Our Call-to-Action with Walter Cronkite
November 13, 2002 • New York City

In response to 9/11, the Institute took a strong stand for peace.  We created the Global Heroes Awards to honor those on the front lines of the war against poverty and terrorism.  Walter Cronkite hosted a gala event that honored three leaders for their innovative micro-credit programs that address the root causes of terrorism and strategies to build a safer world.  Dr. Muhammad Yunus, Grameen Bank received the Mahatma Gandhi Award from Walter Cronkite. Marietta Primicias Goco, Sambayanihan Foundation in the Philippines received the Eleanor Roosevelt Award and Steve Mariotti, National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurs received Community Hero Award.

At the event, Walter Cronkite challenged leaders from
business, government and the global NGO community to take this pledge:

Our Pledge

We accept Walter Cronkite's challenge for a new kind of engaged activism,
to be a force for positive change in the world.

We will join with the Global Hero Award recipients and carry on the legacy of
Mahatma Gandhi, Eleanor Roosevelt, Cesar Chavez and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
to improve the conditions of our neighborhoods, our countries and the world
through individual action and working with others.

Together, we will forge new directions for the global economy,
 bridge the gap between the haves and have nots
and strive to build a more peaceful, sustainable world.

The Institute expressed its commitment by embarking on two major initiatives:

• Philippines 2003: Thanks in part to press generated from the Institute’s Award, Marietta Primicias Goco was able to champion the changing of the Philippines Constitution to include indigenous ownership for an equitable, humane society.

• Vieques 2004-2007: The Institute launched a four-year demonstration project that generated local, national and global press and support for people-centered vision: www.vyli.com

• Press: Celebration of Heroes with Walter Cronkite: 2002                                    • Photo gallery

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