Bill Clinton Authors New Book on Citizen Activism

NEW YORK, New York, August 21, 2007 (ENS) - Former President Bill Clinton has written a book about citizen activism and public service that will be published in September by Alfred A. Knopf.

"Giving: How Each of Us Can Change the World" is a look at how the act of giving takes many forms, and how offerings of time, skills, objects, and ideas can be just as important as contributions of money.

"I've done my best in this book to demonstrate what I've seen firsthand through my foundation's work in Africa and around the world: that all kinds of giving can make a profoundly positive difference," said President Clinton.

"The amount of good that so many individuals and NGOs [nongovernmental organizations] have been able to do has proven to me that almost everyone - regardless of income, available time, age, and skills - can do something useful for others and, in the process, strengthen the fabric of our shared humanity," he said.

Clinton writes about the famous and about people who are unknown, telling the stories of men and women who traded in their corporate careers, and of the fulfillment they now experience through their new efforts and associations.

In a chapter on organizing markets for the public good, he examines progressive companies that do good work: going green; opening markets for the under-served in disadvantaged communities; hiring people who were once on welfare; and promoting fair wages and decent working conditions for all.

Clinton addresses the role of government, suggesting that when it works well, citizen service can reinforce and supplement its efforts; when it does not, citizens need to harness time, money, knowledge, and skills in an effort to change, improve, or protect government policy.

"Bill Clinton's actions and deeds during his post-presidential years, both directly and through his foundation, have had an extraordinary impact on the lives of millions," said Sonny Mehta, Knopf's chairman and editor in chief.

Clinton's previous book, "My Life," was published by Knopf in 2004. It remains one of the bestselling memoirs of all time.

"His new book suggests that all of us can have a profound influence on the lives of others through acts of giving," said Mehta. "I believe this book has the power to change both our outlook and our communities, and it will make a real contribution towards turning the world into a better place."

The book will go on sale nationwide September 4 with a first printing of 750,000 copies. It will be published simultaneously as an ebook, as a Large Print Edition, and as a Random House Audiobook, read by the author.

Clinton has committed to a national author tour at the time of publication. A portion of his proceeds from "Giving" will be donated to charities and nonprofit organizations.

Copyright Environment News Service (ENS) 2007. All rights reserved.