For the past week Rosalynn Carter has graced our newsfeeds. Stories of our former first lady, who died at age 96 last Sunday, bring to light a tireless champion of humanity. Because she did so in such a humble, down-to-earth manner, many—myself included—knew little about her. But what a fascinating woman!

Former president Jimmy Carter called Rosalynn his best friend and chief adviser. “Rosalynn was my equal partner in everything I ever accomplished. She gave me wise guidance and encouragement when I needed it. As long as Rosalynn was in the world, I always knew somebody loved and supported me,” said Carter in a statement put out by The Carter Center.
I find it interesting how she became fully engaged in her husband’s political career and reshaped the position of first lady. She sat in on cabinet meetings and national security briefings. She traveled overseas to represent the president. She was the first to establish her own office in the East Wing, complete with staff.

After their presidency, the Carters returned to their home in Plains, GA and founded The Carter Center, a non-profit seeking to advance human rights and alleviate human suffering. We’ve all seen pictures of the Carters helping build houses for Habitat for Humanity—not just posing with a hammer in hand for the camera, but actually getting out there and working. That’s the kind of involved people they were.

Throughout her life, Rosalynn Carter was a passionate advocate for mental health. She served on commissions for mental health as first lady of Georgia and of the United States. At The Carter Center, she created programs devoted specifically to mental health and was known for her compassion and listening skills.
Emulating Rosalynn
Very few of us are in a position to make the international impact as did Rosalynn Carter. But each of us can influence our own worlds in our own way. As Rosalynn said, you can make a difference in your community no matter who you are and where you live.
Pro bono is my way of making a difference.
Tomorrow, November 28, is Giving Tuesday. It’s also the day I open my mailbox for pro bono applications. Each year Adunate accepts two pro bono projects for greatly reduced or no cost. These are projects I strongly support and believe will positively impact God’s creation, his people, or his ministry.
My interests include, but aren’t limited to:
- Agriculture, sustainable
- Arts
- Children
- Environment
- Faith
- Humanity
- Food & Drink
- Sustainable living
- Women’s Empowerment
If your organization needs help with branding or other marketing challenges, click here for an application. Then, to further guarantee your project’s success, be sure to read these helpful suggestions.
My deadline for submissions is December 31, 2023. I will let applicants know of my decision in January.