The Triumphs and Trials of an Activist

April 10, 1916

Florence Kelley, the woman who brought my
attention to the other needs in our community

My first work as an activist was inspired by a woman who needed the services of the Hull House, who went by the Name of Florence Kelly.  She brought to my attention the squalid work condition of children in sweatshops all over Illinois.  It was the first time it had occurred to me that I could do more.  After a time of protesting and working towards our collective goal, we received the ultimate reward.   In 1893 Illinois passed a workshop and factories bill, which banned the exploitation of minors in the workplace.  It was a struggle, but in the end it was worth it.  Like I once said: “The only cure for the ills of Democracy is more Democracy.” It has been quite a while since I last wrote, and when I did I spoke briefly of being invited to participate in another group.  Well, I did work with the group that had talked with me when I last updated, and in fact, I was appointed to their board and became their chairman.  This occurred in 1905, and was a wonderful time in my life.  It quickly led onward, to a series of involvements with larger political movements.

By 1915 I have received a number of distinctions and titles.  In 1905 I was appointed to the Chicago Board of Education, and I was made a chairman of the School Management

The Peace Palace in Hague where I gave a 1913
commemoration peace speech.

Committee.  In 1908 I participated in the founding of the Chicago School of Civics and Philanthropy.  I’m very pleased with this as it is very exciting to be involved in educating the next generations who may continue on the cause my friends and I have fought so long for.  In 1909 I had a major achievement, as I became the first female president of the National Conference of Charities and Corrections, and in 1910 I was the first woman to ever be awarded an honorary degree from Yale University.

I am afraid not all of my actions have been approved of by all.  There were many people who attempted to intimidate me into sweeping the Sweatshop bill under the rug, and my investigations on sanitary conditions, midwifery, narcotics consumption, and milk supplies certainly did not earn me any praise in the eyes of those I was examining.  Additionally, my more recent public involvement in the peace movement seems to have alienated some people from the philosophies I preach.  It is an unfortunate thing, but not a belief I am willing to give up.  I have now written and published a book, Peace and Bread in Time of War, which concerns providing relief supplies to the children and women of enemy countries.  Additionally, two years ago I gave a speech for peace at a ceremony commemorating the construction of the Peace Palace in Hague.  Most recently, this year I have been named Chairman of the Women’s Peace Party, and President of the Women's International League for Peace and Freedom.  It is an honor to be trusted by so many, and I will strive to do these roles to the best of my ability.