First ladies and their causes
First lady Michelle Obama worked out with trainers from "The Biggest Loser" at the White House as part of her national Let's Move! initiative. Take a look at other Presidential first ladies and the causes they have supported.
This week, first lady Michelle Obama worked out with trainers from "The Biggest Loser" at the White House as part of her national Let's Move! initiative.
This week, first lady Michelle Obama worked out with trainers from "The Biggest Loser" at the White House as part of her national Let's Move! initiative.
Being first lady often comes with the responsibility of picking an official White House cause to promote while one's husband is president and Michelle Obama's is childhood obesity. Take a look at other Presidential first ladies and the causes they supported.
Michelle Obama's "Let's Move" plan centers on parent awareness, making healthier foods more available and creating fitness programs that get kids moving. Setting a personal example has been integral to her approach to this behavior-based problem.
Former librarian Laura Bush launched "Ready to Read, Ready to Learn" in an effort to prime young children for the world of literature. Laura followed in the footsteps of mother-in-law Barbara Bush, who helped pass the National Literacy Act in 1991.
Former librarian Laura Bush launched "Ready to Read, Ready to Learn" in an effort to prime young children for the world of literature. Laura followed in the footsteps of mother-in-law Barbara Bush, who helped pass the National Literacy Act in 1991.
Hillary Clinton was asked to chair the Task Force on National Health Care Reform in 1993 and continued to be a leading advocate for expanding health insurance coverage, ensuring children are properly immunized and raising public awareness of health issues.
As first lady, Barbara Bush called working for a more literate America the "most important issue we have." Involved with many organizations devoted to the cause of literacy, she became Honorary Chairman of the Barbara Bush Foundation for Family Literacy.
Nancy Reagan embarked on a campaign against drugs during her years as first lady: "Just Say No." The slogan inspired thousands to start "Just Say No" clubs and marches. Her popularity saw a boost, and student drug and alcohol addiction decreased from one-third to one-fourth in the mid-80s.
Rosalynn Carter Carter made a campaign promise to get her husband Jimmy to establish a council on mental health. This came to fruition once she was in the White House. Although she only had an honorary role with the council, she used her position to speak widely on mental illness.
Betty Ford was frank about her successful battle against dependency on drugs and alcohol. She helped establish the Betty Ford Center for treatment of this problem at the Eisenhower Medical Center. She also spoke out about breast cancer awareness.
Pat Nixon used her position as first lady to encourage volunteer service--"the spirit of people helping people." She also invited hundreds of families to nondenominational Sunday services in the East Room.
As testament to Lady Bird Johnson's environmental ardor, a grove of skyscraper-esque trees in Redwood National Park bears her name. During her husband's time in office, she fully embraced nature and sponsored the Highway Beautification Act.
Jackie Kennedy's interest in the arts inspired an attention to culture never before evident at a national level. She devoted much time to making the White House a museum of American history and decorative arts.
Mamie Eisenhower was known for organizing and running the White House staff and household with a military precision equal to her husband's. She also participated in a wide array of various groups and causes and was often in the public eye.
Bess Truman sponsored the more traditional charities and causes associated with first ladies prior to Eleanor Roosevelt, although she continued the Roosevelt fundraising efforts for the March of Dimes, which sought to eradicate infantile paralysis.
Eleanor Roosevelt fought for New Deal proposals, civil rights, and the rights of women. After her husband died, Eleanor was on the board of directors for the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and was the first chairman of the UN Human Rights Commission.
