    [Public Papers of the Presidents of the United States: George H. W. Bush (1991, Book I)]
    [March 19, 1991]
    [Pages 288-289]
    [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office www.gpo.gov]

    [[Page 288]]

    Remarks to the Points of Light Foundation
    March 19, 1991

        I know you've had a full day, but let me belatedly give you a very
    warm welcome to the White House and say that it's a pleasure to come
    over here to join this briefing of the Points of Light Foundation. I'm
    pleased to serve as honorary chairman. And of course, the directors,
    many here today--and I am indebted to each and every one of you who are
    taking these leadership roles.
        Let me just begin by a few words of thanks and praise. Those
    gathered here today and the many other media executives all across the
    country whom you represent have done so much for so many years to shine
    the bright floodlight of recognition on those in our communities
    reaching out to help those in need. And if, as they say, a nation is
    what it honors, in many places in America you've helped make us
    understand that our nation is one that admires those who serve the needs
    of others.
        By recognizing and honoring these otherwise unsung heroes and
    heroines who each day in a quiet and selfless way confront drug abuse
    and illiteracy, hunger, and homelessness, and do what they can to defeat
    them, you are showing all of America that every social problem is being
    solved somewhere and that every one of us can play a role in solving the
    problems. Everyone can be a Point of Light.
        The Points of Light that I understand you have heard from today are
    part of real and gripping stories in America that really are making life
    better. They're taking on difficult problems and conquering them. And
    I'm even more convinced today than I have ever been that Points of Light
    are a critical answer to America's social problems. This approach isn't
    a dodge for responsibility of any level of government. It's something
    much, much, more fundamental, it seems to me, than any level of
    government.
        With the new surge of patriotism and the resurgence of national
    pride that has just captivated America, and then our age-old ``can do''
    spirit, it seems to me that the country is ready as never before in
    recent memory to rise to the challenge of meeting the needs of those
    around us here at home. And this is where you all come in. Now is the
    time to carry this Points of Light message into every home in America
    and to persuade every American that any definition of a successful life
    must include serving others.
        Far more than any one speech or brochure, the media can educate and
    persuade and inspire. And your antidrug campaign, for example, is
    changing a whole generation's attitudes about drugs. We've got a long
    way to go, but the change is there. And I think it's exciting, and I
    hope it's contagious.
        The Saatchi and Saatchi PSA's that you've seen, that Barbara and I
    looked at last night, I'm convinced begin to move the whole Nation to
    find in serving others the meaning and fulfillment in life that all of
    us are seeking. I want to thank the Saatchi team that I met with
    earlier, thank the Advertising Council for many long hours of dedication
    and devotion to producing some of the finest ads and some of the most
    moving ads that I believe I've ever seen.
        By changing attitudes about the appeal of service and showing
    examples of small ways in which each of us can make a big difference,
    these ads can help. They can help achieve our shared mission for the
    Nation: to make direct and consequential community service directed at
    serious social problems central to the life and work of every American.
        And so, I'm asking you to find ways to give these messages the
    prominence they deserve. And in addition, because you are each a vital
    link to and among the citizens within your communities, I hope you'll
    redouble your efforts to find and celebrate the Points of Light where
    you are. With your help, every American can be called to do something
    good and feel something real.
        Thank you for coming to the White House, for all the good you've
    already done, and for the good work I know you'll do in the days ahead.
    I am totally committed to this concept and I want to assure Ray

    [[Page 289]]

    Chambers, Dick Munro, everybody--Gregg--that I will do my level best to
    help in every way possible.
        Thank you all very, very much for being with us today. Thank you.

                        Note: The President spoke at 3:54 p.m. in Room 450
                            of the Old Executive Office Building. In his
                            remarks, he referred to Raymond G. Chambers and
                            J. Richard Munro, cochairmen of the Points of
                            Light Foundation, and C. Gregg Petersmeyer,
                            Deputy Assistant to the President and Director
                            of the Office of National Service. He also
                            referred to public service announcements
                            produced by Saatchi and Saatchi, a New York
                            advertising firm.