Helen's Values and Causes

Helen Keller was well known for the tremendous conditions she managed to overcome as a young child but her contributions to society go beyond a juvenile success story. As Helen matured, she used her influence to lecture on the humanities topics that she was passionate about outside of help for the blind. An early women’s suffrage activist, Helen believed that “every human being [should have] a voice in the making of the laws and in exercising its privileges.” The right to vote was something that Helen, along with several other women of her generation thought should be a right for every man and woman. Helen became friends with Margaret Sanger, the woman who began Planed Parenthood and also promoted women’s rights for reproductive prevention education. As a part of her beliefs and values, Helen joined the Socialist party, a political party based on the belief that people’s needs not their position, background or finances should determine their success in life.” Helen not only wanted Women’s suffrage but also cared about equal rights for all races and cultures. ("Women's eNews")
Another important topic for Helen Keller was the idea of peace throughout the world. She was a pacifist who protested during WWI. Helen also was a member of the American Civil Liberties Union. Publicly, she spoke out about the issues and problems that faced the “underdogs” in America during the Great Depression by appearing on radio shows to voice her opinions. During the campaign she went on with Polly Thomson, Helen traveled to Japan after the dropping of the atomic bombs to witness and understand the aftermath of the afflicted Japanese cities. (“Helen Keller Kids Museum”) Helen was actually served as a United States Peace Ambassador to Japan after the bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Her relationship with Japan helped positive connections later on between the two countries. ("Women's eNews")
The honor of being a Peace ambassador was one of many prestigious and honorary awards that Helen received throughout her lifetime. She has had several centers named for her in various countries and was awarded the French Legion of Honor. Within the United States, Helen was well known in Washington and had the opportunity to meet eight presidents including Grover Cleveland, John F. Kennedy, Teddy Roosevelt, and Lyndon B. Johnson. (“Helen Keller Kids Museum”) In 1964, her recognition at the White House and in Washington, as well as the outstanding work she did with the AFB led to the honor of receiving the U.S. Presidential Medal of Freedom. ("Women's eNews") Helen’s work didn’t go unnoticed, and even today society is still affected by the influence she had.