On the Passing of John W. Gardner
Chairman Emeritus of the National Civic League
Founder of the National Civic League's Alliance for National Renewal
October 8, 1912 - February 16, 2002

"All of us who knew and worked with John Gardner will remember him for his wisdom, his energy and his commitment to America's democracy. He was a true optimist. He believed that if all citizens were to become more engaged with each other in their communities that our nation could achieve anything. We can honor his memory by turning away from easy cynicism and becoming engaged and caring activists in our neighborhoods and communities."

            - Christopher T. Gates
            President, National Civic League

John W. Gardner Biography

John W. Gardner, one of America's greatest advocates for democratic participation and community-based collaborative problem solving, has passed away at 89.

John Gardner served as the chair of the National Civic League's board of directors from 1993 to 1996. During that time he helped re-establish NCL as a leader in the field of political reform and democratic renewal.

While chair of NCL, John Gardner focused on the question, "How can the American people be awakened to a new sense of purpose, a new vision and a new resolve? How can we remind ourselves of the standards of excellence and discipline we once honored, stir ourselves to the striving, vigorous performance we once took for granted?"

Gardner's answer was that our nation's challenges could only be met by engaging citizens in problem solving in their own communities. As Gardner proclaimed, "Communities are incubators of innovation and are where our 'can do' spirit resides. In communities lie hope and new opportunities for citizens to volunteer, celebrate, learn about their responsibilities, and take action together."

Gardner's efforts to promote the common good can be seen through the gamut of causes he led, and his influence can be felt through the impact of these organizations. He was a leader in philanthropy and education, serving as president of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. As Lyndon Johnson's Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare, he helped launch Medicare and helped create the White House Fellows program. Mr. Gardner, a founder of Common Cause, was a principal voice for democratic reform, known as the father of campaign finance reform. He promoted volunteerism as a founding chairman of INDEPENDENT SECTOR and civil rights as chairman of the National Urban Coalition. In 1964, he received the nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Gardner once wrote, "The difficulties we face are shared challenges. So then are the solutions. Now is the time to reach within ourselves, each to his or her own deepest reservoirs of faith and hope."

National Renewal

For those who would like to learn more about the beliefs and views of John Gardner, NCL has re-released "National Renewal", a monograph written by Mr. Gardner while chair of NCL. This work is about the troubles within today's society, and the process involved in gaining the motivation and strength to address these issues in a meaningful and effective way. Topics such as politics, citizen involvement, community building, and collaboration are central to this work, as Mr. Gardner discusses how we may reconnect citizens to one another and to society as a whole.

This monograph was jointly published by NCL and INDEPENDENT SECTOR. If you wish to obtain a copy, please fill out our order form or visit our online store.

About the National Civic League

The National Civic League (NCL) is a 109-year-old national nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening citizen democracy by transforming democratic institutions. NCL accomplishes its mission through technical assistance, training, publishing, research, and the All-America City Awards. NCL is headquartered in Denver, Colorado and also has an office in Washington, DC.

John W. Gardner served as Chairman of NCL from 1993 to 1996. Under his guidance NCL formed the Alliance for National Renewal, a coalition of more than 230 local, state and national organizations dedicated to the principles of civic renewal. NCL plans to re-release Gardner's monograph, National Renewal, which he wrote while chairing NCL.

For more information about John Gardner on the net:

• "Gardner, Common Cause Founder, Dies", New York Times
• "John Gardner, HEW Secretary, Common Cause Founder, Dies", Washington Post
• "Mentor to the World", Washington Post
• "John Gardner: Legacy Of A Civic Olympian", Washington Post
• "John Gardner; Common Cause Founder Was 89", Los Angeles Times
• "John W. Gardner, cabinet official and Common Cause founder, dead at 89", Rocky Mountain News

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