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One Special Dame: Remembering Anita Roddick

I first met Anita Roddick at a meeting of the Social Venture Network in the fall of 1991. I say “met," more accurately: I encountered a human thrill ride. I was a newbie at that early gathering of progressive-minded entrepreneurs and, progressive though they were, they were also clubby, and the skepticism about whether nonprofit (and “radical!”) Mother Jones belonged in this business club was palpable. I girded myself for some power networking.

Anita, unquestionably the queen of the social venture movement, was standing behind a little table for The Body Shop at the “Product Expo,” and I approached to introduce myself. I was still several steps away when she spotted Mother Jones on my name tag and pounced. “Mother Jones! That’s the most bloody brilliant magazine!! It’s an inspiration! Tell me what you’re doing here.”

Profane charm, infectious enthusiasm, straight to the heart—in a few seconds Anita had given the new kid on the block instant credibility. It was just the beginning of her generosity to me and to Mother Jones. Anita’s wear-it-on-her-sleeve enthusiasm was one part of her effectiveness as a businesswoman and activist—it was hard to resist her energy, not that it would be smart to try.

Her commitment to the causes she cared about ran deep, and a few years and several rollicking collaborations later, she joined the board of Mother Jones’ nonprofit parent. There are lots of stories from her years as part of the Mother Jones famly, and in the next few days, I’ll share some as part of our tribute to her. Anita’s (and husband Gordon’s) generosity, connections, and business smarts have helped MoJo through more ups and downs than the Cyclone. In that, we’re not alone—today there are dozens of causes acknowledging the significance of the Roddicks’ support—but we owe her a special debt. And we intend to pay it back in the only way that she would care about—with “bloody-brilliant,” kick-ass journalism.

Jay Harris
President & Publisher

Comments

Anita was a great crusader. Her joy and passion was to defend the down trodden whenever or wherever possible. I think its easy for some to dismiss her because of her corporate roots, but in reality she was extremely effective because of that position. I had the honor of working with Anita and witnessing her energy first hand. She loved action, creativity, to inspire and to be inspired. We'll miss Anita but she won't be forgotten. Anita touched many lives and her influence will be felt in a positive way for generations to come.

Anita's efforts:
* against Shell Oil were unprecedented for a corporation.
* in support of the Ogoni of Nigeria were absolutely life saving (whenever possible)
* Romanian orphans
* Anti-vivisection
* Against Chevron
* Domestic Violence
* WTO
* Eliminating Pthalates
* Etc. Etc.
Thank you Anita.

Posted by: rob cotter on 09/11/07 at 7:25 PM

I discovered the untimely passing of Anita Roddick when logging onto my e-mail this morning. As someone who is an empowered survivor of domestic violence, an activist within the US domestic violence awareness and prevention community, and a staunch believer in non-compromised economic empowerment for women, Dame Roddick, through example, inspired me to develop a nature and fine art photography business (Hummingbird Studios), in addition to creating an emerging non-profit organization (Esperanza! A Woman's Hope) whose mission is to economically empower survivors of domestic violence. Although I never met her personally, her passion and convictions have existed as a perpetual source of support and inspiration to me.

You will be missed, Anita!

Peace and Joy to your Celestial Spirit, for you are surely soaring with the Angels!

Phyllis Walker
Owner: Hummingbird Studios Photography
Founder: Esperanza! A Woman’s Hope, Inc.
PO Box 384
Lovejoy, GA 30250
USA

Posted by: PhylWalker on 09/12/07 at 12:31 PM

I knew Anita Roddick in Business for Social Responsibity. I deeply admired her and her commitment to justice. She was never afraid of anything or anyone. Her commitment to serve sp many in developing countries was woven into her business. She did not have a swelled head at all. She journeyed all over the world to help people. Thank you, Jay Harris, for your tribute.

Posted by: Caroline Merriam on 09/13/07 at 9:44 AM