Clay has chosen to "use his voice" to speak up for others in so many ways. He chose that path before we knew him when he worked at the YMCA, and he continues to do so today through his foundation, UNICEF and other charities. In the short time he has been in the limelight he has been involved in helping people in numerous ways. This section is about how he has used his voice. We could think of no better way to introduce Clay's voice then to actually use his words.
Below we have included some quotes from Clay's book, Learning to Sing:
"I have always believed in a life of service. But Tina, Dr. Mac, and the kids I worked with at Brentwood crystallized that desire. They helped me to see how vital it is for me to use my time on earth to make a difference in some way."
"I feel that speaking for others is the best way to use my voice-the rest of it, all the pop-star stuff, is ultimately a platform for giving back."
"I was planning to teach in the classroom. I am still teaching. My classroom has just gotten a lot bigger."
"There is no better exercise for strengthening the heart than reaching down and lifting people up. The Bubel/Aiken Foundation is the culmination of that realization. It is my purpose now. It is the why of me."
"The future is not in my hands. There are, though, things I hope for. World peace. Equality. Tolerance."
"My absolute priority-more than having a hit song is to set a good example. There is a difference between image and appearance. Your appearance is how you look. Your image comes from what you do. My goal is to be triumphant in using where I am to do something bigger than what I am."
"I'm often asked what I would do to change the world if I had the power to do anything. In my ideal world, no child would suffer. Charitable instincts would prevail. Those who could give, would give."
"My ultimate goal is for this foundation to really make an impact. I hope this foundation has a much longer shelf life than I do."