Introducing our fall 2014 Fellows
Anton J. Gunn is the Founder & President of the 937 Strategy Group, LLC, a national consulting firm that equips the next generation of social and political entrepreneurs in the health & human services industries.
Previously, Anton Gunn served as a senior official in the Obama Administration as the Director of External Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, where he advised President Barack Obama and Secretary Kathleen Sebelius on public engagement strategies to introduce Main Street to the Affordable Care Act.
Follow Anton on Twitter @AntonJGunn.
Why did you apply to be a Fellow at Harvard's Institute of Politics?
My life’s mission has always been focused on developing the next generation of social and political leaders. From my very first advocacy campaign in 1993, I have been working to help new leaders to get involved and play a leadership role in public policy. New leaders bring a fresh perspective and have the sheer will power to make their impact felt. The IOP is a phenomenal place to meet, mentor and help develop young leaders, who can have a tremendous impact on our world. I want to be a part of this great tradition.
What can students and participants expect to learn about during your Study Groups?
Students and participants can expect to learn a lot of different things in my group. The theme of sessions will revolve around the politics of healthcare, particularly over the last five years of the Affordable Care Act. We will be sharing insights and stories from the Congress, White House and the States. This healthcare theme will be overlaid with contexts of sports, hip-hop and entertainment. It should be fun and engaging.
What are you most looking forward to this semester?
Meeting and engaging with the students.
What is the best advice you have received and from whom?
The best advice I have ever received came from a South Carolina political and civil rights activist named Kevin Gray. One day, he told me: “Write it down, it will last longer.” This was in reference to my proclivity to give great speeches as a State Legislator, but rarely did I write those speeches down, so my words would be trapped in the present and have no future or historical value. He changed my whole thinking.
Do you have a favorite life motto you try to live by and why?
There is a quote that I live by, “If your actions inspire others to dream more, learn more, do more and become more, you are a leader." – John Quincy Adams My goal in life is not to be a successful person. My goal is to be a significant person. Helping others to achieve more is how you achieve significance.
What would you say to inspire young people to pursue a career in politics and public service?
The people who created this great country we live in were all involved in politics and public service. They believed in something and they took action to make their beliefs a reality. That reality has given us all opportunities. Getting involved in politics and public service is our responsibility to that legacy. It’s how you can put your ideas and beliefs into action and leave a positive mark on the world.
