It is so important not to let ourselves off the hook or to become apathetic or cynical by telling ourselves that nothing works or makes a difference. Every day, light your small candle.... The inaction and actions of many human beings over a long time contributed to the crises our children face, and it is the action and struggle of many human beings over time that will solve them-with God's help. So every day, light your small candle.

If you don't like the way the world is, you change it. You have an obligation to change it. You just do it one step at a time.

Never work just for money. Money alone won't save your soul or build a decent family life or help you sleep at night. We're the richest nation on Earth, with the highest number of imprisoned people in the world. Our drug addictions and child poverty are among the highest in the industrialized world. So don't ever confuse wealth or fame with character.

Parents have become so convinced that educators know what is best for their children that they forget that they themselves are really the experts.

The question is not whether we can afford to invest in every child; it is whether we can afford not to.

Unless children have strong education and strong families and strong communities and decent housing, it's not enough to go sit in at a lunch counter.

There comes a time when you roll up your sleeves and put yourself at the top of your commitment list.