PASSIONARY: one inspired passionately through vision and compassion to actively change the world for the betterHave you ever asked yourself, “How can one person really make a difference?”
Passionaries answers that question with vivid, true stories of extraordinary socialentrepreneurs turning their passions into action—and surprisingly shows howone person can change our world. This book captures an unsung movementunique to American culture—to create a legacy, make a mark, leave the worldbetter. These modern-day heroes show each of us how we can do it too.
Passionaries’ thirty-five profiles describe leaders of volunteer organizationsthat are significantly impacting millions of lives. Each story chronicles the personalinspiration behind the organization, the obstacles its creator had to overcome,and lives that have been touched or changed.The success of theseheroes is shared with more than twenty million mini-passionary volunteerswho donate millions of hours annually—and also create ripples of vision andchange. Readers will be touched, moved, and inspired. They will have access to important facts, figures, and contact information, which can encourage theiractive participation.Often inspired by no more than an impulse or idea, many of these passionaries have been content to work in anonymity.
- Consider Jimmy Murray, the former general manager of the Eagles football team who, through unusual circumstances, founded The Ronald McDonald Houses.
- Discover the stories behind the creation of non-profits such as Make-A-Wish, Second Harvest, Habitat for Humanity, USA Harvest,Mercy Ships,Teach for America, and Gifts in Kind International.
- Enjoy profiles on personalities you’ll readily recognize such as Paul Newman with Newman’s Own®/Make A Difference Day, Betty Ford, Chuck Colson, Dr. Laura Schlesinger, and actors Hugh O’Brien and Gary Sinise.
Advance Praise for Passionaries
"Each one of these powerful profiles is a home run and a chance for us to look at a significant winning plan in the game of life." --Dick Enberg, CBS Sports
"Barbara Metzler has tapped into what makes people great and has made their greatness available to the rest of us." --Dr. Tony Campolo, Campolo School of Social Change at Eastern University, St. Davids, PA
"Passionaries will soon be included in every dictionary and on the must read list of everyone seriously concerned with improving the health and wellbeing of humankind." --Dr.Warren Bennis, distinguished professor of business at the University of Southern California and author of On Becoming a Leader
"Barbara Metzler's book chronicles American generosity at its best--highlighting people who give of both their time and money to help people here and abroad. Her book is essential reading for all, especially those who want to better understand the amazing stories of America's leading and most effective philanthropists." -- Dr. Carol Adelman, director, Center for Global Prosperity, Hudson Institute
"One person can make a difference in our world. Barbara Metzler inspires us all with these powerful stories about individuals who demonstrate that we can translate visions of hope into programs of healing. May the tribe of passionaries increase!" --Dr. Richard J. Mouw, president of Fuller Theological Seminary
"Barbara Metzler's Passionaries, like her life, is an inspiration. Not only has she assembled the stories of `can-do' people who have transformed their convictions into constructive, life-changing actions, but she provides us the links to do likewise." --Linda LeSourd Lader, co-founder, Renaissance Weekends
"If you are questioning whether God still works through people, you'll stop wondering after reading about these miraculous lives. Life has handed each of these inspiring individuals challenges that they have faced with courage. Courage isn't a gift, but a decision." --Dr. Robert Schuller, pastor of the Crystal Cathedral
"It's one thing to be simply motivated and another thing to become deeply inspired. In this collection of real life stories, BarbaraMetzler enables you to be inspired and lifted up to make a difference with your life. You come away believing you too can be a `passionary' and help change your world and leave a lasting, positive legacy. Don't miss this chance to help change your world!" --Dr. Ron Jenson, international speaker and author; chairman, Future Achievement International
"Passionaries provides proof that one person can still make an everlasting difference in our world. In this book there are many blueprints that allow one to take their success and turn it into significance for the world they live in!" --Stan Curtis, founder and chairman of USA Harvest
"These heroes are all compassionately committed to a `magnificent obsession,' turning their visions into reality." --Dr. Art Ulene
"Passionaries is a fascinating testimony to one of life's most profound questions: What can I do to make a difference? In writing Passionaries, the author herself makes a huge difference. Her compelling and readable testimony on a wide range of projects, created by so many people from such diverse backgrounds, makes the case that we all have the potential to truly change the world . . . and in so doing Barbara Metzler fits perfectly her definition of the term passionary." --Matthew P. Caulfield, major general, U.S. Marine Corps (retired), president of Helmets to Hardhats
"If you are seeking meaning in life, become a `passionary.' This book will show you how and lead you down the path to knowing a genuine happiness, one that is real and lasting." --Dr. Bettie B. Youngs, author of Woman to Woman Wisdom
