Eleanor Roosevelt is a leading female political figure in American history. Luscombe & Fazzi (2017) argue that Eleanor Roosevelt’s “proclivity for humanitarianism and her unmatched global popularity makes her one of the most outstanding examples of American public diplomats” (p. 4). Further, they note, she left behind a “social, cultural, and political legacy.” Mrs. Roosevelt’s ideologies are deeply rooted in her commitment to justice, respect, and equality.
E.R., as she referred to herself, believed that courage comes from the success of overcoming fear and that mature people have the compassion, self-knowledge, and courage to make readjustments as needed and become valuable members of society. Furthermore, she believed in the need for
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She argued that the world was unequal and readjustments were needed to create more equitable systems. E. R. believed that making herself useful by striving to make a difference in her community and the world, contributing to society through volunteer work, and joining causes, were ways to find purpose and fulfillment in her life. Roosevelt describes usefulness as a “blanket word that covers all the many kinds of service to one’s fellow men (Roosevelt, p. 101, 2011). In, You Learn by Living, she shares why happiness comes from the feeling of being …show more content…
felt that although few become public servants, those who do should be willing to learn all they can about the people they serve, their needs, and their desires. Roosevelt’s value and commitment to serving the public started before she married Franklin D. Roosevelt. In A Voice for the “Least of These:” Eleanor Roosevelt’s Servant Leadership, Christy Tabors presents a timeline of Eleanor Roosevelt’s public service beginning in 1902.
As her family tradition required, Eleanor began engaging in community service activities through the Junior League for the Promotion of Settlement Movements…This served as Eleanor’s early exposure to the living and working conditions of the working class and immigrants (p. 15).
Later,
Eleanor joined the National Consumers’ League, which gained her direct knowledge of sweatshop conditions and factories… In 1917, due to the United States’ entry into World War I, Eleanor returned to participating in community service and volunteer work…visiting wounded soldiers and volunteering with the Red Cross to serve meals to soldiers (p.