Bob Woodson | Founder and President of The Woodson Center and 1776 Unites | How To Focus on Solutions Instead of Fixating on Problems

In honor of the life and legacy of Bob Woodson, we are re-airing this special conversation. Bob, Founder and President of the Woodson Center and 1776 Unites, dedicated his life to poverty alleviation and empowering disadvantaged communities to become agents of their own uplift. His decades of service, wisdom, and commitment to helping communities discover their own solutions left a lasting impact on countless lives.

Bob Woodson was an influential leader on issues of poverty alleviation and empowering disadvantaged communities to become agents of their own uplift. Woodson was a frequent advisor to local, state and federal government officials as well as business and philanthropic organizations. His social activism dated back to the 1960s, when as a young civil rights activist he developed and coordinated national and local community revitalization programs. During the 1970’s he directed the National Urban League’s Administration of Justice division. Later he served as a Resident Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute. As Founder and President of The Woodson Center, Bob was on a mission to help residents of low-income neighborhoods address the problems of their communities.

Bob joins me today to discuss his approach to dealing with race relations in America and what he believes is a huge problem; the disconnection between work and income, in underserved communities.

“People are inspired to change and improve and cooperate when you can show them examples of victories that are possible, not always reminding them of injuries to be avoided.” - Bob Woodson

One of the most powerful metaphors about that makes a difference is that to some on the left, Hank Aaron was the strikeout king. But to some of us who look at the glass as being half full, he was the home run king. It depends upon what your perspective is. - Bob Woodson

“You should always look for antibodies. Even in the worst communities, there are healthy elements that I call community antibodies. If you say that 70% of the people in that community are raising children that are dysfunctional, it means 30% or not. You can learn nothing from studying failure except how to create failure.” - Bob Woodson

This week on The Wow Factor:

• How Bob’s upbringing inspired him to work in Civil Rights

• The breakdown of the traditional American Family

• Why you can’t define Black America by slavery

• The importance of looking for the solution to every problem

• Why you can’t judge people by their past

• When you give freely, don’t give with the expectation that you will be thanked

• Why you must stay faithful to what you do and not be so attached to the outcome of what you’re doing

• Why America is a country of redemption

Bob Woodson’s Words of Wisdom:

When you give freely, don’t give with the expectation that you’re going to be thanked. Give out of Godly responsibility, rather than compassion.

Connect with Bob Woodson:

• The Woodson Center

• The Woodson Center Facebook

• The Woodson Center LinkedIn

• The Woodson Center Instagram

• The Woodson Center YouTube

• 1776 Unites

Connect With Brad Formsma:

• WOW Factor Website  

• Brad Formsma on LinkedIn  

• Brad Formsma on Instagram  

• Brad Formsma on Facebook