‘RETIRED’ CEO TURNS TO EDUCATION
‘The most rewarding thing I’ve done’: Dick Munro, a youth teacher and mentor
Each week, this series will introduce you to an exceptional American who unites, rather than divides, our communities. To read more about the American profiled here and more average Americans doing exceptional things, visit onenation.usatoday.com.
What does it mean to you to be an American?
It means that I was fortunate to be born in a country the world envies. A country whose democratic principles have had an enormous positive impact on the world almost since its founding. We have set an example of civility, generosity, diplomacy and when required, power. With all that comes the responsibility of leadership. And we should cherish that responsibility.
Yet, despite all of our enormous resources, we are becoming a nation divided, angry and lacking the civility we once knew. Issues of income inequality, racism and the treatment of immigrants are disturbing. But, I am an optimist. There will always be more good guys than bad guys.
What motivated you to launch this effort?
My first exposure to poverty occurred years ago when I was involved with Save The Children. I visited Indian Reservations in the West, the Mississippi Delta and parts of Appalachia. It was an eye-opener, to say the least. I never realized parts of the USA were similar to third-world countries. Here in Naples, my first visit to Immokalee was equally shocking. This is a remarkable community of good, hard working farm workers, many of whom live in severe poverty.
What gives you hope or what concerns you?
Public schools give me hope. The privilege to be exposed to students, teachers and administrators gives me hope. I wish more citizens could have the opportunity to visit classrooms to observe the learning process in action, to observe the professionalism and passion the great majority of teachers bring to their classrooms every day.
What do you hope to accomplish?
Seniors have lots of skills to contribute. Many simply have not been exposed to the challenges we face. You really do get more out of volunteering than you put in.