Dr. Jane Goodall - One Person's Loving Dedication Brings Benefit to the Lives of Many

On February 12, Golden Year 4 (2007), fellow initiates from Virginia Center went to Arlington, Virginia, to present Dr. Jane Goodall with the Shining World Leadership Award in recognition of her outstanding efforts and enlightened leadership. Besides the plaque, they also presented Master's letter of congratulations and a $10,000 check for her non-profit humanitarian organization, the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education and Conservation.

We were quite mesmerized by the numerous pictures of Dr. Goodall's works and the bronze statue of a chimpanzee at the entrance of the institute. They signified simplicity, dedication, and humanitarianism. As introduced in News Magazine No. 174, Dr. Goodall is the world's foremost authority on chimpanzees, and her research has transformed scientific perceptions of the relationship between humans and animals. Her recently published book, '"Harvest for Hope: A Guide to Mindful Eating,'" also promotes vegetarianism and changes in the way people produce and consume food. It offers many ways to create positive change for the future of our children and the planet.

Through the years, Dr. Goodall became a conservationist and a social activist, calling on people to protect animals and the environment as well as promoting youth humanitarian education. In 1977, she founded the Jane Goodall Institute for Wildlife Research, Education and Conservation to provide ongoing support for field research on wild chimpanzees. Today, the mission of the Jane Goodall Institute is to advance the power of individuals to take informed and compassionate action to improve the environment for all living things. The Institute is a leader in the effort to protect chimpanzees and their habitats; it has become widely recognized for establishing innovative community-centered conservation and development programs in Africa, as well as the Roots & Shoots education program, which is now available in more than 70 countries.

Despite her hectic schedule and countless projects, Dr. Goodall always looks so peaceful. The answer to her serenity lies in her book, '"Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey.'" In this book, she mentions one of her experiences while visiting a church; she heard inner music that brought her to a feeling of eternal bliss. She believes this inner spiritual experience and her other peaceful inner sound experiences connect her with God's power, inspiring her to work as a God's messenger to spread the word that human beings should have a proper relationship with the animal kingdom. So it is her strong faith in God and her pure loving heart toward all beings that helps her in doing this unconditional selfless work for the world. Dr. Goodall is a wonderful example of a person who is loving, courageous and humble. She has received numerous awards including the Gandhi King Award for Nonviolence. In April 2002 Secretary-General Annan named Dr. Goodall a United Nations '"Messenger of Peace.'" She has also published numerous books for both adult and children.

Mr. Bill Johnston (right), president of the Jane Goodall Institute, receives the Shining World Leadership Award plaque on behalf of Jane Goodall along with Master's letter and a $10,000 check.

Due to Dr. Goodall's busy schedule, she was not able to attend the award presentation. The Vice President of Communications received us with a warm welcome and hospitality while we were waiting to meet with Mr. Bill Johnston, president of the Jane Goodall Institute. Mr. Johnston, in receiving the award on behalf of Dr. Goodall, said '"it's a wonderful honor'" and told us that the money will help the Institute to create '"sustainable livelihoods around the world.'"

After the award presentation, a member of the Virginia Center was able to speak with Mr. Johnston about the Jane Goodall Institute. Mr. Johnston proudly acknowledged that this year is the 30th anniversary of the Institute and indicated that there are events around the world to celebrate all the great accomplishments of the Institute, which range from protecting the chimpanzees to protecting the forests all over Africa. Mr. Johnston explained that deforestation is the biggest threat to the chimpanzees and in fact leads to the bush-meat trade where hunters kill and eat animals including chimpanzees. Mr. Johnston also reminded us that Dr. Goodall is a vegetarian and that the Board of Directors is always served vegetarian meals.

Mr. Johnston went on to say that Dr. Goodall's biggest loves are children and education. She created the Roots & Shoots program to allow children of all ages to help their own community, help the animals, and help preserve the environment. The symbolism of the name is that roots make a firm foundation while shoots can break concrete to reach the sun. As a final note, Mr. Johnston said, '"No one can replace Jane. She is one of a kind.'" As we exited the building, we all felt honored and blessed to have been a part of this God-sent event.

For more detailed information, please refer to the following web sites:
http://www.janegoodall.org/
http://www.rootsandshoots.org/