R
Reply to: FWD>RE>Donation of Reference Books
FYI - I think they're pretty excited about this!
Date: 4/26/97 7:18 AM
From: Mark Zober MONGOLIA
Dear Ann,
Thank you for the wonderful opportunity to receive the generous contribution
from the Sabre Foundation of 30 sets of new World Book Encylopedias and
related reference materials. These are urgently needed here, are most
appreciated and will be distributed wisely to assure maximum utilization.
English is seen here by government leaders, educational authorities, parents
and students as, "the key to a thousand doors." The national government has
established the policy for mandatory English language instruction at the high
school level here. The barriers to acquiring English language skills are the
limited number of well qualified Mongolian English teachers, the lack of a
national English language curriculum and THE SIGNFICANT ABSENSE OF REFERENCE
BOOKS AND READING MATERIAL FOR ENGLISH LANGUAGE STUDENTS. teachers and
students do not have access to English language books. They have very little
opportunity to read, to browse reference books or to learn on their own after
school. In very few cases are classroom textbooks available.
Therefore, the Sabre Foundation's generousity will enable high school
students and their teachers to do independent reading and research in English
and will promote motivation for learning the language at a faster pace.
Please pass on our gratitude to the Sabre Foundation on behalf of the PCVS,
Mongolian English teachers and high school English language students here.
Thank you for helping to open those thousand doors to knowledge and individual
growth.
Most cordially,
Mark Zober
Peace Corps Country Director
Mongolia
Date: 26/4/97 7:54 AM
To: Mark Zober MONGOLIA
From: Ann Truxaw OPSR
Dear Mark,
Best wishes to you and everyone at Peace Corps/Mongolia.
In light of your needs for your TEFL Volunteers, I thought you might be
interested in the following offer: The Sabre Foundation, a Cambridge,
Massachusetts - based organization with book donation programs world-wide, has
offered a donation of 2 pallets of books for your program in Mongolia. They
will be sending a shipment in June to their partner organization in Mongolia,
and would like to earmark 2 of the pallets for you, should you be interested.
One pallet would consist of about 30 sets of new World Book Encyclopedias and
the other pallet would be a mixture of World Book reference books, including
elementary level children's books, English dictionaries, and some medical and
science encyclopedias. I have had the opportunity to work with the Sabre
Foundation in the past, and I can assure you that the books they donate are of
very high quality. Please let me know if you are interested in receiving this
donation and then I will get back to you at a later date with more
information.
Hope all is going well for you in Mongolia!
Best regards,
Ann Truxaw
Gifts In Kind Program
[email protected]
tel: 202-606-3158
fax: 202-606-1371
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.
GIFTS IN KIND
1996 ANNUAL REVIEW
Today, more than 6,500 Peace Corps Volunteers are making a difference in 90 countries in the
developing world. Volunteers work on a variety of projects in education, the environment,
business development. health, and agriculture. At the same time, Volunteers help strengthen the
bonds of friendship and understanding between Americans and the people of developing
countries. In 1996, the Peace Corps Gifts In Kind Program helped foundations, businesses,
non-profit organizations, and individuals across the United States to contribute to the success of
Peace Corps Volunteers. Through Gifts In Kind, more than 60 individuals and groups
contributed equipment, supplies, and other materials that went directly to support Volunteer
projects in over 30 countries in every region of the world where Volunteers are serving.
PROJECT HIGHLIGHT
HELPING TEACHERS TEACH SCIENCE -- THE PHILIPPINES
Students at Barretto High School in the Philippines
utilizing two new microscopes during a science lesson.
Peace Corps Volunteers are working to help students in the Philippines learn about the wonders
of science, and throughout the country, Volunteers are helping Filipino teachers bring the latest
teaching techniques directly to their classrooms. Until last year, however, many classes did not
have the most basic and most important tool for studying science -- microscopes.
PEACE CORPS CORPS
Thanks to generous contributions from Midwest Bio Services, Leica, Inc., and Learning Things,
Inc., the Peace Corps Gifts In Kind Program responded to this compelling need and supplied
microscopes to 8 high schools in the Philippines. Now students and teachers are learning more
about science, from biology to zoology, and Peace Corps Volunteers are adding even more to
STREET-NW:
20526
science education in the Philippines -- they are helping to establish a science and technology
4-8580'EXT 2227
education center that will offer classes to elementary and high school students. The
microscopes will play an integral part in the center's activities.
PEACE CORPS
CORPUL PACII in ROMANIA
Str. Negustori nr. 16, Sector 2, Bucharest - Tel. 312.1289/FAX
312.3004
Feb 21,1997
Ms. Tania Vitvitsky, Director
Scientific Assistance Project
Sabre Foundation, Inc.
872 Massachutsetts Avenue, Suite 2-1
Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139
USA
Dear Ms. Tania Vitvitsky:
On behalf of all the potential Romanian recipients- orphanages,
public schools and NGOs (Peace Corps Volunteers' assignments), I
would like to thank all the donors for their generosity and
understanding in providing this impressive donation of books to
Romania. For your information all the books were received in
very good condition which shows how well all the books were
packed. So we want to use this opportunity to also thank to all the
persons who were responsible for facilitating this shipment.
At this moment I plan to meet with the Civil Society for
Development Foundation representatives and head of the
orphanages to form a Book Committee which will be responsible
for the distribution of the books all over the country.
Through the Civil Society for Development most of the books will
be distributed to NGOs at different sites. In turn. those NGOs will
further some of the books to the public schools in their towns.
Each NGO will have the opportunity to be a local donor for the
public schools in town. Usually NGOs get donations from the state
institutions such as local school inspectorates or public schools.
This time the donation will be the other way around NGO to
schools. This fact will increase the NGOs' credibility in the
community, and of course, will avoid the bureaucracy in getting
donations to the beneficiaries.
Through our Social Work Peace Corps Volunteers and social
services NGOs the books will be distributed to children in need in
hospitals, in orphanages or other institutions. These books will
represent for them a unique chance that can open up a new world
of understanding and can enlarge their cultural horizon. Though
coming from very poor families (who can not afford buying
books), or living in institutions where even their basic needs are
hardly covered, these children are still very smart and willing to
try their chance at education and personal development. Through
these nice and useful books, the children can get the needed
motivation for study and personal development.
Again, our sincere thanks for all your efforts to have the books
safely arrive in Romania.
Sincerely.
Catalina Gherman
Program Manager Social Work/NGO Development
THE WHITE HOT SE
WASHINGTON
June 9, 1997
H.E. Peter Jon de Vos
U.S. Ambassador to Costa Rica
APO AA 34020
Pavas, San Jose
COSTA RICA
Dear Ambassador de Vos:
Enclosed is a picture of the President and First Lady
requested by Gloriam Escobar Alvarado, a second grade
student at Escuela de los Estados Unidos de America school.
We would be grateful if you could forward the picture
to him.
Thanks and best wishes.
Sincerely,
Name the First Lady
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
ESCUE 1943 ESCUELA
songs:
May 7, 1997
Gentlemen:
I study in the United States School, and I would like to have an
autograph form the President of the United States and his wife in
order to have it in our school as a regarding of their visit in Costa
Rica.
At my school, we are very excited about the American president S
visit. We wish the president Clinton and his wife a happy welcome
to our country.
Sincerely,
gloriam Excobar alowdo
Gloriam Escobar Alvarado
Second Grade
Escuela de los Estados Unidos de Amèrica
miss Hilary Clinton
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHNGION
June 1, 1997
Ms. Deborah Wadsworth
Executive Director
The Public Agenda Foundation
6 East 39th Street
New York, NY 10016-0122
Dear Ms. Wadsworth:
Thank you very much for your letter and for "Miles to
Go: A Status Report on Americans' Plans for Retirement." We
appreciate the study and having your recommendations on
Social Security.
Thanks for writing and best wishes.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
THE PUBLIC AGENDA FOUNDATION
May 20, 1997
The Honorable Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to the First Lady
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mrs. Verveer:
I am enclosing a copy of Public Agenda's latest study, Miles to Go: A Status
Report on Americans' Plans for Retirement. As you'll read, despite improved
OFFICERS
economic times and a growing unease over the future of Social Security, nearly
Cyrus R Vance
CHAIRMAN
half of all Americans say they have less than $10,000 saved for their retirement.
Daniel Yankelovich
Contrary to conventional wisdom, the baby boomers are not alone in neglecting
PRESIDENT
good saving habits. In fact, three in ten of those closest to retirement "pre-
Maurice Lazarus
retirees" between the ages of 51 and 61- - as well as four in ten baby boomers
CHAIRMAN, EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
have less than $10,000 saved.
BOARDOF DIREC TORS
William T.C oleman, 11.
An increasing number of Americans also have doubts about the future of Social
O'MERVINA & MATRS
Security. One-third of Americans, up from one-quarter in a 1994 Public Agenda
Sidney Harman
HARMAN INTERN ATIONAL
study, do not expect to receive any Social Security benefits. But the majority do
INDUSTRIES, IN
not feel Social Security's funding problems are a result of the aging of the
Bobby R. Inman
ADMIRAL US NW HREED
nation's population. Rather, 62% point to waste and mismanagement in the
David Mathews
program as the root cause.
KETTERING 1.00 NDATION
Ann McLaughlin
The ongoing political debate in Washington over Social Security's future
FORMER U.S. Sir - LABOR
appears to have confused and alienated the public, instead of motivating them to
Indith Davidson Movers
PUBLIC AHAIRS'TERTASION IN
save. With Americans believing leadership, not a demographic shift, is
Peter G. Peterson
responsible for Social Security's difficulties, the ability to garner the public's
Tin ACKSTONI GROUP
support for broad-based changes experts say are essential may prove to be
Lois Dickson Rice
formidable.
The BROOKINGS INSURED nos
Deborah Wadsworth
PeBER AGENDA
In addition to engaging in a more constructive conversation about Social
Security, we need to help Americans put saving for retirement on their radar
MEMBER EMERITUS
Frank Stanton
screen. We also must challenge the consumption ethic that is prompting many
FORMER PRESIDENT CBSK
to leverage their futures by relying on credit.
Sincerely,
Deborah Widsworth
Deborah Wadsworth
Executive Director
6 East 39th Street, New York, New York 10016-0112 686.6610
Summary Of Findings From Public Agenda's
MILES TO GO:
A Status Report On Americans' Plans For Retirement
FINDING ONE: High Hopes Coexist With Fears
Beneath a surface of optimism about their golden years, many Americans are apprehensive about how they will fare in
retirement. A large and growing number of citizens worry they will not be able to attain the lifestyle they have come to
expect. A majority give themselves poor grades on saving for their retirement. People acknowledge that they should be
doing more, that they've fallen behind, and that their lack of saving is likely to cause them financial problems in
retirement.
FINDING TWO: I've Got Plenty Of Nothing
Evidence suggests people are right to worry about the adequacy of their retirement preparations. Many Americans have
meager retirement savings, and the problem is not limited to younger generations. Sizable numbers of baby boomers --
and even those nearing retirement -- have little set aside. Nor is the problem limited to lower-income Americans; a
significant proportion of middle class Americans are in the same boat.
FINDING THREE: Perils Of An Uncertain World
Compounding this sense that their own savings efforts are insufficient, Americans feel buffeted by broad forces outside
their control: declining Social Security benefits, higher health care costs, and inflation, which they fear will further
jeopardize their retirement. In the end, most believe their generation will be worse off in retirement than current
retirees.
FINDING FOUR: The Immediate Challenge .. Making Ends Meet
Given these concerns, why aren't Americans doing more to prepare for retirement? For most people, more immediate
financial concerns crowd the agenda as they worry about their current income, health insurance, jobs, and monthly bills.
Saving money for any purpose is a challenge, and planning for a far-off objective like retirement takes a back seat to
more pressing concerns. Even middle-income and more affluent Americans seem to have trouble saving.
Ultimately, retirement is a distant and seldom thought-about goal for many Americans. Few bother to find out how
much money they will need in retirement, and few pay close attention to proposals to change Social Security or IRA
regulations.
FINDING FIVE: Where The Money Goes
If Americans aren't saving, they certainly are spending. Most people say they could save more but they are reluctant to
do so if it means cutting back on the new "essentials" of middle class life. Even more ominously, many Americans
routinely rely on credit to finance their lifestyles and are deluged with credit card applications. Not only do Americans
lack a personal savings ethic; the public is uncertain about whether saving helps the nation's economy.
FINDING SIX: America's Baby Boomers .. Guiltier Than Most?
Baby boomers are as bad, but no worse, than other generations when it comes to living for today. Many boomers admit
they are compulsive spenders, and don't save enough for retirement. But neither do other generations, including those
for whom retirement is much more imminent.
© 1997, Public Agenda
FINDING SEVEN: The Effect Of Personality
People's personalities affect how they think about retirement and how well they prepare for it. This study confirms the
existence of four distinct personality types -- planners, strugglers, deniers, and impulsives - that strongly influence how
people approach retirement. Of the four personality types, only planners stand out as "good savers."
FINDING EIGHT: Fraying Loyalties Toward Social Security
While the message that Social Security is in trouble has gotten through to the American public. most people blame
government waste and mismanagement not an aging population or overly generous benefits. This sense that
Washington is responsible for the looming Social Security crisis may be sustaining widespread public resistance to
broad benefit changes.
Such attitudes also lead to fraying loyalties toward the program. Growing numbers of Americans doubt they will receive
any benefits from Social Security. They are especially harsh in their criticisms of how the program is being managed
and are more willing to consider alternatives to Social Security.
FINDING NINE: Throwing Logic Out The Window
Compared to other issues Public Agenda has studied, such as crime and welfare, public views toward retirement seem
unusually filled with logical inconsistencies and internal contradictions. The gaps between people's attitudes, intentions,
and behavior are troubling and threaten increased insecurity and dissatisfaction for people when they retire. Americans
are simply not doing what logic -- and their own reasoning - suggests they should be doing.
This study suggests -- in finding after finding - that people's attitudes and behavior toward retirement preparation are
unusually replete with contradictions. Public Agenda's 1996 study of attitudes toward welfare - The Values We Live By
-- revealed a public with highly evolved views. Support for reform was driven by core values, attitudes were internally
consistent, and people were willing to support actions and proposals that supported their core values. Citizens were
pragmatic and thoughtful in weighing the pros and cons of various approaches. With retirement, however, public
opinion seems much less developed, with little evidence that people have thought the issue through. This is especially
troubling given that people's contradictory views and lack of follow-through will directly affect their own well-being.
CONCLUDING THOUGHTS: What Can And Should Be Done?
Over the last several generations, this country has witnessed a dramatic decline in elderly poverty. More Americans are
living longer with more dependable incomes and better health care than ever before. An entirely new vision of old age
perhaps a uniquely American one - has taken hold. Seniors play golf. Seniors fill the streets of Las Vegas. Seniors
volunteer in their communities. Seniors pursue second, third, and even fourth careers and avocations. But for millions
of nonretired Americans, this dream of the "golden years" is in jeopardy. So what, based on this study, could be done to
help more Americans realize their goals?
Four suggestions for America's citizens and leaders flow naturally from the research. Some are simple and
straightforward, practical and eminently doable over the next few years. Others are far more complex. controversial, and
challenging. This second set of suggestions requires that leaders in government. business, and the media reexamine
"business as usual," that they consider tempering their natural, instinctive, ingrained habits -- habits that are, in many
ways, entirely understandable-- with more prudent and less partisan conduct.
1) A Practical First Step: Protect People From Themselves
2) Put Retirement Saving On Americans' Radar Screen
3) Challenge The Consumption Ethic
4) Engage In A More Constructive Conversation About Social Security
Public Agenda is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization that seeks to raise the level of public discussion about critical
policy choices facing the nation.
Miles to Go was made possible by a grant from Fidelity Investments. A copy of Miles to Go is available from Public
Agenda, 6 East 39th Street, New York, NY 10016. Tel: 212/686-6610; Fax: 212/889-3461; E-mail:
[email protected].
© 1997, Public Agenda
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.
MILESTO GO:
A Status Report On Americans'
Plans For Retirement
0199'989°C any
AYORK TNB
the STATES H168 asva
AGENDA 2.
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 25, 1997
Ms. Marie Wilson
Ms. Foundation for Women
141 Fifth Avenue, GS
New York, NY 10010
Dear Marie:
Thank you very much for your thoughtful note and
good wishes. I look forward to continuing to work with you in
our common cause.
With best wishes and thanks for all you do.
Sincerely,
Melanne Anie Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
Melanne Verven
Office of the first Lady, Chief of Staff
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
4000
MARIE C. WILSON
120 WALL STREET
NEW YORK. NEW YORK 10005
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
R
MARIE C. WILSON
June 17,1997
Dear Melanne,
a belated can gratulations
on your appaintment as Chuf of
staff - Hellure jp fartunate 40
have your good thinking, acting
and communent
ct hope will have
appartunities 40 work Logether
on the your This Fall and in
other ways- -
Best
Mario
Ms. FOENDATION FOR WOMEN, GS. NEW YORK. NY10010
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 20, 1997
Ms. Judy Lyons Wolf
Director
Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program
Georgetown University Law Center
600 New Jersey Avenue, NW
Suite 334
Washington, DC 20001
Dear Judy:
Thank you very much for your letter expressing your
support for Sonia Picado to be the UN High Commissioner for
Human Rights. We were recently with Sonia in Costa Rica at
the Inter-American Institute for Human Rights where the First
Lady and Secretary Albright had an opportunity to learn about
the human rights challenges for women in the Hemisphere.
I have shared your letter with others here. Thanks for
writing and best wishes.
Sincerely,
Ane Chief of Staff to
Melanne Verveer
the First Lady
MAY-21-1997 11:40
GULC-CLINICAL PROGRAMS
202 662 9539 P.001/001
Women's Law and Public Policy Fellowship Program
Georgetown University Law Center
600 New Jersey Avenue, N.W., Suite 334
Washington, D.C. 20001
(202) 662-9650
May 21, 1997
Fax (202) 662-9539
e-mail [email protected]
Board of Directors
Melanne Verveer
Eleanor Holmes Norton
Office of the White House
Marcia D. Greenberger
Judith L. Lichtman
Washington, DC
Susan Deller Ross
Wendy Webster Williams
via fax:456-2317
Director
Susan Deller Ross
Regarding: Ambassador from Costa Rica Sonia Picado
Director
Judy Lyans Wolf
Dear Melanne:
Program Assistant
Betty H. A. Henderson
I was surprised to read in the New York Times on Monday that the United
States is supporting the Irish candidate, Mary Robinson, for the position of United
Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Sonia Picado, currently serving as Ambassador from Costa Rica, is an
extraordinarily well qualified candidate. She has a long history in the field of human
rights and has developed an expertise, both substantive and administrative, that
uniquely qualifies her for the position of High Commissioner for Human Rights. As
Director of the Inter-American Institute for Human Rights, as a judge on the Inter-
American Court of Human Rights, and as recipient of the UN's own award for
human rights, she is superbly qualified in many respects. In addition to her long
experience, politically she is a more diplomatic choice, since she is from a develop-
ing country in the South and has the support of more than a majority of UN member
states.
I do not think that comparison of the human rights experience of Ms. Robin-
son and Ms. Picado would lead one to select Ms. Robinson. I also do not think that
the political reasons for preferring Ms. Robinson are as supportive of democracy. In
sum, I hope that the New York Times was in error. I urge you to use your influence
to ensure that Ms. Sonia Picado is the United States' choice for the position of UN
High Commissioner for Human Rights.
Thanks for your consideration.
Jude Involvelf
Judy Lyons Wolf
Director
GEORGETOWN UNIVERSITY LAW CENTER
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
May 21, 1997
Ms. Juli-Anne Whitney
258A Undercliff Avenue
Edgewater, NJ 07020
Dear Ms. Whitney:
I received your letter and resume forwarded by Lisa
Caputo expressing your interest in a position in the First Lady's
Office. Regrettably, there are no vacancies at this time but we
will keep your resume on file in case there is in the future. We
have also forwarded your resume to the Office of Presidential
Personnel where I am certain you will receive full
consideration.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
June 16, 1997
Mr. Lawrence Yanovitch
FINCA International, Inc.
1101 14th Street, NW
11th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Dear Lawrence:
Thank you very much for your letter and for forwarding
the Congressional Black Caucus's letter regarding the
Administration's Africa Initiative. We are grateful for the
information and for FINCA's important work around the
world.
Thanks and best wishes in your work.
Sincerely,
Mill ven
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
JUN-13-97 02:54 PM
P 02
R
V
FINCA
INTERNATIONAL INC.
1101 14th Street, N.W.
11th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
202-682-1510
FAX 202-682 1535
EMAIL: 76215 1034recompuserve.com
June 12. 1997
Ms Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to the First Lady
First Lady's Office
The White House
Dear Melanne:
I thought you might want to know about this letter that has been sent by the Congressional Black
Caucus to Secretary Rubin regarding the Administration's Africa Initiative. We thought the First
Lady would be interested after her recent trip to Africa and in light of her interest in microenterprise.
FINCA developed the policy initiative together with RESULTS and the Black Caucus, to include a
microenterprise component into the Administration's Initiative for Africa.
Warm regards.
Lawrence Yanoviten
CC Katy Button, Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff
Foundation for International Commondy Assistance
Banking on the Poor
1.02/04
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Congress of the United States
Bashington, DC 20515
June 5, 1997
The Honorable Robert Rubin
Secretary
United States Department of Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20220
Dear Secretary Rubin:
As you make final preparations for the upcoming G-7 Summit, we would like to take this
opportunity to offer our suggestions for strengthening the Administration's African Initiative.
While we commend the Administration for its foresight in developing 2 comprehensive
African strategy based upon tringing African markets into the global economy, we are
concerned with the conspicuous absence of any policy tools designed to spur grassroots
development. In particular, B'e believe that any African Initiative promulgated by the
Administration should include minroemenprix leading strategies.
As you are well aware, the micro-enterprise sector, operating largely in the world's poorest
countries, attempts to empower the poorest individuals in these societies by providing them
with very small loaus In order to invest in small businesses and establish credit histories
Viewed as bad credit risks, the poor are nnable to obtain credit from fonnal banking
institutions. Consequently, the only source of crudit- traditional moneylenders - demand
exorbitant interest rates, sometimes as high as 10% per day, thus shackling the poor in a
cycle of poverty.
The micro-enterprise sector has been extraordinarily successful in helping the very poor pull
themselves and their families out of poverty, and enabling them to more fully participate in
their nation's political and economic systems. Indeed, in many African countries, the micro-
enterprise sector employs as much as 80 percent of the convinically active population, and
evidence suggests that more than 50 percent of medium-sized firms originated as micro-
enterprises in Southern and Eastern Africa.
Moreover, our own experience suggests that enhanced trade opportunities alone, is
inadequate as a tool for spurring broader political democratization and economic openness in
highly certralized or closed societies. Absent a focused effort to empower individuals in the
poorest regions of the world, disc poverty and political strife will continue to plague out
global community, draining our capital resources, supping our political will, and destroying
countless human lives. Micro-enterprise empowers individuals, and as such represents a
viable and attractive economic development tool.
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Therefore, we strongly support including within the Administration's broad African Initiative
2 specific component dealing with micro-enterprise. Specifically, we believe that The World
Bank, the African Development Bank, UNDP, IFAD and the G-7 Bilaterals should be
enevuraged to pledge combined $200 million annually in an effort to reach one million
families in Africa through micro-enterprise. Of that combined commitment, the United
States could contribute $50 million annually through USAID.
Combined with the Administration's broader focus on international trade, we believe thar this
strategy is a holistic approach toward economic development and will help to move African
nations toward adopting more open and pluralistic political and economic systems.
Sincerely,
hra m. Clayton
Chat 7 tht
Ronald V. Dollams
whelay
Carrie P. Meek
and Harthirg
Donard an Payne
Carine Drown
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Saprow Rivend)
Elerttherter
Julanga
JUN-13-97 02:54 PM
P.02
@
X
FINCA™
INTERNATIONAL INC.
1101 14th Street, N.W.
11th Hoor
Washington, DC 20005
202-682-1510
FAX 202-682-1535
EMAIL:
June 12, 1997
Ms Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to the First Lady
First Lady's Office
The White House
Dear Melanne:
I thought you might want to know about this letter that has been sent by the Congressional Black
Caucus to Secretary Rubin regarding the Administration's Africa Initiative. We thought the First
Lady would bc interested after her recent trip to Africa and in light of her interest in microenterprise.
FINCA developed the policy initiative together with RESULTS and the Black Caucus, to include a
microenterprise component into the Administration's Initiative for Africa.
Warm regards.
J-3
1
Melanne Verveer
CC: Katy Button, Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff
P'S give me
a copy
Thanks
Response droped
Coundation for International Community Assistance
Banking on the Poor At
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Congress of the United States
Mashington, DC 20515
June 5, 1997
The Honorable Robert Rubin
Secretary
United States Department of Treasury
1500 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20220
Dear Secretary Rubin:
As you make final preparations for the upcoming G-7 Summit, we would like to take this
opportunity to offer our suggestions for strengthening the Administration's African Initiative.
While we commend the Administration for its foresight in developing 2 comprehensive
African strategy based upon tringing African markets into the global economy, we are
concerned with the conspicuous absence of any policy tools designed to spur grassroots
development. In particular, we believe that any African Initiative promulgated by the
Administration should include leading strategies.
As you are well aware, the micro-enteryrise sector, operating largely in the world's poorest
countries, attempts to empower the poorest individuals in these societies by providing them
with very small loaus in order to invest in small businesses and establish credit histories
Viewed as bad credit risks, the poor are unable to obtain credit from fonnal tanking
institutions. Consequently, the only source of credit traditional moneylenders demand
exorbitant interest rates, sometimes as high as 10% per day, tbus shackling the poor in a
cycle of poverty.
The micro-enterprise sector has been extraordinarly successful in helping the very poor pull
themselves and their families out of poverty, and enabling them to more fully participate in
their nation's political and ecunomic systems. Indeed, in many African countries, the micro-
enterprise sector employs as much as 80 percent of the convinically active population, and
evidence suggests that more than 50 percent of medium-sized firms originated as micro-
enterprises in Southern and Eastern Africa.
Moreover, our own experience suggests that enhanced trade opportunities alone, is
inadequate as a tool for spurring broader political democratization and economic openness in
highly centralized or closed societies. Absent a focused effort to empower individuals in the
poorest regions of the world, dire poverty and political strife will continue to plague our
global community, draining our capital resources, supping our political will, and descroying
countless human lives. Micro-enterprise empowers individuals, and as such represents a
viable and attractive economic development tool.
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
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Therefore, we strongly support including within the Administration's broad African Initiative
a specific component dealing with micro-enterprise. Specifically, we believe that The World
Bank, the African Development Bank, UNDP, IFAD and the G-7 Bilaterals should be
oncouraged to pledge combined $200 million annually in an effort to reach one million
families in Africa through micro enterprise. Of that combined commitment, the United
States could contribute $50 million annually through USAID.
Combined with the Administration's broader focus on international trade, we believe that this
strategy is a holistic approach toward economic development and will help to move African
nations toward adopting more open and pluralistic political and economic systems.
Sincerely,
hrs M. Clayton
Chat 7th
Ronald V. Dollams
wh llay
Carrie P. Meek
and Harting
Donard an Sayne
Carine Drown
P. 04/04
JUN-13-97 02:56 PM
VI non 11'0' nn
JUN-06-97 15.31 FROM
1D)2025223364
PAGE 4/4
Sapard Riverd)
Elertthert Julanga
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 28, 1997
Ms. Mary Young
Focolare Movement
9201 Cedarcrest Dr.
Bethesda, MD 20814-2862
Dear Ms. Young:
Thank you very much for your letter and the most
informative materials.
Thanks and best wishes in your important work.
Sincerely,
Melanne menn Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
@
Thanks
materials
fn
June 26, 1997
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Deputy Chief of Staff
to the First Lady
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Re:
Visit of Chiara Lubich with President and Mrs. Clinton
Dear Ms. Verveer,
Many thanks for all your help in trying to schedule the visit of Chiara and the
Clintons.
Enclosed is some information that I thought you would enjoy.
Perhaps in the future we will be able to work it out.
Sincerely,
may young
Mary Young
focolare movement - 9201 Cedarcrest Drive, Bethesda, MD 20814-2862
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
September 22, 1997
Mr. Lawrence Yanovitch
Director, Policy & Research
FINCA International, Inc.
1101 14th Street, 11th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Dear Lawrence:
Thank you very much for your letter and for "The
Multilateral Development Banks and the Microfinance Sector:
Opening Financial Markets to the World's Self-Employed
Poor," which I have shared with others here.
Thanks for writing and best wishes in your most
important work.
Sincerely,
Me Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
V
Thank
FINCA
INTERNATIONAL, INC.
1101 14th Street, N.W.
11th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
202-682-1510
FAX 202-682-1535
EMAIL: [email protected]
September 8, 1997
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Office of the First Lady
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Melanne,
As I mentioned in my previous letter to you, we would like to keep the First Lady informed of
developments in the area of microenterprise and about our efforts in helping poor women
worldwide. I am therefore enclosing a copy of my paper "The Multilateral Development Banks
and the Microfinance Sector: Opening Financial Markets to the World's Self-Employed Poor,"
which has already engendered interest and discussions among these financial institutions.
This paper was commissioned by the Congressional Task Force on the U.S. and Multilateral
Banks and The Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS). The results of this
research project will be presented at an event on Capitol Hill on September 11th.
For your information, I am also enclosing a copy of a letter that we recently sent to Mr.
Summers, Deputy Secretary at the U.S. Treasury. The letter summarizes FINCA's views of
the microfinance sector, especially in relation to USAID and the Inter-American Development
Bank.
Should you require additional information on the paper or the attached letter, please do not
hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Lawrence Yanovitch
Director
Policy and Research
LY/tmc
Enclosure
cc: Ms. Katy Button
Office of the First Lady
Foundation for International Community Assistance
Banking on the Poor
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGION
October 20, 1997
Mr. Lawrence Yanovitch
Co-Chair, Microenterprise Coalition
FINCA International, Inc.
1101 14th Street, NW, 11th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
Dear Lawrence:
On behalf of the First Lady, thank you very much for
your thoughtful letter and for enclosing the wonderful
photographs.
Thanks and best wishes in your most important work.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
P
V
FINCA (R)
INTERNATIONAL, INC.
1101 14th Street, N.W.
11th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
202-682-1510
FAX 202-682-1535
EMAIL: [email protected]
October 3, 1997
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Mrs. Clinton,
On behalf of FINCA and the other members of the Microenterprise Coalition, I would
like to thank you again for your critical participation in July's Launch. You are indeed
an invaluable leader and supporter of microenterprise!
I thought you might like to have a copy of some pictures our photographer took at the
event. Thank you for the picture you sent and for your kind words.
All the best to you and your wonderful staff.
Warm regards,
Lawrence Yanovitch
Co-Chair
Microenterprise Coalition
cc: Melanne Verveer
Foundation for International Community Assistance
Banking on the Poor SAI
FINCA
INTERNATIONAL,
INC.
1101 14th Street, N.W.
11th Floor
Washington, DC 20005
202-682-1510
FAX 202-682-1535
EMAIL: [email protected]
August 19, 1997
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Deputy Assistant to the President, and
Deputy Chief of Staff to the First Lady
The White House
Washington, D.C.
Dear Melanne,
As always, we are grateful for all of your efforts and the hard work of those in your
office who made the Microenterprise Initiative Launch such a success. In particular,
we would like to thank Katy Button, Cheri Stockham, Evan Ryan, Julie Mason, Brenda
Costello, Carrie Greenstein and Stacey Rubin. You are fortunate to have such an
outstanding team.
They taught us a lot about how to organize a complex event, with scores of opinions -
hard-headed congressional ones at that - under extreme time pressure! We have
received numerous calls from Congress and from members of the Microenterprise
Coalition commenting on how this was one of the best events they had attended in a
long time. We will soon be sending you pictures taken by our photographer of the
First Lady at the event.
The deep commitment of you and your staff to microenterprise has consistently
translated into new opportunities for self-employed women around the world. Thank
you again for all of your help.
Warm regards,
Melanne=
mailed photo, T-
Lawrence J-4 Yanovitch
them 019/25
should get
Co-Chair
these calligraphicd
Microenterprise Coalition
before HRC ligin?
Hen
no-
may've
Leals!
Foundation for International Community Assistance
Banking on the Poor SM
OCT-22-97 WED 2:21 PM JP OSUNA
FAX NO. 3048762269
P. 2
PIS her
Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children
c/o International Rescue Committee
122 East 42nd Street
New York, NY 10168-1289
Telephone (212)551 51111
Fucsimile (212)
Internet [email protected]
FACSIMILE
An independers -
formed with the assistance of
the International Roseme
Committee for the study of
problems affecting refuges
women and chlldren.
To:
Melanne Verveer/Office of the First Lady
Liv Ulimans
Thank
From:
ocverler Bruce
Mary Diaz, Director (ph: 212-551-3089)
Chale
Wendy Young, Washington Liaison (ph: 304-876-
Board of
Nume Apcide
Mury Bassican
1320)
Michole Duestry
attending Bell-Rast
NAME Boissina
Kisside T.
Roborts Coben
Re:
Request for an Appointment with Mrs. Clinton
Judy Corman
Monty DeVershi
Durije Djurannvic
Electron teme
Gail A Furmun
Date:
October 1, 1997
Fusun D. Clubel
Annc Goldfuld, MD
Elzhiona Maria
Hubband
Kathleen
Number of Pages: 2 (inc. cover)
Justi acaption
Jurain Revicted
If you do not receive a complete fax, please call (304) 876-1320.
Joan Knewy
Elizabeth Ann Knvaca
Jane Kronenberger
Sarah E. Motor
Holly E. Mycis
Kathloon Newland
Jane Other
Amila Oraceric
Allia Mary Not
Sharman Sulinas
COMMENTS:
Mary Anni Schwniho
Lawns Steways
Xuan Sulter
Nikei Textsi
Mai June VIK:
Melanne--Attached is a letter to Mrs. Clinton on behalf of
10 And Wathan
Elizabeth Williams
Melanie Wyter
actor Vanessa Redgrave requesting an appointment to discuss
Advistry Council
Sina Bleu
the U.S. treatment of women asylum seekers.
loss Bingbum
Vers Blinken
Merch Brikew
Li the Receive
Elligh Chesker
Ms. Redgrave will be in the Washington area on Friday,
Names Hatch Dupree
Fran Pactor
November 7th and would appreciate the opportunity to
Sandin Foldman
Londa Prancis
Nadine Hurb
discuss her concerns about the detention of women asylum
Junet H. Humming
Cruthis Hay. MD
seekers.
Millin Harmon-Meyers
Linds Mariko
Patripia Hynus
Mike Harroon Kahra
Surah Knowner
We will follow up with you in the next few days to explore
Imaga:line Les
Alline Lurzito
Mury McMechan
whether such a meeting is possible.
You Moksayand,
Karun MD
Country Passpical
Eden W Rafxhoop
Strate Korbann
We look forward to speaking with you soon. Thank you for
Same Schaller, MD
sill Schuker
your attention to this request.
Gall Shoch,
lwoc A Willeas
Mary Di.
Depender
Tuxan Albert
Director Institute w/ Smandar
Chakanu PAIN
Huma P'sher mms fell me e
Credit Speciales
Diane Oncl
Public Aftern new
Communications Courdhate
Susan Task
DIRECT Reproductive Health
Project
Husancin Walker
Program Specialment
Wandy Young
Washington Liming
DC
HMA
OCT-22-97 WED 2:22 PM JP OSUNA
FAX NO. 3048762269
P. 3
Women's Commission for Refugee Women and Children
du International Rescue Committee
J22 East 42nd Street
New York NY 10168-1289
Telephone (212) 551 3111
-
Facsimile
(212)
551
Internet [email protected]
September 22, 1997
An independent commistee
furmed with the assistance of
the International
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
Committee for the stinly of
problems offecting refuged
Office of the First Lady
WUMEN and children
The White House
Lix Ullawan
Honorary Chair
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Bruerier Bruce
Washington, DC 20500
Chair
Bourd of Directers
Name Aparals
Mary Bassingsi
Michale Deaslay
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
Mephanic
Natasine Business
Khandu T. Charostang
Ruberts Cohen
Judy Common
On behalf of Ms. Vanessa Redgrave and the Women's Commission for
Busy Tripper Devocunt
Darija Djuranovie
Refugee Women and Children, I am writing to request an appointment to
Elizabeth Perris
Gual A Furnish
discuss U.S. policy toward asylum seekers. Ms. Redgrave is scheduled to be
Susan D. Chnkel
Anne Goldent MD
Elabiots Muria Goadziale
in Washington, DC on Friday, November 7, 1997 and would be pleased to
Bliraboth Hubbard
Rathism Jaken
meet with you on that day.
Jush Kaplan
Juraic Kazicket
Inan Kosnic
Elizabeth Ann Kuraca
The Women's Commission has recently completed a two-year assessment of
Jane Knownherger
Snown 5 Malen
conditions of detention for women held in the custody of the Immigration and
Hally 11 Myner
Rathlous Newland
Naturalization Service pending the outcome of their asylum proceedings.
Same Otson
Andia Ordersing
Locked in county prisons and other prison-like facilities throughout the United
Adms Mary Phrty
Shannon Sallous
Mary AIRC
States, shackled when transported, and forced to wear prison uniforms,
Lorne Sievers
Xuan Suller
hundreds of women seeking asylum are treated like criminals. Detention
Nikki Texful
M.: Zong Vas
hampers the ability of asylum seekers to access the legal assistance and
der Amt Walthatt
Elizabeth Williams
psychosocial services they need to successfully gain protection in the United
Melanic Wyler
States. Ms. Redgrave has joined the Women's Commission in its call for
Advisors Common
Sina Bleu
your Bingham
reform of the system, and would appreciate an opportunity to discuss this issue
Vers Blinken
Meredith Brokew
with you in further detail.
Las Lieu Browno
Ellen Chesion
Nancy March Dupres
Fran Procession Factor
We appreciate your continued support for the rights of women and the
Samuru POLUMENT
Linda Prancise
protection of refugees around the world, and look forward to sharing our
Nailme Hack
Town P. Mamberg
concerns about the detention of asylum seekers with you. Wendy Young,
Cynthia Hay. MD
Millie Harmon Maytin
Linda Marthn
Washington Liaison for the Women's Commission, will follow up with your
Parricia Hynor
Mini Human Kahn
staff to explore scheduling a meeting. She can also be reached at (304) 876-
Sungh Kumar
lacqualine Leu
1320, or I can be contacted at (212) 551-3089. Thank you for your prompt
Anna Lugation
Mary MeMoolian
attention to this request.
Tou Makauvanh
Karen Clotal MD
Country PasterCheld
Eden W Refulrem
Sincerely,
Shalla Rolaman
Jane Schaller, MI.)
fill Schuker
Mary Diaz
Gall Sterchy
June A. Willing
Mary Dr.
Mary Diaz
Director
Susan Albali
Director. Institutional Support
Elixabeth Walker Jackson
Finjert officer, Participation and
Protection Project
Chalaho Pairl
Grant Specialist
Drana Quick
Public Affairs and
Communications Courdination
Suran Tours
Director. Registration Health
Project
Wondy Young
Washington Limited
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 24, 1997
Mr. Thomas Young
213 Highridge Drive
Syracuse, NY 13215
Dear Mr. Young:
Thank you very much for your letter and for reiterating
your invitation to the First Lady to dedicate a new facility at
the Elmcrest Children's Center. Thanks, also, for updating us
on recent developments and congratulations on the award.
I have forwarded your letter to Patti Solis Doyle,
Director of Scheduling for the First Lady, and she will contact
you as soon as a decision is made.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
July 24, 1997
Mr. Thomas Young
213 Highridge Drive
Syracuse, NY 13215
Dear Mr. Young:
Thank you very much for your letter and invitation to
the First Lady to dedicate new facilities to the Elmcrest
Children's Center in early 1998.
We have forwarded your request to Patti Solis-Doyle,
Director of Scheduling for the First Lady, and she will be in
touch as to whether or not Mrs. Clinton will be able to accept
your invitation.
Best wishes.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
7/9/97
Dear Melanne
Tom Young
supporter in 1992.
was an early mel entreiseast
Do you Think
thin is In event the
First lady would conside?
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for Patti
Paul Carey
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JUL-09-97 WED 09:32 AM
P. 02
Syracuse
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THOMAS G. YOUNG
213 Highridge Drive, Syracuse, New York 13215
June 24, 1997
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20006
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
I hope this letter finds both you and the President in great health and high spirits. While the
pressures have no doubt been extreme, you and the President have demonstrated extraordinary
dedication, skill and commitment to the challenge of uplifting America.
In 1992, while proudly campaigning with both of you here in Syracuse, 1 became a member of the
Board of Directors of Elmcrest Children's Center, a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is
the treatment of children experiencing a wide variety of emotional difficulties. The litany of
Elmcrest programs includes group emergency foster care. long-term residential care for boys and
girls ages 12 to 17 with emotional and behavioral problems, preventive/after care services,
educational services and a special preschool intervention program that is becoming a model for
New York State. Simply put. the dedicated administrators and faculty at Elmcrest represent, for
some one thousand children each year, the equivalent of a caring, loving and dedicated "village"
Elmcrest has been recognized for its performance as one of the single models of its kind in all of
the State of New York. I witnessed its growth and its impact during my eight years as Mayor of
Syracuse and am so proud to be a part of the organization.
I know that the care and nurturing of America's children is your special cause. In the spring of
1998, the Elmcrest family will proudly dedicate two new facilities, one an education/recreation
center and the other the refurbished home of our S.P.I.C.E. program for preschoolers ages two to
five years old who are in the midst of social and emotional difficulties. I have been asked by my
colleagues to respectfully extend an invitation to you to be our special guest in dedicating these
facilities, and rededicating ourselves to the continued work of Elmcrest. If your schedule brings
you to New York anytime in early to mid-1998, we would adjust our schedule and ceremony
accordingly.
I know the demands on your time and how difficult it is to include all the visits you would like in
your schedule. I also know that this would be a very special visit, a meaningful return to a city so
proud to have offered our support to you and the President. I would be personally privileged to
introduce you once again to a community whose interests have been SO well served by the Clinton
Administration.
Your staff can reach me at any of the numbers enclosed. Thank you for your kind consideration,
and please convey my best to President Clinton.
Sincerely,
Office: (315) 449-0388
Home: (315) 422-1024
Syracuse
@
THOMAS G. YOUNG
213 Highridge Drive, Syracuse, New York 13215
October 16, 1997
Ms. Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to the First Lady
The White House
Washington, DC
Dear Ms. Verveer:
I write in reference to my earlier letter of June 24, 1997 (copy enclosed) to the
First Lady inviting her to dedicate a new facility at the Elmcrest Children's Center
here in Syracuse, and your kind response of July 24, 1997 to same. The invitation
to Mrs. Clinton was targeted to anytime in the spring of 1998 that might fit her
schedule.
We have since learned that Elmcrest, responding to a national grant competition
initiated by the Department of Health and Human Services, has been selected as
one of but six facilities throughout the country to participate in a project funded
through HHS in the amount of $600,000. Naturally, we are simply delighted by
both the award and the distinction.
I write to make you aware of this development which might impact the decision-
making as to the First Lady's schedule, as well as the thought that Secretary
Shalala might be an appropriate federal celebrity in the event Mrs. Clinton is
unable to attend. To be sure, we would be most excited and grateful should the
First Lady honor us with her presence.
I want to thank you again for your very thoughtful consideration and hope to hear
from you as soon as possible as to your observations and recommendation.
Respectfully yours,
anyone Thomas G. Young
Syracuse
THOMAS G. YOUNG
213 Highridge Drive, Syracuse, New York 13215
June 24, 1997
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20006
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
I hope this letter finds both you and the President in great health and high spirits. While the
pressures have no doubt been extreme, you and the President have demonstrated extraordinary
dedication, skill and commitment to the challenge of uplifting America.
In 1992, while proudly campaigning with both of you here in Syracuse, I became a member of the
Board of Directors of Elmcrest Children's Center, a not-for-profit organization whose purpose is
the treatment of children experiencing a wide variety of emotional difficulties. The litany of
Elmcrest programs includes group emergency foster care, long-term residential care for boys and
girls ages 12 to 17 with emotional and behavioral problems. preventive/after care services,
educational services and a special preschool intervention program that is becoming a model for
New York State. Simply put. the dedicated administrators and faculty at Elmcrest represent, for
some one thousand children each year, the equivalent of a caring, loving and dedicated "village".
Elmcrest has been recognized for its performance as one of the single models of its kind in all of
the State of New York. I witnessed its growth and its impact during my eight years as Mayor of
Syracuse and am so proud to be a part of the organization.
I know that the care and nurturing of America's children is your special cause. In the spring of
1998. the Elmcrest family will proudly dedicate two new facilities, one an education/recreation
center and the other the refurbished home of our S.P.I.C.E. program for preschoolers ages two to
five years old who are in the midst of social and emotional difficulties. I have been asked by my
colleagues to respectfully extend an invitation to you to be our special guest in dedicating these
facilities, and rededicating ourselves to the continued work of Elmcrest. If your schedule brings
you to New York anytime in early to mid-1998, we would adjust our schedule and ceremony
accordingly.
I know the demands on your time and how difficult it is to include all the visits you would like in
your schedule. I also know that this would be a very special visit, a meaningful return to a city so
proud to have offered our support to you and the President. I would be personally privileged to
introduce you once again to a community whose interests have been so well served by the Clinton
Administration.
Your staff can reach me at any of the numbers enclosed. Thank you for your kind consideration,
and please convey my best to President Clinton.
Sincerely,
Office: (315) 449-0388
Home: (315) 422-1024
NATIOUSE
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Ms. Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to the First Cady
The White House
Washington, DC
20500/0003
Suracuse
THOMAS G. YOUNG
213 Highridge Drive
Syracuse, New York 13215
PHOTOCOPY
PRESERVATION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 15, 1997
Mrs. Harold Whitten
3015 Aspen Lane
Falls Church, VA 22042
Dear Arlene:
Thank you for your kind comments about The
Washington Post Magazine article. I'm relieved to have
survived the experience!
Wishing you /7 all the best. you were Dr
thought ful write
Sincerely,
Milance Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
what a treat to hear from
Time gaes much too fast Hope
you ! your letter took me bach
all is well
(703) 533 - 3133
R -
Mrs. Harold Whitten
3015 Aspen Lane
port
Falls Church, Virginia 22042
and
November 25, 1997
Mrs. Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff The First Lady
Dear Melonne,
It was with great pleasure I
read the article on you in the
Washington Post Magagine" I think
of you more after than you know
and always mention your name,
along with and Kaplar's when
I tath of Serend Keraistance
Montessori's beginnings
My, how time flied. wichael
is grown and and aldermand in
Wiscondin I guell Alexandra
is also not the little girl l
remember. I enjoyed finding out where
your were and what you had done
continued surcelly and thank
with your life. I wish you
to helps get Second Kenausame
you even now for all you did
off the ground. Gordness.
-
Orlene Rained Whitter
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
December 2, 1997
Ms. Linda Tsao Yang
N. Cinnamon Dornsife
Asian Development Bank
Office of the U.S. Ambassador to
the Asian Development Bank
Manila, Philippines
Dear Ms. Yang & Ms. Dornsife:
On behalf of the First Lady, thank you very much for
your letter and for the information on the commendable work
the Asian Development Bank is doing in the Central Asian
Republics. We greatly appreciated your thoughtfulness in
providing us with the materials.
Thanks and best wishes in your important work.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
OFFICE OF THE UNITED STATES AMBASSADOR
TO THE
ASIAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
AMERICAN EMBASSY
MANILA. PHILIPPINES
November 24, 1997
Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton
First Lady of the United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
We have read with great interest about your recent trip to Central Asia and are heartened by the
successful message of support you delivered for the people of Kazakstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan
from the people of the United States.
As you learned on your trip, the Central Asian Republics are experiencing a very difficult period of
transition that has resulted in falling incomes, increasing unemployment, eroding social services, and
weakening social assistance support. The changes are affecting both men and women; however, the
social and economic costs of this transition have been especially difficult for women and children.
Unemployment has and will likely continue to weaken sectors which have traditionally offered women
employment. The deterioration of the social service sector has directly impacted on the health and
education of children. Some groups of women (pensioners, single women with many children, or the
unemployed) depend on the support offered via a social safety net. Declining public resources have led
to difficult circumstances for these most vulnerable groups.
I thought you would be interested to know about what the Asian Development Bank is doing in
Central Asia to ease the pain on women and children as these countries transit to a more open and
market-oriented economic system.
The Asian Development Bank conducted two studies on the impact of transition on women in
Kazakstan and the Krygyz Republic. As an integral part of the country strategy for these two countries,
the studies explore all of these issues in greater depth and provide guidance for the Bank's
programming and project activities. I have enclosed copies of these books for your reference.
The Bank will soon be publishing another book in this series: A Generation at Risk: Children in the
Central Asian Republics of Kazakstan and Krygyztan. We will be pleased to send a copy of this book,
too, as soon as it is finalized.
2
For those of us working as American representatives at international institutions active in Central Asia,
your trip heightened awareness and deepened understanding of the problems and issues, as well as
generating much good will. This enhanced appreciation of the challenges and hardships faced in Central
Asia helps us considerably in our work. We are pleased you placed such priority on vulnerable groups
in these countries that are not well known to most Americans.
With warmest best wishes,
Linda Executive Landater Lay Tsao Director Yang
N. Cinnamon Dornsife
Alternate Executive Director
to the Asian Development Bank
to the Asian Development Bank
Enclosures
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGION
December 30, 1997
Dr. Thom White Wolf Fassett
General Board of Church and Society
of the United Methodist Church
100 Maryland Avenue, NE
Washington, DC 20002
Dear Dr. Fassett:
On behalf of the First Lady, thank you very much for
your letter and invitation to the Campaign for The United
Methodist Building's official commencement.
I have forwarded your letter to the First Lady's
scheduling office and they will be in touch once a decision has
been made.
Thanks and best wishes.
Sincerely,
member
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady
12/18/1997 09:18
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GBCS UMC GSOFFICE
PAGE 01
R
Fax
To:
Office of the First Lady
Fax:
456-6244
Pages:
3, including this cover sheet
Date:
December 18, 1997
From the desk of
Thom White Wolf Fassett
General Secretary
General Board of Church and Society
Fax: (202)488-5899
12/18/1997
09:18
2024885699
GBCS UMC GSOFFICE
PAGE 02
OF
BOARD
CHURCH
AND
GENERAL
********
SOCIETY
General Board of Church and Society of The United Methodist Church
100 Maryland Avenue, N.E. Washington D.C. 20002
(202) 488-5600
THE
ME
THODIST
December 17, 1997
The Honorable Hillary Rodham Clinton
Office of the First Lady
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mrs. Clinton:
It was wonderful visiting with you at the White House on December 5th! ] am SO happy you were
able to meet some of our United Methodist workers in Russia.
In my capacity as General Secretary. I write to ask your assistance in an historic undertaking.
We have embarked upon a Campaign for The United Methodist Building, seeking $7 million for
the interior renovation of the only structure on Capitol Hill not related to the federal government.
We expect to re-dedicate the United Methodist Building in 1999, upon celebrating its 75th
anniversary.
With devotion and conviction, you personify what the United Methodist Building has
symbolized over the decades: that the public witness of the ecumenical church is a critical factor
in social formation; that the rule of civil government must be just and compassionate; that a
principled spiritual life is the foundation for a productive secular life. This building is truly "The
Heart of The Hill" and that has become our campaign theme. Your pastor, Dr. Philip
Wogaman agrees, with this added imagery: "It's the Conscience of the Capitol!"
Our hope is that you are able to accept our invitation to be the featured speaker for the
Campaign's official commencement, an event which could be scheduled at your convenience in
the latter part of January or in February (1998). If you are able to be with us for that occasion,
we would have you present special recognition to Ms. Maribeth Collins, who has made a
generous gift to this cause. Ms. Collins is the daughter of Clarence True Wilson; who founded
the building in response to the Temperance movement and other issues of "public morals."
Printed 00001
60VINK
12/18/1997 09:18 2024885699
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PAGE 03
M15 Hillury R. Clinton
Page :
This appeal comes to you, with much respect; from the denomination of your heritage. Your
participation as we launch the effort would, we believe, inspire its successful attainment. We are
very grateful for any consideration you are able to give to this request among the many you
receive.
May the blessings of Christmas bring peace and joy to you and your family.
Sincerely yours,
Am
Dr. Thom White Wolf Fassett
General Secretary
MEMORANDUM
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Oct.28
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PHOTOCOPY
RESERVATION
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
November 24, 1997
Mr. William White
Charles Stewart Mott Foundation
1200 Mott Foundation Building
Flint, MI 48502-1851
Dear Mr. White:
Thank you very much for your thoughtful letter and for
the foundation's 1996 Annual Report. I hope your
conversations with your colleagues in the foundation
community and government yield tangible results.
The First Lady just returned from several days in
Central Asia, Russia and Ukraine. Once again, she
underscored democracy building and the importance of NGO
development and support.
Thanks for your kind remarks about the childcare
conference. We are working on proposals for the next budget
cycle. Best wishes in your important work.
Sincerely,
Mer
the First Lady
CHARLES STEWART
MOTT FOUNDATION
WILLIAM S. WHITE
PRESIDENT
November 10, 1997
The Honorable Melanne Veveer
Chief of Staff to the First Lady
and Assistant to the President
The White House
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mrs. Veveer:
I recently had the pleasure of attending The White House Conference on
Child Care. I found it to be a wonderful event. I was very surprised to
find one of the panelists, Patty Siegel, Executive Director of California
Child Care Resource & Referral Network, is a grantee of ours.
It has been about a year since Mrs. Clinton hosted the debriefing on her
trip to Central and Eastern Europe. Since that time, several foundations,
ours included, have been working with the folks at USAID and the State
Department to figure out if there is a way to put together some ongoing
funding for democracy building and other not-for-profit activities in that
part of the world. It's still too early to tell what may happen, but there is
follow-up occurring. Finally, if you haven't already received it, I thought
you might appreciate a copy of our 1996 Annual Report.
Sincerely,
William S. White
WSW:aco
Enclosure
1200 MOTT FOUNDATION BUILDING FLINT, MI 48502-1851 (810) 238-5651 FAX (810) 766-1753
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 21, 1997
Ms. Carol Wheeler
1650 30th Street, NW
Washington, DC 20007
Dear Carol:
Thank you very much for your letter and for the news
about Arnie's daughter, Alicia. Please let me know when "The
Prodigal Son" will be at the Kennedy Center. Hopefully, there
will be a chance to see her perform.
It was good to hear from you, and it's always good to
see you. Thanks for all you do.
Sincerely,
Melanne Verveer
Chief of Staff to
the First Lady