14. ABILITY TO COMMUNICATE – The Ability to Communicate of Eleanor Roosevelt
At last, on December 10, 1948, after thirty-two straight months of work, representatives of all United Nations countries gathered to vote on the declaration. After listening to everyone have their final say, Eleanor knew her ability to communicate had paid off. The declaration passed without a single vote against. After its approval, Eleanor stepped to the podium for a final address. Before saying a word, the entire assembly rose its feet and gave her a standing ova- tion – a recognition never given before and never to be given again in the United Nations.
Whether speaking to a single farmer on a quiet porch or to an assembly of the world’s leaders, Eleanor took every oppor- tunity to explain the importance of true personal freedom and dignity for all. Hers was a simple belief, which she explained in a My Day article from 1945, “Of one thing, I am sure. In order to be useful we must stand for the things we feel are right, and we must work for those things wherever we find ourselves. It does little good to believe in something unless you tell your friends and associates of your beliefs.”
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