The Art of Being There: Creating Change, One Child at a Time

by Duncan C. Campbell, Craig Borlase

The powerful and inspiring story of a man who, instead of despairing over his own impoverished plight or the systems that make it hard for others to climb out of poverty, created a solution that's breaking cycles of poverty and bringing hope to a new generation. With the fortitude to survive a poor home life growing up and eventually thrive, Duncan Campbell set out to make his mark in the world--but it wasn't the one he originally intended. After utilizing his entrepreneurial skills to amass a small fortune, Campbell set his sights on a venture he saw as far more helping the most vulnerable and at-risk children escape a fate of poverty. Over the last two decades, Campbell's organization, Friends of the Children, has not only attempted but succeeded in eye-opening ways. The Art of Being There shares Campbell's inspirational journey along with the heart-warming stories of those he's helped.
Duncan's story is a moving reminder of the healing power of relationships and an excellent illustration of the social entrepreneur's journey.
- David Bornstein, Author of How to Change the World ,
and Co-Author, Fixes Column, The New York Times

I don't casually toss words around like 'brilliant' and 'unique,' but what Campbell did is brilliant and unique. What he created in Portland could change the way this country tries to help children.
- Gary Walker, Former President,
Public/Private Ventures

Duncan Campbell has toiled for decades to give these kids a chance to achieve big things. Personally, he is a modest man, but I have seen firsthand how his quiet style has produced a legacy of powerful, constructive change.
-U.S. Senator Ron Wyden

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Paperback

Published July 12, 2016

About the author

Duncan Campbell was a British journalist and author who worked particularly on crime issues. He was a senior reporter/correspondent for The Guardian from 1987 until 2010, and authored several books.

Reviews

[Joelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love this organization, and love reading more about it inception and it's founder. It's a quick read and gives insight into some of the most vulnerable in our society--impoverished children. Excited to see the impact that Friends will have in Austin, starting this fall!!!

[Barbara Mueller · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can’t BELIEVE that more people have not read this book! I could not put it down. It’s a true story of a man who overcame impossible odds (really!) and not only used this feat to become hugely successful himself, but developed an organization that enables other children to rise above THEIR circumstances and truly SOAR! And I mean really accomplish more than others would ever dream they could! As a former social worker who spent 15 years trying to guide families and help children, I’m in awe of his ingenuity ! He’s incorporated steps NEVER before tried, (and I doubted would work!) ... and THEY WORK !! READ THIS! You won’t regret it. Talk about this book, this man, AND what he’s accomplished! In times like these he could turn the plight of inner city residents (AND suburban AND rural) around. Between the church and “Saving the Children” it CAN BE DONE! Ben Carson, are you listening?!! Your Gifted Hands biography and this book I’m reviewing here are a slam dunk on ending hopelessness!

[Sierra Edmonds · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story of Duncan Campbell and the beginning of friends of the children pinpoints the importance of being there consistently in a child’s life. It also adds the importance of research for an organization and how that can impact the community around them because of it. I thought it was well written to not highlight this as a problem of rich people helping poor people who wouldn’t have any help any other way, but truly a organization that exists to be there for children and calls out the privilege of others around them to not need the same help.

[Kara · Rating 3 out of 5]

Inspiring story of Duncan Campbell who grew up in Portland in a welfare family and went on to found Friends of the Children which supports the most disadvantaged children with a “friend” for 12 years. The program starts with 5 year olds and has a good success in limiting their need for social support and decreasing incarceration rates but requires paid mentor for years so its hard to fund and scale. Makes you wonder how we can really change this issue in our country - is the only way just one child at a time?

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a very inspiring story of entrepreneur Duncan Campbell who founded a ministry to intervene in the lives of children who are at the most risk of repeating their families stories of violence, poverty, abuse and prison. He founded Friends of the Children: a mentoring program that pays mentors “friends” to help up to 8 children from kindergarten thru high school.
The stories are incredible and the outcomes remarkable. Using the simple formula of “one child at a time”, is proven to have remarkable results. This is an organization worthy of support and replication.

[Hannah · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book in preparation for an interview with the organization. While Duncan’s story is definitely relevant for anyone looking to work for FOC, I don’t think it’s riveting enough that I would recommend it. I found it very informative in regards to the program, how it started, and what their model is.

[Miriam Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

After working in the justice system and seeing first hand just how poorly it handles children in need, reading Duncan’s story of courage to not only break out of his own stereotype but create a better system, gives me so much hope. Everyone who is passionate about helping our endangered kids should read his story.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

I heard Duncan speak at powells and left with his book. What an amazing person he is, to have accomplished all he has despite such a challenged childhood. And then to commit his life's work to helping others from troubled childhood circumstances...using an anti quick-fix approach. Read the book for inspiration and hope.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are interested in reading about an amazing program that is changing children's lives for the better, this is an incredibly inspiring book. Lots of true stories of 'lost' children finding themselves with the help of a mentor. And a continual and dedicated focus on the work the kids themselves do to find themselves rather than on the mentor(s) as hero. It may not be the most coherent storyline ever, but it is well-woven enough to make its point and felt to me like a genuine conversation about relevant issues. I often find myself puzzling over how to support our youth in crisis and feel like this book and organization presents a solution that rings true. I had never heard of them before, and now I will be using the contact information at the end to find out more about our closest chapter.

[Catherine]

An inspiring story of one man who created an organization that is making the world a brighter and better place, by committing 18years of support, to one child at a time.