Something different for a year. The last Friday of each month, we will participate in the We Are the World Blogfest to offer some positivity in the world. This is our first offering of good news.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the US served from 1977-1981. His legacy as President is at best, so-so. His legacy as the founder and, until recently, leader of the center that bears his name, is phenomenal. It’s website says this:

The Center is guided by a fundamental commitment to human rights and the alleviation of human suffering. It seeks to prevent and resolve conflicts, enhance freedom and democracy, and improve health. The Center emphasizes action and measurable results. Based on careful research and analysis, it is prepared to take timely action on important and pressing issues. The Center seeks to break new ground and not duplicate the effective efforts of others. The Center addresses difficult problems in difficult situations and recognizes the possibility of failure as an acceptable risk. The Center is nonpartisan, actively seeks complementary partnerships and works collaboratively with other organizations from the highest levels of government to local communities. The Center believes that people can improve their own lives when provided with the necessary skills, knowledge, and access to resources.

One example of its success:

Since 1986, The Carter Center has led the international campaign to eradicate Guinea worm disease, working closely with ministries of health and local communities, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the World Health Organization, UNICEF, and many others.

Guinea worm disease is set to become the second human disease in history, after smallpox, to be eradicated.

In 1986, the disease afflicted an estimated 3.5 million people a year in 21 countries in Africa and Asia. Today, thanks to the work of The Carter Center and its partners — including the countries themselves — the incidence of Guinea worm has been reduced by more than 99.99 percent to 25 cases in 2016.

We have contributed to the Carter Center for over 30 years. It has a 95.23% rating from Charity Navigator. It’s a non-profit, 501 c (3) organization.