How Each of Us Can Change the World by Clinton

How Each of Us Can Change the World by Clinton



Aug. 2007  - Former President Bill Clinton 
has written a book about citizen activism and public service that will be 
published in September by Alfred A. Knopf. 
"Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World" is a look at how the act of 
giving takes many forms, and how offerings of time, skills, objects, and 
ideas can be just as important as contributions of money. 
"I've done my best in this book to demonstrate what I've seen firsthand 
through my foundation's work in Africa and around the world: that all 
kinds of giving can make a profoundly positive difference," said President 
Clinton. 
"The amount of good that so many individuals and NGOs [nongovernmental 
organizations] have been able to do has proven to me that almost everyone 
- regardless of income, available time, age, and skills - can do something 
useful for others and, in the process, strengthen the fabric of our shared 
humanity," he said. 
Clinton writes about the famous and about people who are unknown, telling 
the stories of men and women who traded in their corporate careers, and of 
the fulfillment they now experience through their new efforts and 
associations. 
In a chapter on organizing markets for the public good, he examines 
progressive companies that do good work: going green; opening markets for 
the under-served in disadvantaged communities; hiring people who were once 
on welfare; and promoting fair wages and decent working conditions for 
all. 
Clinton addresses the role of government, suggesting that when it works 
well, citizen service can reinforce and supplement its efforts; when it 
does not, citizens need to harness time, money, knowledge, and skills in 
an effort to change, improve, or protect government policy. 
"Bill Clinton's actions and deeds during his post-presidential years, both 
directly and through his foundation, have had an extraordinary impact on 
the lives of millions," said Sonny Mehta, Knopf's chairman and editor in 
chief. 
Clinton's previous book, "My Life," was published by Knopf in 2004. It 
remains one of the bestselling memoirs of all time. 
"His new book suggests that all of us can have a profound influence on the 
lives of others through acts of giving," said Mehta. "I believe this book 
has the power to change both our outlook and our communities, and it will 
make a real contribution towards turning the world into a better place." 
The book will go on sale nationwide September 4 with a first printing of 
750,000 copies. It will be published simultaneously as an ebook, as a 
Large Print Edition, and as a Random House Audiobook, read by the author. 
Clinton has committed to a national author tour at the time of 
publication. A portion of his proceeds from "Giving" will be donated to 
charities and nonprofit organizations. 

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