The Character of America:
The Bush Center 2023 Annual Report

Bush Center 2023 Annual Report
We live in changing times, and the George W. Bush Presidential Center aims to be a rational voice supporting timeless compassionate conservative values. In 2023, we amplified that voice.

Our job here is to provide sensible solutions and model civility ([link removed]) and compassion both at home and abroad. Using America’s soft power diminishes extremism, which is bred by poverty and despair.

Take for example a signature program from the Bush Administration – the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief ([link removed]) (PEPFAR). This became the most successful and compassionate humanitarian program ever implemented in the world. We celebrated the 20th anniversary of PEPFAR ([link removed]) in 2023 and marked the milestone of 25 million lives saved, mostly in sub-Saharan Africa. The program now operates in more than 50 countries, where it has saved lives and reduced political instability.

Our work to advance free societies also includes combating corruption and kleptocracy ([link removed]) globally, championing political dissidents around the world, advocating for economic freedom ([link removed]) , drawing attention to disinformation and misinformation ([link removed]) , and calling out autocrats, particularly those in Russia and China. America may not always get things right, but our voice is needed now more than ever. If we retreat from our global leadership position, the void will be filled by bad actors. Instability will result.

Our efforts to ensure good governance abroad must start here at home. It is impossible to project our values around the world if we don’t have our act together. This is why the Bush Center led 12 other presidential centers and foundations in September in issuing a statement ([link removed]) reaffirming the democratic principles of this country. We continue to urge Americans of all persuasions to strengthen our democracy by exercising civility and showing respect in political discourse. We’re proud of our leadership programming ([link removed]) , which brings together changemakers from across the country and political spectrum to solve pressing challenges.

Our domestic opportunity focus area also demonstrates our compassion, as we work to level the playing field for all. This includes veterans and transitioning service members ([link removed]) , schoolchildren ([link removed]) who must be adequately prepared for the 21st century job market, and immigrants ([link removed]) who legally seek freedom on these shores as they flee injustice, oppression, poverty, and violence. Our economic growth series ([link removed]) demonstrates how cities and states can best position themselves to be springboards for success.

We also proudly grew our engagement in 2023. We completed updates to the George W. Bush Presidential Museum, with an emphasis on PEPFAR and the post-presidency work of President and Mrs. Bush.

Our special exhibit, Freedom Matters ([link removed]) , allows visitors to examine the concept of freedom. Engagement is growing across all our platforms, from our museum attendance to our publications like The Catalyst: A Journal of Ideas from the Bush Institute ([link removed]) and The Strategerist ([link removed]) podcast to our Engage at the Bush Center ([link removed]) lecture series presented by NexPoint.

Our work continues to be extremely relevant in today’s world, and it wouldn’t be possible without your help. Thank you for all you do to support President and Mrs. Bush’s values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. Together, we can pave the way to a better future for our nation and world.

Best regards,

Ken Hersh
President and CEO, George W. Bush Presidential Center

DOWNLOAD THE 2023 ANNUAL REPORT ([link removed])




About the George W. Bush Presidential Center

Located on the SMU campus in Dallas, Texas, the George W. Bush Presidential Center is a nonpartisan institution advancing the timeless values of freedom, opportunity, accountability, and compassion. The Bush Center comprises the George W. Bush Presidential Museum and the George W. Bush Institute, a solution-oriented policy organization focused on ensuring opportunity for all, strengthening democracy, and advancing free societies through policy solutions and public engagement. The Bush Center also houses the George W. Bush Presidential Library, operated by the National Archives and Records Administration, which provides access to official documents and artifacts from the George W. Bush Administration.

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George W. Bush Presidential Center . 2943 SMU Blvd . Dallas, TX 75205-2563 . USA