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2014 Most Influential Women Honoree: Dot Atkinson

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Dot Atkinson looks up to some significantly influential role models, and in so doing, hopes to be a positive influence on others in her community.

She points to a favorite quote by John Quincy Adams: “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader.”

“I hope through my example of embracing community volunteer opportunities with an open mind and heart, others will reach outside their comfort zones and areas of expertise to become engaged and thoughtful citizens,” she says, noting the presidential quote epitomizes her perspective on leadership.

An active runner, she also aspires to stride alongside the likes of Olympian and winner of the Boston and New York City marathons, Meb Keflezighi, a dream she says keeps her eyes on the future.

Atkinson has specifics in mind.

“As a Springfield community volunteer on nonprofit boards and committees, it is vital to encourage and inspire fellow board members and colleagues to envision that perfect scenario: the end of child abuse in three generations; the readiness of all children entering kindergarten to learn; and the absence of childhood poverty in Greene County,” she says.

If those goals sound familiar, it’s because they lean heavily on another role model, Victor Vieth, founder of the National Child Protection Training Center, who Atkinson helped bring to the Queen City in February 2007 to present his paper, “Unto the Third Generation: A Call to End Child Abuse in the United States Within 120 Years.”

His speech brought hundreds to University Plaza and formed what Atkinson says has become the backbone of Springfield’s efforts to end child abuse and neglect. To that end, Atkinson serves as president of the Child Advocacy Center Board of Directors.

“The mission of the Child Advocacy Center is to place the needs of a child first in an investigation for abuse,” Atkinson says. “Victor Vieth’s recommendations are relevant to the operations and strategic planning of the CAC.”

She’s also public affairs chairwoman for the Junior League of Springfield and legislative chairwoman for the Springfield Council of PTAs.

“As public affairs chair for the Junior League of Springfield and legislative chair for the Springfield Council of PTAs, I have encouraged and made members of both organizations aware of the legislative process in Jefferson City and have demonstrated that citizen advocacy is effective and impactful,” Atkinson says.

A lifelong volunteer, Atkinson has served organizations including the Junior League for 21 years across Missouri and Michigan; the Foundation for Springfield Public Schools; the Mayor’s Commission for Children; and JLS’ Plaid Door Resale Boutique.

Atkinson also has worked on committees for the state, such as a Missouri Department of Secondary and Elementary Education’s committee dedicated to school improvements, and  district committees for Springfield Public Schools.

“I hope that my passion, work ethic and commitment to my civic responsibilities will influence and inspire others,” Atkinson says.[[In-content Ad]]

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