One of the most effective reform techniques is to "investigate, educate, legislate, enforce" (Fee/Brown, 2). This simple way of rectification was summarized and used by Florence Kelley during the Progressive Era in the United States. During a time when women lacked suffrage and most did not have stable jobs, Kelley headed the National Consumer's League and had a resume that boasted affiliation with various other esteemed organizations (Verba, 1). She embodied independence and confidence both through her civic activism and in her personal life. Florence Kelley's resolve, willpower and determination set a precedent that is still followed today, nearly 90 years after her death. She was truly a pioneer of the first generation of modern women. Born into a highly political family, Florence's life was influenced by her almost constant flirtation with abolition and other various civil rights efforts. Her father, William "Pig Iron" Kelley, was an ardent supporter of women's rights and was also known as the protector of Pennsylvania's steel industries, earning him his nickname. Kelley was homeschooled for much of her childhood, as she was often ill and her family's home was quite isolated from nearby Philadelphia (Bienen, 1-“William”). However, his education was satisfactory and influenced mainly by his father. Through his atypical form of education, Kelley was able to develop an opinion on several topics that most children his age were unaware of. Kelley traveled across the country with his father, exploring steel and iron production sites, anticipating his future career path. In addition to professional learning, Florence Kelley has absorbed knowledge through the enormous library at h... half of paper... despite her work at college, Hull House or with the NCL, Florence Kelley's impact is It was truly remarkable. He never criticized any potential cause he encountered and helped almost everyone who needed it. The proof is in his career. He not only helped start the NCL, a general workers' league, but also the NAACP, one of the first organizations founded solely to help ease the lives of people of color. He made tremendous contributions to the U.S. Children's Bureau and inspired countless people from all walks of life. One of these was Kelley's protégé, Frances Perkins, who would later become Secretary of Labor, the first female Cabinet member, under President Teddy Roosevelt. Everywhere you look, Kelley's impact is there. He affected all kinds of people and worked for social justice for all; regardless of race, gender or age.
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