Alumnus' book outlines 'Loudest' actions for a better world

Alumnus' book outlines 'Loudest' actions for a better world

A Penn State alumnus who leads his own cause-based company that designs social change has compiled and edited a book, featuring 32 essays from a diverse group of headliners -- among them President Jimmy Carter, Rachel Ray and Penn State football coach Joe Paterno. The book addresses compelling and timely topics.

Robert McKinnon, who earned his degree in advertising in 1990, created "Actions Speak Loudest: Keeping Our Promise for a Better World" as a starting point in a process to transfer sentiment into reality.

"Every generation makes an implicit promise to leave their children a better world than they have inherited," said McKinnon, who founded Yellowbrickroad  Communications in 2005. "And this book is intended as a clarion call to say there is some work to be done by each of us if we are going to make good on our promise."

The book delves into 32 issues critical to the well being of the next generation with evocative, award-winning photographs; articulate and accessible essays; and attainable, ambitious ideas for action. Each chapter pairs a 1,000-word essay with a poignant photograph and closes with two-page calls to action that give readers practical advice on how to become involved in effecting change in their own communities and on the national level. 

Coach Paterno provided an essay about character for the book.

"Making sure that we instill in our children the right values to build strong character is a critical issue today, especially amidst so many distractions," McKinnon said. "Given my own experience observing coach Paterno on and off the field, I could think of no more appropriate person to write this essay and was thrilled when he agreed to contribute."

Along with well-known celebrities and personalities, authors of the essays that represent the heart of the book include many everyday American heroes who have overcome their own personal challenges to make a difference in the lives of youth in their communities. All of McKinnon's proceeds for the book are going back to the causes and charities highlighted in the book.

National Public Radio commentator Juan Williams provides the forward for "Actions Speak Loudest" (2009, Lyons Press) and states, "If you have this book in your hand you are a dangerous American. You have a tool for radical action to make our great country even greater for the greatest gift--our children."

Yellowbrickroad (www.yellowbr.com) works with government organizations, nonprofit groups and corporations to create communications programs that improve the lives of children and their families. McKinnon has years of experience designing social change programs for a range of organizations, including the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the International Olympic committee, the Boys Club of New York and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.