Angelina Jolie Thanked for Nonprofit work

Angelina Jolie is the global face for nonprofit work, thanks primarily for her work with the United Nations High commission on Refugees. For her efforts, the movie star was awarded the 2005 Global Humanitarian Action Award at a ceremony in New York.

In the US these days, Angelina Jolie is mainly known for pulling Brad Pitt from his wife, Jennifer Anniston. But in many other pockets of the world, Jolie is best known as the UN refugee agency's Goodwill Ambassador.

Celebrity's Nonprofit Career

The nonprofit award is bestowed every year by the United Nations Association of the USA (UNA-USA) and the Business Council for the United Nations. Jolie accepted the honor at a dinner in New York attended by 700 diplomats, political and business leaders, and other dignitaries.

Celebrating a Nonprofit Career

In her short acceptance speech, Jolie told the audience that it felt strange to accept an award for something she loves doing.

"Second to my children, spending time with refugees and other persons of need around the world has been the greatest gift," Jolie said in her acceptance speech. "It's been the greatest life lesson I could ever receive."

Hollywood Star Is Nonprofit Management Expert?

Speakers applauded Ms. Jolie for fulfilling her work as a Goodwill Ambassador "with vigor and valuable insight," adding that she served as a leading voice for millions of refugees around the world.

The President of UNA-USA William Luers singled out Jolie from other celebrity nonprofit spokespeople.

White House Pays Tribute to Nonprofit Career

"She has gone to the refugee camps. She has sat with heads of state. She has personally and publicly engaged in ways to better manage the problems surrounding this noble cause," he said.

Other tributes were sent from the UN Secretary General Kofi Annan and America's First Lady, Laura Bush.

Reporters on Tight Leash

Meanwhile outside the event, according to the New York Times, celebrity reporters were under strict instructions to not ask any question that didn't pertain to the actress' nonprofit career. Publicists set questions about Brad Pitt, ex-husband Billy Bob Thorton, as well as Jennifer Anniston strictly off limits to reporters, wrote the New York Times the following day.

Nonprofit Management Jobs

Jolie's work helps give attention to nonprofit management careers. Nonprofit management jobs require education and devotion, but offer great rewards.

Sources

Associated Press