Jane Addams : A Life of Service
the journal of literature and the arts at saint david ’ s school
Jane Addams : A Life of Service
Trustees Prize Essay on Christian Doctrine by Alexander B .
“ Action indeed is the sole medium of expression for ethics ,” wrote Jane Addams , a twentieth century social worker and Nobel Peace Prize winner ( Addams 273 ). Addams lived by these words , devoting her entire life to taking action for those in need . She actively promoted peace and equality , even while facing insults and verbal attacks from those who opposed her . In Psalm 82 of the Bible , the Levite Asaph states , “ Defend the weak and the fatherless ; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed ” ( New International Bible , Psalm 82:3 ). In this passage , Asaph is reminding us to serve and speak up for those who are less fortunate . Jane Addams , an agent for the good , did just that . She used her own resources to raise awareness for disadvantaged members of society and relentlessly advocated on their behalf . In 1889 , she opened Hull House , one of America ’ s first settlement houses , in an extremely poor district of Chicago . Hull House offered a wide variety of social services for those in need . Later , Addams advocated for peace and justice , helping to found numerous well-known organizations including the NAACP ( National Association for the Advancement of Colored People ), the Juvenile Protective Association , and the Women ’ s Peace Party . Through resilience and her passion for creating a positive impact for those in need , Jane Addams truly exemplified what it means to be an agent for the good .
Addams ’ early life paved the way for her future charitable work . Addams was born on September 6 , 1860 , to a wealthy family in Illinois . Throughout her childhood , she took great inspiration from her father , John Addams . An
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