The Heart of America: Ten Core Values That Make Our Country Great
by Bill Halamandaris
Category: Self-Help

An inspiring and nonpartisan guide to the ten uniquely American attributes that lead to a better life-just in time for elections! America is a great country, a fact that is often overlooked with all the bickering and negativity in our culture today. And what makes us great, states Bill Halamandaris, are ten core values that have always been found in the spirit of the American people: Compassion, Opportunity, Responsibility, Equality, Valor, Ambition, Liberty, Unity, Enterprise, Spirituality. In 10 short chapters, Halamandaris explains why each of these values forms the foundation of our country, from our Founding Fathers to today's popular culture. He then shows how and why each of us should instill these values in our daily lives, not to return to an outdated ideal or to throw back history, but to step forward together into a brave new world. At the end of each chapter, Halamandaris tells the story of 4 to 5 contemporary Americans who are inspiring examples of lives well lived. Some of these people are famous; most are ordinary people who have chosen to do extraordinary things, like the school girl who has served 350,000 meals to the homeless and the man who has made it his business to hire only people no one else wants. The Heart of America is not about philosophy or finger-pointing at either side in the culture debate; it is a call to arms to be the best we can be every day. The Heart of America Foundation is a national non-partisan, nonprofit humanitarian organization whose mission is to teach the values at the heart of America and to help people, particularly children, learn that they can help themselves when they help others. Their programs include: The Youth Ambassador Program uses dynamic, service-minded youth leaders to inspire children in schools around the country to recognize their potential for social service. Heroes of the Heart recognizes and honors individuals and corporations who perform remarkable volunteer services. The Heart Corps offers financial credits for college to middle school and high school students who volunteer in their communities. Books from the Heart finds books that are not being used and distributes them to needy children and school libraries. Speaking from the Heart is a professional speakers bureau of more than 200 active youth and adult speakers, with all proceeds going to charity. The National Community Fund is an umbrella organization that donates to worthy charities promoting public service around the country.