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REMARKS BY:	DONNA E. SHALALA, SECRETARY OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
PLACE:		Ballington and Maud Booth Award, Washington, D.C.
DATE:		May 4, 2000

Learning the Lessons of Les Miserables

Thank you Volunteers of America for your "Ballington and Maud Booth Award." I'm almost tempted to say that I'm humbled by this honor, but I remember the words of the late Golda Meir who liked to caution everyone: "Don't be so humble, you're not that great." Obviously, Meir never met my fellow honorees- "Good Samaritans" Jay Martin and Charles Monroe-or all of you who work for and with the Volunteers of America, its affiliates and partners. You are the fitting heirs of Ballington and Maud Booth. You have carried on their tradition of serving our most vulnerable citizens with a sense of commitment.and a sense of compassion.

As it turns out, this year happens to mark the 15th anniversary of that international blockbuster-and the most performed musical in history-Les Miserables. Between the play.the numerous Hollywood interpretations.and the classic book itself, the story is probably known to just about everyone. But I wonder how many people realize that this timeless tale of the reformed convict also presents three lessons for anyone in the human services field.lessons that are the guiding spirit of this non-profit organization.and lessons that I want to briefly touch on tonight.

It seems only fitting to discuss Les Miserables with a group whose co-founder-Maud Booth-was a pioneer in the prisoner reform movement.and who firmly believed that "once a thief" does not mean "always a thief." In the classic story, the hero-Jean Valjean-is finally able to leave his criminal ways behind only when the kindly bishop he encounters gives him a second chance. That's the first lesson: Everyone deserves a second chance. This is certainly the spirit that permeates this organization-one of the nation's largest and most comprehensive human services providers. And it's certainly the spirit that led the Booths to found Volunteers of America over 100 years ago to help improve the lives of the American people. In her nationally famous "stump speech," Maud Booth always noted that "no prisoner is beyond hope." Today, I've no doubt she would've added that no homeless person, or drug addict or troubled youngster-or any citizen or community in need-is beyond hope.and therefore unworthy of a second chance.

Of course, once Valjean receives a second chance and turns his back on crime, he is able to find a measure of fulfillment-and happiness-solely through his service to his adopted town. He learned that the only ones among us who will be truly happy are those who have learned how to serve-and that includes professional service with organizations like Volunteers of America. That's the second lesson of Les Miserables. And it's certainly the spirit that continues to guide all of you here tonight. Like you, I, too, consider service-whether as vocation or avocation-not an obligation-but a privilege. That's why I went with the Peace Corps to Iran. That's why I pursued careers in government and teaching. And that's why I've long worked to provide all Americans with quality human services and health care.

The third-and final-lesson that's found deep within the pages of Les Miserables is that every single act of public service.of community service.of providing services to others.has far reaching repercussions. It's like throwing a stone into a still pond.the effects continue to reverberate in ever widening circles. In essence, each act of service-each time Volunteers of America meets the needs of individuals, families and communities-helps to build a better society.a greater society.a good society-a civil society. A civil society is where you're not judged by what you earn, but by what you contribute.where being an active citizen is more important than being a passive consumer.and where the common good is the highest good. It's the spirit inherent in everything that you do. And it's why your work as professional staff or volunteers is so important. It's important not only because it improves the lives of others.not only because it enriches your own lives.but because it uplifts the life of our entire nation.

Our nation continues to count on you. And that reminds me of a final-and true-story. One day, a very elderly lady walked into the emergency ward of a big city hospital barely able to breathe. When she was finally stabilized, a volunteer aid asked her why she had walked over, instead of calling 911? "It's really quite simple," she replied sweetly, "my phone doesn't have an eleven on it." That woman may not have known whom to call. But when we want to help others.when we want to infuse our country with a sense of compassion and commitment.and when we want to help build a civil society, we certainly know whom to call. We call: Volunteers of America. Again, thank you for this great honor, and good night.

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