Inspire and Motivate Your Audience
Leadership Personified
Turning Dreams into Reality
Robert (Bob) K. Goodwin is the past President and CEO of Points of Light Foundation (now Points of Light). During his 15 years of leadership, first as EVP and COO (1992-1995) and then as CEO (1995-2007), Points of Light became one of the nation’s preeminent leadership organizations, spearheading the revitalization and growth of the volunteer sector. Points of Light is now the world's largest organization promoting volunteer service.
Bob came to symbolize the dynamism and passion of the volunteer movement for nearly 20 years. Former President and Honorary Chairman of the Points of Light, George H.W. Bush said: “Bob Goodwin took what was an idea—and then a dream— and turned it into a reality. Through his work with the Points of Light Foundation, he inspired millions of Americans to become volunteers and to make a real difference in their communities and their country.”
Bob says, "the privilege to work with President Bush, and a passionate, effective leadership cadre of board, staff, and donors provided an opportunity to help shape and lead an organization in the tradition of my roots."
Bob's family was part of the Oklahoma Pioneers who rose from the ashes of the worse race massacre ever to occur in a US community. But as his mother always said, let "life's slings and arrows make you better not bitter."
Throughout his career, as a student leader, entrepreneur, newspaper publisher, university administrator, and nonprofit leader, Bob exemplified his mother's admonition and from the experience gained, by doing what he loved, he can share this wisdom with your audience in a way that will inspire, instruct and motivate.
Bob with Presidents Bush and Clinton, along with Colin Powell, Al Gore, and Henry Cisneros.
About Bob
To Whom Much Is Given
Because he had the good fortune of strong family bonds, a quality education, and a network of support, by working in related areas throughout his career, Bob has developed a perspective that many will find reassuring and helpful in their own commitment to living a life of purpose and meaning.
After becoming President of the Student Council at Bishop Kelley H.S., he attended Oral Roberts University. There he held progressively significant student leadership roles, culminating with becoming Student Body President in his senior year, having also travelled throughout the world with student ministering teams, headed by one of his early mentors, Oral Roberts.
After Master's work in Social Psychology at the University of Tulsa, he started a Ph.D. program at the Graduate Theological Union. He left seminary early (completing the M.A. in Christian Ethics) to assume the management of his family-owned weekly newspaper, The Oklahoma Eagle, which serves the African-American community in Tulsa, Oklahoma.
He started several other small businesses in four Oklahoma cities before turning the reigns of the family enterprise over to his attorney brother and moving to Texas. After a few years in sales there, he became Director of Public Information at Prairie View A & M University. After less than two years there, he became Associate Deputy Chancellor for External Affairs for the Texas A & M University System. [Read more]
What Others Say
"A heartwarming depiction of the best of the best in our country. Those featured here and those who work quietly behind the scenes are the ultimate heroes, all of whom deserve the gratitude of our nation. Bob Goodwin's leadership has been vital to the overall success of the mission."
Raymond G. Chambers
Philanthropist and Founding Chair of POL
"If a book demonstrated why your life is worth a noble motive, this is it. Simply, inspiring."
Walter Anderson
Parade Magazine
"A magnificent collection of stories, insight, and acts of service and love! This is what life is truly about. Beautifully illustrated as well. Nothing is stronger or more courageous than the heart of a volunteer. Such service is the difference between primary greatness (character and contribution) and secondary greatness (prestige, wealth, position)."
Stephen R. Covey
Author of "Seven Habits of Highly Effective People"
"With this inspiring collection of stories, Bob Goodwin and Thomas Kinkade shine bright and lasting light on some amazing Americans who do just that. These moving stories will motivate millions to contribute our time and talents more often, and more generously."
Marcia Bullard
Past CEO, USA WEEKEND Magazine
"This book is about you and me and the many millions of Americans who are looking for ways to turn our values into action. Robert Goodwin and Thomas Kinkade have found the personal stories that resonate with those of us who want to know not just what to contribute or why, but how to go about it. That may be the biggest contribution they make in POINTS OF LIGHT."
Kathy Cloninger
Past CEO, Girl Scouts of the USA
"This is a very special tribute to the American spirit of compassion and generosity." Peter Goldberg
Past CEO, Alliance for Children and Families
Black Wall Street of America
Even though the race massacre was never discussed publicly, and seldom privately, all throughout his youth, and into the 1980's, the city leaders have more recently acknowledged the horror and established multiple proactive measures to reconcile the memory with the aspirations of the city today. His family was deeply involved in the desegregation of the city and state, as community leaders and via the advocacy of the free press. The values honed and the sense of responsibility to make a contribution, has been a driving force in his life and he can passionately and cogently communicate these values in his powerful presentations.
As described by Ebony Magazine writer, Josie Pickens, "Black Wall Street was in Greenwood, Oklahoma, a suburb of Tulsa, was the type of community that African Americans are still, today, attempting to reclaim and rebuild. Black Wall Street was modern, majestic, sophisticated and unapologetically Black. Tragically, it was also the site of one of the bloodiest and most horrendous race riots (and acts of terrorism) that the United States has ever experienced.
"This marks ninety-eight years since as many as 300 African Americans lost their lives and more than 9,000 were left homeless when the small town was attacked, looted and literally burned to the ground beginning in 1921. It’s impossible, however, to realize what was lost in Greenwood, which was affectionately known as “Black Wall Street.” [Read more].
And Still I Rise (Excerpts)
Maya Angelou,1928 - 2014
Out of the huts of history’s shame
I rise
Up from a past that’s rooted in pain
I rise
I’m a black ocean, leaping and wide,
Welling and swelling I bear in the tide.
Leaving behind nights of terror
and fear
I rise
Into a daybreak that’s wondrously clear
I rise
Bringing the gifts that my ancestors gave,
I am the dream and the hope of the slave.
I rise