Running head: John Gardner 1
John Gardner’s Contribution to Community Leadership
Joy Falls
Texas A&M University-Texarkana
ABSTRACT
John W. Gardner made a lot of contributions to community leadership. He inspired and created
many leaders and continues to inspire people to lead after his death. Gardner was the backbone
of The Great Society under President Lyndon B. Johnson. He inspired citizens to take part in the
government and protect democracy. Gardner helped many non-profits succeed by creating the
Independent Sector and Common Cause. He empowered community members with the tools to
inspire and create leaders from ever generation. He gave children and youth of all different
ethnicity and background a chance at education and bettering themselves for the good of society.
Gardner realized the importance of investing in the members of society to make the world a
better place.
Keywords: Gardner, leadership, community, youth, education, social programs
John Gardner 2
John Gardner’s Contribution to Community Leadership
John Gardner was the epitome of a civil servant. He wore many different hats during his
lifetime. Gardner served as a statesman, a teacher, and a leader. He dedicated his life to serving
his country. Gardner was a persistent man and was the brains behind The Great Society. The
Great Society was a series of social reforms that Gardner assisted with as President Lyndon B.
Johnson’s Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare. Gardner was an educator and promoted
equality in education through civil rights and public broadcasting. Gardner challenged citizens to
participate in government and protect the democracy of America. Gardner established many
national charities in the independent sectors such as Common Cause and Independent Sector. He
also established the White House Fellow Program in 1964. He promoted leadership and focused
on team leadership by establishing John W. Gardner Center of Youth and Their Communities to
empower youth to use teamwork and lead by example. Gardner’s nine core values for leadership
task was envisioning goals, affirming values, motivating, managing, achieving a workable level
of unity, explaining, serving as a symbol, representing the group externally, and renewing.
As the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare under President Lyndon B. Johnson
Gardner helped accomplish one of the most aspiring agenda to end poverty, promote equality,
help impoverish cities, and improve education. He challenged Americans to regain command of
their futures by a collaborative effort for community members to solve problems, fight crimes,
build affordable housing, deliver medical care and social services, and empower youth
development. Gardner realized the importance of investing in youth. He assisted in passing the
