What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

From headlines on North Korea to commentary on the importance of school principals, here's a look at what the Bush Institute policy teams have been reading in the news this week.

The 2017 Bush Center Holiday Interactive Calendar by Brittney Bain

Relive some of our favorite Bush Center moments in 2017 with our online holiday countdown calendar. For the next two weeks, visit the calendar each day to reveal a new memory from one of the special events, significant projects, and notable visitors we’ve had at the Bush Center this year.

5 Ways the Warrior Wellness Alliance is Making a Difference by Brittney Bain

In an effort to get more warriors into quality treatment for the invisible wounds of war, the George W. Bush Institute's Warrior Wellness Alliance connects veteran peer-to-peer networks with best-in-class care providers.

ICYMI: Bush Institute Fellow Victor Cha Writes on North Korea in Washington Post by Brittney Bain

Bush Institute Fellow Victor Cha, former Director for Asian Affairs at the National Security Council and now senior adviser and Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C., writes this week in a joint op-ed for The Washington Post on North Korea and the crucial role China plays in diplomacy. “It’s not enough to ask China to pressure Pyongyang to set up a U.S.-North Korea negotiation. China has to be a central part of the negotiation, too. China, rather than the United States, should be paying for North Korea to halt and roll back its nuclear and missile programs,” write Dr. Cha and Jake Sullivan, National Security Adviser to Vice President Joe Biden and Director of Policy Planning in the Obama administration. The piece makes the case for China as a key part of negotiation strategy and critiques previous attempts at diplomacy by offering suggestions for a new approach. “…this idea is no silver bullet&hellip

20 Young Leaders to Watch in Burma by Brittney Bain

This year's Liberty and Leadership Forum includes a sitting member of the democratically elected Burmese Parliament; a Rohingya Muslim advocate for human rights in his community; a UN public information officer who volunteers to help lift children out of poverty; and a BBC journalist whose radio programming reaches millions of Burmese youth, all of whom are contributing to their country’s transition to democracy.

ICYMI: Congressional Letter to White House Cites Bush Institute Policy Work on North Korea by Brittney Bain

Several Members of Congress sent a letter to the White House this week that cites the Bush Institute’s policy work on North Korea, specifically the “direct link between the North Korean government’s violations of the rights of its citizens and the regime’s threat to international peace.”

The 2017 Warrior Open in Photos by Brittney Bain

The 2017 Warrior Open reunited past Team 43 members for a weekend of golf and camaraderie. Most importantly, they told the stories of their journeys since returning home.

In Case You Missed It: Bush Institute Experts Discuss North Korea on KERA by Brittney Bain

Amanda Schnetzer, Director of the Bush Institute’s Global Initiatives, and Lindsay Lloyd, Deputy Director of the Human Freedom Initiative, joined Kris Boyd on KERA’s Think program this week to discuss how the U.S. should handle the growing threat of North Korea. North Korea's unprecedented and accelerating tempo of missile tests and nuclear detonations shows no signs of fading, but denuclearization cannot be pursued or attained without addressing the human rights abuses in the country. Schnetzer and Lloyd described the history of the regime and ongoing challenges and offered policy recommendations for the way forward.   Listen to the interview - http://think.kera.org/2017/04/19/how-we-should-deal-with-north-korea/

President and Mrs. Bush's Visit to Namibia and Botswana in Photos by Brittney Bain

President and Mrs. Bush visited Botswana and Namibia but delivered a message to Congress and the American people: human lives in Africa matter.

Follow President and Mrs. Bush's Visit to Namibia and Botswana by Brittney Bain

President and Mrs. Bush are in Botswana and Namibia from April 4 through 7, demonstrating their continued commitment to the people of Africa through the work of the George W. Bush Institute's global leadership programs.

Mrs. Bush and Mrs. Blair Discuss the Role and Influence of First Ladies by Brittney Bain

The George W. Bush Institute today released an unprecedented study on the role and influence of first ladies. The report, titled A Role Without a Rulebook: The Influence and Leadership of Global First Ladies, was the topic of a livestreamed conversation Tuesday between Mrs. Laura Bush and Mrs. Cherie Blair at the George W. Bush Presidential Center. They both talked about their time in public office, how they used their platforms to make a difference, and how their work now continues to make an impact on issues they are passionate about.   “You really do, to some extent, have to make it up as you go along,” said Mrs. Blair about the role of first ladies. “We are talking about ordinary human beings that have an extraordinary role thrust on them.” Mrs. Bush talked about how she learned from her experience as First Lady of Texas and by watching her mother-in-law serve as America’s First Lady. She also discussed how her work at the Bush Institute now is

Q&A with PLS Alum Diana Mao on Lessons Learned and Her Work to End Child Labor by Brittney Bain

Diana Mao, a 2015 Presidential Leadership Scholar, is the President and Co-founder of Nomi Network, a nonprofit organization dedicated to economically and socially empowering survivors of human trafficking. Diana gave us an update recently about the impact Nomi is making, lessons learned from her time as a Scholar, and who’s inspiring her this International Women’s Day. Since we last talked in 2015, can you give us an update on the Nomi Network and your work to decrease the child labor footprint? Nomi Network has reached several significant milestones since 2015. We’ve continued to make progress towards decreasing the child and forced labor footprint while strengthening human rights on the ground in India and Cambodia.   In 2016, more than 1,000 women and girls in Cambodia and India combined were impacted through our economic empowerment programs. In Cambodia, after years of planning, we launched the Nomi International Fashion Training (NIFT) program in Ph

In Case You Missed It: Bush Institute's Education Reform Director on the State of Dallas Education by Brittney Bain

This week, the Bush Center hosted “Educated City,” an Engage program that partnered with the Dallas Festival of Ideas to explore the future of education in Dallas. The program included conversations with Mayor Mike Rawlings along with other community and school leaders and parents. The Bush Institute’s Education Reform Director, Anne Wicks Humphrey, kicked off the evening with a fascinating presentation on the current state of education in the city. She highlighted how the Bush Institute's State of Our Cities tool can be used to compare Dallas to cities around the nation, as well as countries around the world, to better understand where local students are excelling and where challenges exist.   You can watch her remarks as well as the rest of the program below.  And check out data on more than 100 cities around the country using State of Our Cities at bushcenter.org/StateofOurCities.

Presidential Transitions: A Q&A with David Eagles by Brittney Bain

With the pressing challenges our country faces, a successful transition is as important as ever. David Eagles, a graduate of our 2016 Presidential Leadership Scholars class, and the director of the Center for Presidential Transition, talked with the Bush Center recently about the work ahead.

Mrs. Bush Discusses 15th Anniversary of Radio Address on Afghan Women by Brittney Bain

Today marks 15 years since Mrs. Laura Bush delivered her historic President’s weekly radio address – a first for a First Lady – to direct international attention to the Taliban’s oppression of women. As First Lady, she made three trips to Afghanistan, and for more than a decade, she has led efforts through the U.S.-Afghan Women’s Council to protect the hard-earned rights of women in that country. She wrote the forward for the Bush Institute’s latest book, We Are Afghan Women: Voices of Hope, published earlier this year. The Bush Institute recently spoke with Mrs. Bush about the 15th anniversary of her momentous radio address, the gains made by Afghan women, the challenges that remain, and her hope for the future of Afghanistan. You have been a resolute advocate for Afghan women, becoming the first First Lady to deliver the Presidential Radio Address on November 17, 2001. Why was it important to you to deliver that message? After September

By the Numbers: Why Do Principals Matter? by Brittney Bain

This week, the Bush Institute’s Alliance to Reform Education Leadership released two related major studies: research on evaluating principal preparation programs and the Principal Talent Management Framework, a guidebook for school districts to get, support, and keep great principals. So, why do principals matter? Principals may account for up to 25 percent of a school’s impact on student learning. Among school-related factors, principals are second only to classroom teaching when it comes to impact on student learning. In fact, a 2013 Education Next report found that “highly effective principals raise the achievement.” A principal’s impact is even greater in high poverty schools. The impact on achievement can be even greater in schools serving disadvantaged students, according to the same article above, which means it’s even more crucial to attract and retain high-quality principals in schools where the need may be greatest.

In Case You Missed It: What Makes a Great Teacher by Brittney Bain

While many factors play a role in student success, the quality of teaching is at the top of the list. A recent article looks at how the best teachers are made.

2016 Class of Presidential Leadership Scholars Announced by Brittney Bain

The Presidential Leadership Scholars program, a unique leadership development initiative that draws upon the resources of the presidential centers of Lyndon B. Johnson,George H.W. Bush, William J. Clinton, and George W. Bush, today announced the 61 scholars invited to participate in the program’s second class. The six-month executive-style program begins this week at Monticello, Thomas Jefferson’s home. These diverse leaders were chosen because of their desire and capacity to take their leadership strengths to a higher level in order to help their communities and our country.  Over the course of several months, scholars will travel to each participating presidential center to learn from former presidents, key administration officials, and leading academics. They will study and put into practice varying approaches to leadership, develop a network of peers, and exchange ideas with mentors and others who can help them make an impact in their communities. 2016 program pa

What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

A recent PBS Newshour questions the increase in high school graduation rates. Federal data shows that 81 percent of students finish on time, but...

What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

A recent article in the Washington Post tells the story of runners in Cairo who are defying circumstances in Egypt by running a half-marathon in...

5 Highlights from the 2015 W100K by Brittney Bain

Trek Bike...

What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

Anita McBride, former chief of staff to First Lady Laura Bush and a member of the Bush Institute’s Women’s Initiative Policy Advisory...

Bush Institute Releases Call to Action on North Korean Human Rights by Brittney Bain

This week the George W. Bush Institute’s Human Freedom initiative released Light Through the Darkness, a comprehensive call to action for...

What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

The Bush Institute has been focused this week on accountability and recognizing that every student matters. The Washington Post had a recent...

What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

The Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for America's Veterans Act was signed into law this week, calling for evaluations of the Department of...

From Warrior to Civilian by Brittney Bain

The Bush Institute believes that helping members of the military successfully transition to civilian life is a national responsibility. As part of...

What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

There’s a fascinating piece in The Guardian this week focused on a new UN report about how North Korea finances its activities through...

10 Memorable Moments on the Bush Institute's 5th Anniversary by Brittney Bain

Today marks the George W. Bush Institute's 5th Anniversary. Here's a look at 10 memorable moments since the Bush Institute's...

What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

A United Nations General Assembly committee voted this week to recommend that the UN Security Council refer to the International Criminal Court...

Understanding and Empowering Our Post-9/11 Vets by Brittney Bain

On Veterans Day, we pause to thank those in the United States military. Since 9/11, more than 2.5 million Americans have served our country. ...

World AIDS Day 2014: Closing the Gap on HIV-Vulnerable Women and Cervical Cancer by Brittney Bain

Doyin Oluwole, Executive Director of Pink Ribbon Red Ribbon at the Bush Institute, writes today for the Huffington Post blog on World AIDS Day 2014...

What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

This week Malala Yousafzai, at age 17, became the youngest ever Nobel Peace Prize winner. Malala was shot in the head by the Taliban in Pakistan...

The Reality of Human Rights Violations in North Korea by Brittney Bain

North Korea landed in the spotlight this week after Sony halted the release of a comedy film about a fictionalized assassination of the...

What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

A series of recent stories on NPR focus on the challenge of ending homelessness among our nation’s veterans. One particular report features...

What We're Reading | August 7, 2014 by Brittney Bain

International headlines this week highlight a three-day summit of U.S. government officials and nearly 50 African leaders in Washington, D.C....

What We're Reading | August 18, 2014 by Brittney Bain

Antonio Garza, who served as U.S. ambassador to Mexico during the Bush Administration, wrote recently in the Houston Chronicle on Mexico’s...

What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

We’ve written here before about the opening up of Mexico’s energy industry, but it is clearly a big story and a big issue for Mexico,...

What We're Reading | Sept. 12, 2014 by Brittney Bain

Earlier this week, President George W. Bush and President Bill Clinton sat down for a discussion on decision-making and leadership while unveiling...

What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

Two education researchers explain in this Huffington Post piece how the collection of data through annual state tests helps educators understand...

ICYMI: 60 Years after Brown v. Board of Education, segregation is returning to schools by Brittney Bain

Tomorrow marks 60 years since the Supreme Court issued Brown v. Topeka Board of Education to desegregate our Nation’s schools  -- but a...

What We're Reading | July 3, 2014 by Brittney Bain

This week, our Afghan Women’s Project team was pleased to see this article in TIME magazine, written by a U.S. congressional delegation of...

What We're Reading | July 17, 2014 by Brittney Bain

This piece from Sunday’s Dallas Morning News provides a good read on the both the potential of Mexico’s energy industry and the...

What We're Reading | July 23, 2014 by Brittney Bain

Bush Center President Margaret Spellings sat down recently with the Dallas Morning News to discuss school testing and accountability in the state...

What We're Reading | July 31, 2014 by Brittney Bain

The story of North America increasingly will involve the development of the skills and talents of the young people of the United States, Mexico and...

Remarks by President George W. Bush at The Civil Rights Summit by Brittney Bain

What we’re watching – March 18, 2014 by Brittney Bain

Scott Murray of The Texas Daily sat down with one of the incredible Egyptian Fellows from the Women’s Initiative Fellowship, Mariz Doss....

What We’re Reading – March 5, 2014 by Brittney Bain

This week marks International Women’s Day 2014. On Friday, the Bush Institute will celebrate by welcoming our newest class of the...

What We’re Reading – February 5, 2014 by Brittney Bain

Serious threats to Afghan women remain, and recent news out of Afghanistan is increasingly disturbing. A new law, passed by parliament but awaiting...

What We’re Reading – February 13, 2014 by Brittney Bain

Afghan women have experienced great progress over the last decade but their future remains uncertain. As troubling news continues to come out of...

What We’re Reading – January 15, 2014 by Brittney Bain

National Journal recently featured an article on Mission Continues, a nonprofit founded by a former Navy SEAL that helps post-9/11 veterans...

What We’re Reading – January 23, 2014 by Brittney Bain

Stephen Hadley, Former Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs, recently wrote in The Washington Post on security negotiations and...

What We’re Reading – January 8, 2013 by Brittney Bain

With the start of a new year, 32 educators are talking on the blog at GettingSmart.com about what they’re most excited about in the future of...

On This Year’s Christmas List – Bush Center Commemorative Coffee Table Book by Brittney Bain

Our Museum Store is lining its shelves with gifts for everyone on your holiday shopping list. For friends and family who love a good coffee table...

Bush Center Awarded the Community Catalyst Blueprint Award by Brittney Bain

Last week, the George W. Bush Presidential Center received a Blueprint Award from the Dallas Regional Chamber of Commerce!The Chamber’s...

What We’re Reading – November 26, 2013 by Brittney Bain

Bush Center President Margaret Spellings writes for the Dallas Morning News on who gets her vote for Texans of the Year: the compassionate people...

What We’re Reading – December 4, 2013 by Brittney Bain

Elsa Morejon, wife of Cuban dissident Dr. Oscar Elías Biscet, writes in The Washington Post  on the continued repression of human rights in...

What We’re Reading – December 12, 2013 by Brittney Bain

Our Human Freedom team recognizes Human Rights Day this week with a piece in The Huffington Post. Amanda Schnetzer, Director of the Bush...

What We’re Reading – December 18, 2013 by Brittney Bain

An editorial in The Los Angeles Times this week looks at the stalled democratic transition in Tunisia on the third anniversary of the Arab Spring....

What We’re Reading – November 6, 2013 by Brittney Bain

Former Ambassador to Afghanistan Ryan Crocker writes this week in Politico on the importance of foreign assistance to Afghanistan and highlights...

What We’re Reading – November 13, 2013 by Brittney Bain

As we celebrate Veterans Day this week, it’s especially important to remember the sacrifice that the men and women of our military and their...

What We’re Watching – November 21, 2013 by Brittney Bain

President and Mrs. Bush sat down with Jay Leno on The Tonight Show this week to discuss a variety of topics and to congratulate Leno for hosting...

20,000th Child Adopted Through Website Launched by President and Mrs. Bush by Brittney Bain

Today marks an important milestone for adoption in America. The 20,000th foster child has been adopted after being listed on AdoptUSKids.org, a...

What We're Reading | June 21, 2013 by Brittney Bain

According to federal health officials this week, the prevalence of dangerous strains of the human papillomavirus has dropped by half among American...

Mrs. Bush, Michael Van Valkenburgh and Team Stroll the Grounds by Brittney Bain

This week, Mrs. Bush, Bush Center Landscape Architect Michael Van Valkenburgh, and Laura Solano and Matthew Urbanski of Michael Van Valkenburgh...

What We're Reading by Brittney Bain

CNN recently followed up on the story of Malala Yousafzai, the Pakistani teenage girl who was shot by the Taliban last October for defying their...

What We're Reading | May 17, 2013 by Brittney Bain

The Los Angeles Times reports this week that Venezuela’s last independent television station, Globovision, has been sold to owners close to...

What We're Reading | May 31, 2013 by Brittney Bain

This week, we’re reading two articles that advocate strong accountability systems in schools to promote student achievement. The Foundation...

What We're Reading | May 3, 2013 by Brittney Bain

 Bush Institute Executive Director James K. Glassman discusses the opportunity that comprehensive immigration reform could provide to increase...