Lynne's Acceptance Speech

Thank you for this Award.

I am very fortunate to know and work with so many dedicated and dynamic volunteers who expend their energies each and every day to make a difference in the lives of people in our community, especially women and girls.  The League of Women Voters, a nonpartisan political organization, influences public policy through education and advocacy.

The Jane Fund of Central Massachusetts empowers women to self-direct their reproductive lives.

Abby Kelley Foster House (Abby’s House) provides homeless women and children with a safe place to stay, to regroup, and to rebuild.

And the WWHP, under whose auspices I have performed Yours for Humanity—Abby for the last 8 years, is dedicated “to celebrating and documenting women’s contributions to the history, social fabric and culture of Worcester and beyond.”

I thank Carolyn Howe and Karen Board Moran, the co-playwrights for this inspirational and educational play which allows me to take Abby’s words and actions into classrooms and organizations throughout the city. It is a privilege and a responsibility.

 Abby dedicated her life to the same principles of which the Y is dedicated: eliminating racism, empowering women and promoting peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all.

 So as I stand here under her beautiful portrait, I dedicate this award to her memory and legacy… and I quote her…

“Tis great joy to see the world grow better in anything—indeed,  I think endeavors to improve mankind is the only object worth living for.”

Thank you.