Jimmy Carter
Former US President, human rights activist, and bestselling author of "The Virtues of Aging".
As thirty-ninth President of the United States, Jimmy Carter was deeply committed to social justice and basic human rights. As President, his most significant singular achievements were the signing of the historic Camp David Agreements, the Panama Canal Treaties, the establishment of diplomatic relations with the People's Republic of China, and his strong focus on an adherence to human rights around the world.
Since leaving office, Carter has gained a reputation as a tireless champion for social justice. He and his wife Rosalynn have created many meaningful ways to further their commitment to social justice and basic human rights. As a private citizen, President Carter founded The Carter Center, which addresses vital world issues through nonpartisan study and consultation. He continues to demonstrate his solidarity with the peoples struggling for their rights in various parts of the world.
In addition to promoting peace and human rights through the nonprofit Carter Center in Atlanta, the Carters lead the Jimmy Carter Work Project (JCWP) for Habitat for Humanity International (HFHI) one week each year. Jimmy Carter's involvement with Habitat for Humanity International began in 1984 when the former president led a work group to New York City to help renovate a six-story building with 19 families in need of decent, affordable shelter. That experience planted the seed, and the Jimmy Carter Work Project has been an internationally recognized event of HFHI ever since.
Each year, Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter give a week of their time, along with their building skills, to build homes and raise awareness of the critical need for affordable housing. The JCWP is held at a different location each year, and attracts volunteers from around the world. Habitat has built more than 100,000 houses worldwide. "Habitat has successfully removed the stigma of charity by substituting it with a sense of partnership," Mr. Carter said. "The people who will live in the homes work side-by-side with the volunteers, so they feel very much that they are on an equal level." Together, the Carters co-wrote the book "Everything to Gain," which describes their work for Habitat.
Mr. Carter is the author of sixteen books, including "Why Not the Best?;" "Turning Point: A Candidate, a State, and a Nation Come of Age;" "Talking Peace: A Vision for the Next Generation;" "Always a Reckoning;" and "The Virtues of Aging."
