A Voice for Equity (Paperback) (ISBN-13: 9780939165810)

Foreword by Barbara K. Roberts

I have been writing and delivering speeches
and public presentations for decades. Early on, the speeches filled my need to
voice my feelings on causes that mattered to me--children with disabilities,
women's rights, environmental concerns. As time passed, I became actively
involved in the political arena and my commitment to change expanded to outspoken
presentations of advocacy, whether it was to support a particular candidate's
campaign, my active support for gay rights, speaking for leadership with courage,
or my work for Death with Dignity.

In 2002,
I wrote a book
on death and the importance of grieving, Death Without Denial,
Grief Without Apology. My second book was my autobiography, Up the Capitol Steps,
published in 2011. This was followed by a second edition
of Death Without Denial in 2016, which specifically updated the
progress made nationally for assisted dying.

My books
have expanded my speaking opportunities and audiences,
reaching people far beyond the political arena. The invitations to speak
publicly have continued to flow over the years--from book readings, to keynote
speeches at conferences and commencement addresses, to panels on women's leadership.
I have given Rotary and Kiwanis luncheon
addresses, and lectures in classrooms from Harvard to the
University of Oregon.

And just when I began to
think I had said it all, I recognized a pattern, perhaps even a "life focus" that
had emerged. The passion that continues to move me is giving voice to--and
advocating for--fairness, equality, a level playing field, decency, and dignity.
My passion had a place and I realized that my voice mattered.

With this book, I have
gathered a compilation of my messages of advocacy on a range of subjects. Space
limitations necessitated careful editing, but I have worked to remain true to
the messages as delivered over this thirty-three-year period.

In my 85^th year,
I still feel great passion for the topics I have championed in so many of my
speeches. I hope my passion comes
through, dear reader.

Please, sense my urgency of message.

Be open to making change.

BE THE VOICE.