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Diversity Awareness Partnership's One Community, Many Faiths

The St. Louis Diversity Awareness Partnership recently launched a new initiative - One Community, Many Faiths - to increase the knowledge and understanding of the many faiths represented in the St. Louis region and demonstrate that religious diversity enriches the lives of those that live, work, and play in our community.

Religious leaders from different walks of faith including the Archdiocese of St. Louis, the St. Louis Rabbinical Association, the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, the Church of Scientology of Missouri and the Interfaith Partnership of Metropolitan St. Louis are embracing One Community, Many Faiths as an opportunity for people of many faiths to value our community's rich religious diversity. A free, commemorative poster has been designed to recognize the many faiths present in our community and a corresponding television spot is airing on KMOV-TV, Channel 4.

In addition, the Diversity Awareness Partnership was proud to partner with Faith Beyond Walls, an interfaith organization that mobilizes resources and volunteers, to engage places of worship and individuals of faith to beautify four public parks during the weekend of November 22nd: Community Pride in St. Louis County, Fairgrounds and O'Fallon Parks in the City of St. Louis and Emerson Park in the Metro East. Lowes Companies stepped forward to provide resources and materials for the parks project, and the University of Missouri Outreach and Extension provided technical expertise. The goal is to continue the service opportunity throughout 2003 and expand it to include four additional parks in the St. Louis region.

To receive a free copy of the One Community, Many Faiths poster or to learn more about One Community, Many Faiths, please email the Diversity Awareness Partnership at diversestlouis@webster.edu or call 314/436-7628.

Order the free One Community, Many Faiths poster.

The St. Louis Rams and St. Louis 2004 launched the Diversity Awareness Partnership, the Partnership promoting the value of difference in the St. Louis region, in November 2000. To date, there are more than 90 area businesses and community organizations involved from throughout the area. For more information on the Diversity Awareness Partnership, please visit www.makeadifferencestlouis.org.

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Diversity Awareness Partnership Announces One Community, Many Faiths In Partnership with Faith Beyond Walls

For more information, contact Michael Seppi at 314/436-7628 or Allison Collinger at 314/516-8881

St. Louis - November 22, 2002 The St. Louis Diversity Awareness Partnership today announced a new initiative - One Community, Many Faiths - to increase the knowledge and understanding of the many faiths represented in the St. Louis region and demonstrate that religious diversity enriches the lives of those that live, work, and play in our community.

The timing of this initiative is noteworthy: Monday, November 25th, is Religious Liberty Day, which celebrates the anniversary of the 1981 United Nations declaration of religious liberty as a fundamental human right. This, coupled with the events taking place in our world today, make the One Community, Many Faiths initiative particularly relevant.

Religious leaders from different walks of faith including the Archdiocese of St. Louis, the St. Louis Rabbinical Association, the Islamic Foundation of Greater St. Louis, the Church of Scientology fo Missouri and the Interfaith Partnership of Metropolitan St. Louis are embracing One Community, Many Faiths as an opportunity for people of many faiths to value our community's rich religious diversity. To mark the launch of this initiative, places of worship throughout our community will address the value of religious diversity with their congregations this weekend and display One Community, Many Faiths posters in prominent locations. A corresponding television spot also will begin airing on KMOV-TV, Channel 4.

In addition, the Diversity Awareness Partnership is proud to partner with Faith Beyond Walls, an interfaith organization that mobilizes resources and volunteers, to engage places of worship and individuals of faith to beautify four public parks: Community Pride in St. Louis County, Fairgrounds and O'Fallon Parks in the City of St. Louis and Emerson Park in the Metro East. Lowes Companies has stepped forward to provide resources and materials for the parks project, and the University of Missouri Outreach and Extension is providing technical expertise.

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Diversity Awareness Partnership Launches Give Respect - Get Respect Youth Program

For more information, contact Michael Seppi at 314/436-7628 or Allison Collinger at 314/516-8881

St. Louis, September 18, 2002 The Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP), along with sponsor Edward Jones, today launched the Give Respect - Get Respect Youth Program, a yearlong anti-bias program connecting 68 middle and high school students and their teachers from 34 public and private schools from throughout the bi-state region in an effort to address the increasing diversity in today's schools and encourage acceptance and respect among one another. Also, 68 Edward Jones associates will take part in the program, creating a link for the students between school and the workplace.

Working with DAP partners, the Anti-Defamation League's A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Institute and the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), the DAP has created a unique, comprehensive program that involves schools from throughout the entire St. Louis region. Edward Jones, having inclusion as a core principle, recognized the value that this program could bring to the community and the valuable role that their associates could play in a mentoring capacity to the students and has stepped forward to sponsor the program.

During the program, students will:

Attend bi-monthly sessions at Edward Jones headquarters to learn the tools and knowledge necessary to become peer leaders within their schools and create a network between schools;

Design a project to be implemented in their school that embodies the program goals with their teachers, advisors, and Edward Jones mentors;

Be honored for their participation and given the opportunity to socialize at a St. Louis Rams, Cardinals, Blues, and Quest home game (all of which are DAP partners);

Participate in a culminating/wrap-up event in May that will focus on how the Get Respect - Give Respect Youth Program impacted the students and celebrate their accomplishments; and

Through an essay contest, five high school sophmore participants will receive scholarships to attend the NCCJ's Anytown Youth Leadership Institute

Give Respect - Get Respect Youth Program Participating Schools

Middle Schools

Belleville West Jr. High
Belleville Central Junior High School
Brittany Woods Middle School
Chesterfield Day School
Compton-Drew Investigative Learning Center
Fox Junior High School
Holy Family School
Parkway Central Middle School
Parkway Northeast Middle School
St. Bridget of Kildare

High Schools

Alton High School
Belleville West High School
Cahokia High School
Central Visual and Performing Arts High School
Clayton High School
Cleveland NMJROTC
Edwardsville High School
Fox High School
Gateway Institute of Technology High School
Hazelwood West High School
Holt High School (Wentzville>
John Burroughs High School
Ladue Horton Watkins High School
Lindbergh High School
Nerinx Hall High School
Normandy High School
O'Fallon Township High School
Parkway North High School
Parkway South High School
Rockwood Summit High School
SIUE East St. Louis Charter School
Valley Park High School
Vashon High School
Webster Groves High School

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One Community, Many Faiths

ONE COMMUNITY, MANY FAITHS
Get Your Place of Worship Involved in Making a Difference

Given the current focus on differences between individuals of different religious backgrounds, we wanted to let you know about an exciting opportunity for St. Louisians from all religious backgrounds to Make a Difference By Accepting Everyone Else's. The Diversity Awareness Partnership, the Partnership promoting the value of difference in the St. Louis region, is proud to announce the launch of One Community, Many Faiths in conjunction with Religious Liberty Day on November 25, which celebrates the anniversary of the 1981 United Nations declaration of religious liberty as a fundamental human right.

The Diversity Awarenss Partnership's One Community, Many Faiths includes an exciting partnership with Faith Beyond Walls, an interfaith organization that mobilizes resources and volunteers to carry out community improvement projects. Together, the two organizations are providing an opportunity for people of diverse religious beliefs to work side-by-side on a park beautification effort - enriching our community's quality of life and expanding the acceptance of people holding different religious beliefs than their own.

The opportunities for your place of worship's participation in One Community, Many Faiths are as rich as our community's religious diversity:

A partipation form has been created detailing just some (you probably can identify even more!) of the meaningful ways that a place of worship can address the issue of religious diversity during the launch weekend of November 22.

A free poster has been designed to recognize many of the religious beliefs represented in our community. We are encouraging all places of worship to display this poster in as many places as possible. A coresponding television spot also will air on KMOV-TV Channel 4

A community service opportunity has been created for individuals and places of worship from diverse religious beliefs to unite in beautifying five selected public parks in our region on Saturday, November 23, from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. and Sunday, November 24, from 1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Click here for the participation form. To register your place of worship for participation, print and complete this form and fax it back to teh Diversity Awareness Partnership by Monday, November 11, 2002 at 314/621-9232. For more information, please call the One Community, Many Faiths information line at 314/206-3226.

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Cardinals Dedicate Ballfield for Wheelchair Athletes

On Friday, May 3rd, the St. Louis Cardinals dedicated Spirit Field, the first baseball facility in St. Louis specifically designed for wheelchair athletes, funded by Cardinals Care, the team's community foundation.

On hand for the ceremony were Cardinals players Placido Polanco, Luther Hackman, and Gene Stechschulte.

For more information, please call the Cardinals at 314/421-3060.

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Cardinals Care and the DAP

The St. Louis Cardinals recently joined in the efforts of the Diversity Awareness Partnership. Some local students attended a press conference by Cardinals Care, where the Diversity Awareness Partnership was awarded a grant.

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EDS Among Companies Cited for Supplier Diversity

By Emily Martinez, EDS Global Communications

EDS has one of the best track records among U.S. corporations for buying goods and services from minority and women-owned businesses, according to Working Woman magazine.

In its April issue, Working Woman lists the 30 companies with the best rates of purchases. EDS ranks 26th.

"In 2000, EDS spent more than $380 million with minority and women-owned businesses and small or disadvantaged businesses," said David Dalski, director of Global Purchasing Strategic Development. The amount spent with these businesses rose more than 20 percent in the last three years.

"EDS' supplier diversity is part of the company's overall diversity commitment," he said. "Diversity suppliers are among the fastest-growing segment of the business population offering many innovative, cost-efficient, quality offerings. It's just good business sense to utilize these suppliers."

Changing demographics

The magazine found that the nation's changing demographics is driving corporations toward supplier diversity. Women and minorities also are starting businesses at a rapid pace, increasing opportunities for diversity in purchasing.

Companies also cannot afford to ignore minorities, whose purchasing power should top $1.3 trillion this year, the magazine said. Finally, consumers are becoming increasingly aware of corporations' purchasing habits, and studies indicate women are seven times more likely to buy from companies that support them.

SBC, No. 1 on the list, spent $1.2 billion with minority suppliers last year. Several other companies on the list substantially hiked their supplier diversity rates in the last two to three years. The article and list are based on purchasing data supplied by the corporations.

"Supplier diversity programs level the playing field for women and minorities by helping them compete with much larger vendors for lucrative corporate contracts," said Working Woman Editorial Director Lisa Benenson. "The best way to minimize long-standing challenges like racism, sexism and complacency in the corporate world is via consumer awareness and pressure."

Dalski said EDS will continue embracing diversity among suppliers.

"As EDS continues to grow, and as our client base becomes increasingly diverse, EDS' commitment to diversity in the work force and business relationships will give us a clear competitive advantage," he said.

The Working Woman top 30 companies for supplier diversity:


 1. SBC

 2. Xerox

 3. Golden State Bancorp

 4. Fannie Mae

 5. Humana

 6. Washington Mutual

 7. Bristol-Myers Squibb

 8. Freddie Mac

 9. TIAA-CREF

10. Bank of America

11. Newport News Shipbuilding

12. Merrill Lynch

13. Lutheran Brotherhood

14. General Electric

15. Avon

16. Chevron

17. Eastman Kodak

18. Lucent Technologies

19. Silicon Graphics

20. IBM

21. Verizon Communications

22. Peoples Energy

23. DaimlerChrysler

24. AT&T

25. General Mills

26. EDS

27. Caterpillar

28. Pitney Bowes

29. Procter & Gamble

30. Applied Materials

Honorable mentions: Cinergy, Computer Associates International,

PepsiCo, Texas Instruments, 3M

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Affliction Opened My Eyes to Barriers I Never Saw Before

By Greg Freeman of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Ive looked at life from both sides now,

From win and lost,

And still somehow its lifes illusions I recall.

I really dont know life at all.

-Judy Collins,

"Both Sides Now"

Regular readers of this column know that last year, I was diagnosed with a form of muscular dystrophy.

In my case, it was a disorder that didnt begin to affect me until I reached my late 30s. It has affected me gradually. I first noticed that something was wrong in 1993. Today, I walk with a cane, have difficulty standing up from chairs unless the chair sits fairly high and have trouble climbing steps. Handrails make it somewhat easier, but even thats tough.

While I refuse to let the disease control me, this journey has been educational.

Because of my disease, Im now considered "disabled." In a way, the term is a misnomer, because I am still able to do most things. But being disabled has allowed me to see things that I never really paid much attention to before.

Im surprised, for instance, to see how many businesses have handicapped parking in spaces that are the farthest from their buildings. Its as if parking for patrons with disabilities was an afterthought. While I can walk, Ive seen people with disabilities struggle to get from the parking lot to the building.

Im also surprised to see how many places of business have one or two big steps with no handrails, yet they consider themselves available to the public. For someone in a wheelchair, the idea of getting into such a building without a ramp is a pipe dream.

About 10 years ago, I wrote about a popular restaurant that had one big step for customers to get into the building, and then three more steps for anyone who wanted to sit near a window. Some disability advocates had complained, and the restaurants response was that if anyone with disabilities wanted to get in, the place would send out an employee to lift that person into the building.

Being disabled myself now, I can see more clearly the problem with that suggestion. Independence in important, but especially important to people with disabilities, who have already lost a measure of their independence. Every so often, I find myself sitting in a chair thats too low and I cant get up. I have to rely on the kindness of people around me to help. While their help is appreciated- and its truly wonderful to see how many people are often willing to come to the rescue I find it a bit embarrassing at times. I hate putting myself in situations where I need help to do things that are considered basic to others.

Im surprised how many streets dont have curb cuts, how many restaurants require patrons to go up a flight of stairs to enter without providing elevators for those who cant navigate the stairs, how many businesses could provide ramps but dont.

I dont think the business owners are evil people. No smart businessperson would purposely exclude anyone who was willing to come inside and spend money. I just think that some are simply not sensitive to the issues of the disabled, or what they cold do to make themselves more accessible.

Its been 10 years since President George Bush signed the Americans with Disabilities Act into law, but based on my unscientific observations, I suspect that lots of places are violating that law.

Still, Id prefer that the government not step in to handle such violations. What would be much more preferable is for businesses to sensitize themselves and give some thought to their customers with disabilities.

Thats good sense and good business.

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Programs Help Schools Teach Sensitivity

By Dennis OBrien, Executive Director of KidzLink

I recently led a discussion with a group of suburban high school students being trained as KidzLink volunteers.

KidzLink teaches younger children to be sensitive to medically fragile classmates.

Earlier that day, a teacher had asked a student to quietly read the question on a test to a blind child. The girl refused.

The teacher asked a second girl who also refused.

The third girl she asked did it gladly.

"It only takes one or two students doing the right thing to save the day when someone is being victimized. But what happens when those two students arent there or dont feel empowered to speak up?" asked Diane Stirling, a program coordinator of CHARACTERplus.

The organization, part of the Cooperating School Districts of Greater St. Louis Inc., focuses on nurturing healthy character traits, such as compassion, respect and responsibility.

Although many children are more aggressively vicious than the two girls who refused to help a blind classmate, the KidzLink volunteers were upset at their schoolmates insensitivity and began to talk about how they had been victimized themselves.

One girl revealed that she had been abandoned by her friends when she tore up her knee and could no longer play soccer, cheerlead or even walk without pain after a total knee replacement.

At the time, she needed friends more than ever, but they abandoned her. She became depressed and withdrawn for about two years.

A boy hurt by being teased during his middle school years about wearing a hearing aid said he had since toughened up and learned to deal with the cruelty.

An attractive junior had been hurt by peers calling her fat when she was 12. Her painful experience fueled her compassion for others and her ambition to become a teacher.

The volunteers agreed that bullying was worse during middle school partly because their own adolescent insecurities made them especially vulnerable to putdowns, and partly because adolescents react to their own insecurities about being accepted by attacking others.

Bullying, taunting and rejection are frighteningly commonplace in schools today. No one is exempt including medically fragile children.

Research suggests that one in seven American schoolchildren almost 5 million kids either is a bully or the victim of one, and that American schools harbor approximately 2.1 million bullies.

"Youngsters between the ages of 8 and 12 interviewed cited the class bully as their Number one concern," said Professor Myrna B. Shure. "Children who are consistently bullied often have trouble learning."

Verbal putdowns can have more lasting effects than physical abuse. "Verbal assaults strike at students self-esteem, and the damage can be both painful and lasting," Stirling said.

Although it often requires courage to "understand, care and reach out, students can be taught how to take risks to stand up for friends who are being victimized and even prevent it," said Linda McKay, executive director of CHARACTERplus.

For example, the Mehlville School district recently brought in SuEllen Fried, author of "Bullies & Victims," to conduct workshops for all fourth-graders in the districts 11 elementary schools.

"We feel it is so important to reach young students with the awareness and skills that empower them as witnesses. Only 15 percent of all students fall in the bully or target categories; 85 percent are witnesses," said Cindy Lynch, assistant superintendent.

"Our fourth-graders learned about empathy and how important their responses are," Lynch said.

Afterward, a student from Beasley Elementary School told his counselor, "Id miss a thousand recesses for this."

Seven boys from Bernard elementary School decided to start a club to include students who are left out of games and lunch table groups.

For more information, call Stirling at 314/692-9722.

Posted February 8, 2001 with permission from the Suburban Journals.

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Diversity Among the Blues and the rest of NHL

By Dave Luecking of the Post-Dispatch

December 6, 2000

Just like all good employees in corporate America, the Blues gathered on Wednesday afternoon for diversity training.

Yes, even hockey players go through diversity class, but of all people, they might need diversity training less than the rest of us. Hockey is an international game, with one of the most diverse work places in professional sports.

There are French- and Anglo-Canadians, Western and Eastern Europeans and Americans. Most players are white, but African Americans and American Indians are represented. There are players of Asian and Hispanic heritage, as well.

In general, there's a little bit of everything in the melting pot known as the National Hockey League.

"We're an international company," Blues general manager Larry Pleau said.

The Blues' roster is a perfect example.

The Blues have 12 Canadians, including two French-Canadians, on their 24-man roster. They have five Americans, three Slovakians, two Russians, a Czech and a German.

And the beauty of it is that the players don't think this is a big deal, which might be the perfect testament to the league's diversity.

"I never even think about it," said goalie Roman Turek, who is from the Czech Republic. "For me, this is like normal."

"We're all human beings," French-Canadian Pierre Turgeon said. "It doesn't matter what color you are, or where you're from, we all get along. You can have guys who speak the same language don't get along. So what does it matter?"

English is the dominant language in the locker room, but the common language is hockey, pure and simple. The game transcends the language and cultural differences.

"We all care about the game," Russian defenseman Vladimir Chebaturkin said. "Everybody wants to win. It doesn't matter where you're from."

Pleau, an American, called hockey "the common denominator."

"The bottom line is whether a guy can play or not, whether it's a Slovak, an American or a Canadian," Pleau said. "People are people. We have the same questions when we draft a Slovak as we do a Canadian or an American. How do you get along with your teammates? What's your personality? What's the chemistry you bring to the team on and off the ice?"

It wasn't always this way. As recently as the mid-1990's, the Europeans, particularly Eastern Europeans, fought derogatory stereotypes that questioned their heart, desire and work habits. The 1994 New York Rangers erased a lot of those stereotypes in winning the Stanley Cup.

"People used to say, 'You can't win with Russians,'" Pleau said. "When we won in New York, we had (Sergei) Zubov, (Alexi) Kovalev, (Sergei) Nemchinov, (Alexander) Karpovtsev. They all played pretty prominent roles."

Now, Europeans account for 32 percent of the players in the NHL. Canadians are first with 53 percent, the Americans third at 15 percent. The NHL has two European-born head coaches - Finn Alpo Suhonen in Chicago and Czech Ian Hlinka in Pittsburgh. The Penguins' Jaromir Jagr, Toronto's Mats Sundin and Vancouver's Markus Naslund are among the European captains.

The differences between the North American style and European style of play are disappearing along with the barriers. The Europeans, known for their exquisite skills, have shown an ability to play with North American physical toughness and grit.

Expansion helped enlighten the NHL. With nine teams added in the past 10 years, there are more job opportunities for players of all backgrounds. And with the length of the season and the proximity in which players live and work, they have to get along. "It works because of the mutual respect we bring to the table as professionals," said Canadian Jamal Mayers, who is black. "It's like a family. There are cultural differences, but we're able to learn from each other. It'd be a pretty boring place if we were all the same.

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St. Louis Rams Have History of Creating Opportunities For African Americans

From the day of their inception as a team in Cleveland in 1937, the St. Louis Rams have represented diversity, excitement, and accomplishment.

Homer Marshman, the teams first owner, admired the Fordham University Rams and gave that designation to his newly established professional team. Little did Marshman know that the name Rams would become synonymous with change in the NFL.

Dan Reeves and Fred Levy, Jr., purchased the Rams in 1941 and, after the Rams won the NFL championship in 1945, moved the team to Los Angeles. As part of the agreement in Los Angeles, the Rams became the co-hosts of a charity football game with the Los Angeles Times. Thousands of youngsters in the Los Angeles area who normally would be unable to see an NFL game in person annually were guests of the Rams at the Times charity pre-season game.

Reeves also made another move in 1946 that became symbolic in the NFL. He signed African American players Kenny Washington and Woody Strode to contracts one year before Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball. It had been 20 years since an African American had played in the NFL game.

Washington had been Jackie Robinsons teammate at UCLA in the late 1930s. Strode also played football at UCLA and later became world renowned as a professional wrestler and motion picture actor. Strode played in many Hollywood films including several Westerns directed by John Ford and featuring John Wayne.

In 1947, a Rams player named Fred Gehrke, who spent his off-seasons as an industrial designer for an aircraft company in Los Angeles, drew a pen-and-ink sketch of a rams horn and showed it to the teams coach, Bob Snyder.

Snyder could not visualize Gehrkes artwork on the helmet, so Fred then created the design on one of his teammates leather headgear. The following year the Rams became the first pro team with a helmet insignia, the famed Ram horns wrapping around the helmet. All 30 NFL teams now have helmet insignias, as do hundreds of college teams.

In 1949, the Rams made another significant statement. They signed a 235-pound fullback from Grambling College in Grambling, Louisiana. Paul (Tank) Younger was the first player from a predominantly African American university to be signed by an NFL team.

So named Tank by Grambling sports information director Collie Nicholson because he reminded observers of a Sherman tank when carrying the football, Younger made the NFL Pro Bowl squad as a fullback and linebacker during his rookie season.

Younger went on to become one of the Rams all-time players in a career that concluded in 1958. Tank then joined the Rams as a college scout, and later became assistant general manager of the San Diego Chargers. He concluded a 46-year NFL career with the Rams in 1995.

More African Americans followed Younger to the Rams. Halfback Dan Towler, known as Deacon Dan, joined the Rams from Washington & Jefferson University in 1950. He teamed with Younger and Dick Hoerner to form the Bull Elephant backfield. All three players each weighed more than 230 pounds, larger than many of the linemen who attempted to tackle them.

When the Rams played the Cleveland Browns in the 1950 championship game, there were 14 black players in the NFL. Nine played in the championship game, and five were with the Rams: Younger, Towler, defensive back and kick returner Woodley Lewis, guard Harry Thompson, and end Bob Boyd.

The Rams ability to scout players from little known colleges was evident again in 1952, when they signed African American Richard Lane, a defensive back from a junior college in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Dick (Night Train) Lane set an NFL record with 12 interceptions his rookie year and went on to become enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio.

In 1961, the Rams drafted David Jones, a defensive end from Mississippi Vocational College. Deacon Jones joined Rosey Grier and Lamar Lundy to complete three-quarters of the famed Fearsome Foursome defensive line. A year later, Merlin Olsen became the fourth member. Like Lane, Jones and Olsen also went on to Hall of Fame careers.

The opportunities the Rams created for African Americans were not limited to running backs and defensive players. Elijah Pitts was one of the first black assistant coaches in the NFL when he was hired by the Rams in 1973 and James Harris was one of the first African American quarterbacks in the NFL when he guided the Rams from 1974-76.

Tackle Jackie Slater, drafted out of Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi, in 1976; set an NFL record by being the only man to play 20 seasons with one team. Slater retired in 1995, closing out his career by playing for the St. Louis Rams against the Carolina Panthers in the inaugural game of the Trans World Dome.

Through the years the Rams have continued to be a diverse and innovative organization, under the direction of Chairman/Owner Georgia Frontiere. This will continue as the Rams and the NFL move toward the new millennium and the 21^st century.

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St. Louis Community Teams Up to Make a Difference

St. Louis Rams, 2004 Draft Teammates to Tackle Discrimination

Wednesday, November 1, 2000A diverse group of St. Louis area organizations are teaming up to tackle head-on the problem of discrimination. The St. Louis Rams,

St. Louis 2004, EDS, Webster University and more than a dozen organizations launched a regional effort to reduce bias and discrimination--The Diversity Awareness Partnership. The Partnerships informational and educational efforts will encourage St. Louisans to Make a Difference by Accepting Everyone Elses.

The Partnerships goal is to generate greater personal and institutional awareness of diversity issues, ultimately helping to facilitate a St. Louis community that is inclusive, rejoicing in our differences and acting with a strong commitment to equality. The effort includes addressing diversity issues related to gender, race, socioeconomic class, sexual orientation, religion and physical limitations.

At this weekends Rams game, a $500,000 check representing the cash and in-kind donations to the project will be presented to the St. Louis community at the Trans World Dome. Also, an ad featuring Rams players Orlando Pace and Ryan Tucker will be unveiled along with a feature in Insider Magazine and a prominent stadium banner. Additionally, youth from eight area schools who are participating in pilot programs through the Cooperating School Districts will be at the game as guests of the Rams Foundation.

Cash donations to date total more than $125,000 from E. Desmond Lee, Saint Louis Heroes, the St. Louis Rams Foundation and United Way of Greater St. Louis. The remaining $375,000 represents significant in-kind donations to the Partnership from Behavioral Health Response, EDS, Media Pulse, Momentum East and St. Louis 2004 and St. Louis Rams Foundation, Webster University.

The St. Louis Rams are very excited about kicking-off this partnership on Sunday. The Rams organization is committed to helping St. Louis become a place that recognizes and celebrates the contributions of everyone regardless of their differences, said John Shaw, president, St. Louis Rams.

We are excited about the Diversity Awareness Partnership. Tolerance is a key issue facing our region. It cuts across everything we do. Ultimately, our ability to succeed as a region will depend on how we deal with issues of race and difference, said former Senator Jack Danforth, chair of St. Louis 2004.

The Diversity Awareness Partnership has four components:

www.makeadifferencestlouis.org --a community-oriented diversity website developed in-kind by EDS will go live on November 1, 2000. The site will offer a diversity resource guide with information about more than 60 organizations involved in diversity work; articles and information on the positive role diversity is making in the lives of St. Louisans; tips about how to initiate dialogue with friends and family on this meaningful topic; and a calendar of events.

Hotline--By simply dialing 1 866-ONE-CITY, callers can use the hotline to get information about organizations involved in promoting diversity beginning at 8:00 a.m. Monday, November 6. Hotline counselors also will provide practical advice for dealing with diversity issues in everyday situations as well as assistance in connecting victims of hate incidents with appropriate agencies. The Hotline has been donated by Behavioral Health Response.

School PilotsIn collaboration with the Cooperating School Districts, the Partnership is piloting Dont Laugh at Me, a diversity training program developed by Peter Yarrow of Peter, Paul and Mary, to more than 30 schools in seven districts. In addition, the Partnership is implementing a pilot program at Kirkwood High School that is being developed by the students. Partner organizations will be involved in the implementation of these pilots.

Public Awareness Campaign--challenges St. Louisans to look at their own ability to accept individual differences. The campaign, created in-kind by Momentum East, initially focuses on the issues of race, sexual orientation and persons with physical limitations. Additional focus areas will be added in the future. The first ad, featuring Orlando Pace and Ryan Tucker of the St. Louis Rams, will appear in Sundays Insider Magazine as well as on the projects website and those of many of its partners. The tagline: Make a Difference by Accepting Everyone Elses will be used in all materials.

The website was created and is being maintained and hosted as an in-kind contribution by EDS, the recognized global computer services leader in helping clients manage the complexities of the digital economy.

EDS is pleased to help the Diversity Awareness Partnership use technology in new, innovative ways to bring the message of acceptance and tolerance to the St. Louis community, said Dan Blakeley, delivery executive, EDS. EDS is committed to a global community in which differences are both celebrated and leveraged so that we can collectively perform to our greatest potential.

"We were excited about the opportunity to create compelling advertising that speaks to such positive issues for St. Louis," said Neal Morrison, Vice President, Account Service for Momentum Inc. "The messages need to be strong and emotional. They need to challenge St. Louis to support Diversity. We think our work achieved that and we're happy to contribute, continued Morrison.

Webster University is hosting the Partnership. The University, which leads the nation in awarding masters degrees to minority students, will provide office space, furniture and equipment for the partnership.

Webster University is particularly proud of its long and successful tradition of serving women and minority students. Webster classrooms reflect the faces of the world. We are also proud to share in the efforts of the St. Louis community to make diversity a high priority in every aspect of our daily lives, said Richard S. Meyers, president, Webster University.

The Diversity Awareness Partnership is a collaboration of St. Louis organizations that have demonstrated leadership in diversity work and have combined resources to create a community that is inclusive at every level, that celebrates diversity and practices equality.

Diversity Awareness Partnership

100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis

Akamai

Anti-Defamation League/A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE

Behavioral Health Response

Cooperating School Districts

EDS

FOCUS St. Louis

Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network

Kirkwood High School

Media Pulse

Metropolis

Momentum East

National Conference for Community and Justice

Rodgers Townsend

St. Louis 2004

St. Louis Rams Foundation

St. Louis Science Center

University City School District

Webster University

United Way of Greater St. Louis

For more information, contact:

Karla Goldstein, 314/206-3240, pager 538-9940

Michelle Cohen, 314/206-3223, pager 538-9474

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Smith Honored by Black Journalists

ST. LOUIS - The National Association of Black Journalists honored Rick Smith, Rams director of public relations, with the Pioneer Award at its annual convention in Orlando, Florida, on August 24. The Pioneer Award honors notable sports figures that have made a difference for African Americans

"Rick Smith is a shining example of how individuals can make a difference in diversifying front offices in professional sports," said Ellen Brandon-Calhoun, former communications coordinator for the NFL and NBA, and current brand manager, Walt Disney World. "His efforts rise above convenient explanations that portray qualified African-American candidates as 'few' and 'hard to find.' He recognizes the sparkle in a young, aspiring eye and simply responds 'yes.' I think all anyone can ask for is a chance -- and Rick provided that to many of us who would not have otherwise had one."

Among those that Smith has helped are: Rob Boulware, former director of public relations, Pittsburgh Steelers, and current director of communications, Columbia Gas; William Bryant, assistant public relations director, Tennessee Titans; Rodney Knox, director of communications, San Francisco 49ers; Duane Lewis, assistant public relations director, St. Louis Rams; Avis Roper, assistant public relations director, New York Giants; Tony Wyllie, vice president of communications, Houston Texans.

For more information, please call Allison Collinger at 314/516-8881 or Tiffani Wilson at 314/516-8713.

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Venus Envy - Art Exhibit to Recognize Women and Their Contributions in the Community

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Mallarie N. Zimmer

Email: venusenvy@intermission.org

--- Venus Envy Expands!! ---

One night. Two events. Venus Envy is creating waves of feminine energy along the River Mississippi.

On March 30th, 2002, Venus Envy will open its doors to St. Louis, MO and Memphis, TN audiences simultaneously in celebration of Women's History Month and the sheer wonders of womanhood. The St. Louis born event is in its fourth year and continues to add yin to Freud's yang, expanding first to Memphis, and in subsequent years, to Chicago and New Orleans. This lively exhibition features women artists projecting art and intention into increasingly receptive communities.

For three consecutive years, Venus Envy has been an invitational event more than tripling its original size of 11 founding artists in 1999. Last year's event featured over 70 contributing and performing artists and attracted an estimated 3000 visitors.

Venus Envy in Memphis will mirror the 1999 premiere of Venus Envy in St. Louis by showcasing the talents of 10-15 local female contemporary visual and performing artists to attract Memphis audiences to a temporarily unoccupied storefront space in the popular Midtown gallery district.

Venus Envy is also proud to announce the birth of its website which will further the program's mission, to recognize women and the cultural contributions they make to her community, to exist as a forum for women to express themselves freely, publicly and creatively and to bring communities together, on a global scale.

Venus Envy invites everyone to visit the website, attend the celebration (in either St. Louis or Memphis) and participate in the expansion of this outstanding cultural phenomenon.

Venus Envy is made possible with support from IN/FORM and the Regional Arts Commission.

For more information, visit the website, www.intermission.org/venusenvy or call 314-324-7468.

For Immediate Release

Media Contact: Mallarie N. Zimmer

Phone: 314-412-5609 (do not publish)

Email: venusenvy@intermission.org

Venus Envy 2002

Saturday, March 30, 2002, 7-11pm

The TRADITION of VENUS ENVY

"food, drink, first class performance, soulful music, and stunning visual art display."

Venus Envy 2002 - St. Louis, MO

IN/FORM Gallery, 3519 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO, 63118

Program Director, Cheri Hutchings, venusenvystl@hotmail.com

Open to the public. $5-10 suggested donation at the door.

Content is intended for mature audiences.

General Info: 314-324-7468

URL: http://www.intermission.org/venusenvy

Venus Envy Mission Statement

Venus Envy is a multi-media, all-female art exhibition and celebratory event. Venus Envy is produced entirely by the Venus Envy Planning Committee, which is comprised of: the Founding Artists, the Participating Artists, and Female Leaders in the Community. Venus Envy recognizes women and the positive contributions they make to the cultural climate of her community. Venus Envy utilizes the arts as a forum for women to express themselves freely, publicly, and creatively. Venus Envy promotes the arts as a catalyst for bringing the whole community together.

Venus Envy is made possible with support from IN/FORM and Regional Arts Commission.

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A Panel Discussion on Racial Profiling with Police Chief Mokwa

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Lisa Greening

(314) 727-9987

lisagreening@yahoo.com

A panel discussion on racial profiling headlined by David A. Harris, author of Profiles in Injustice: Why Racial Profiling Cannot Work will be held at Central Reform Congregation, (5020 Waterman Ave. in the Central West End) on March 20, 2002 at 7:00 PM.

The panel includes Colonel Joseph J. Mokwa, Chief of Police of the City of St. Louis, Karen Aroesty from the Anti-Defamation League of St. Louis, Carolyn Tuft, award-winning investigative reporter for the St. Louis Post Dispatch, and Reverend Earl Nance representing the St. Louis Clergy Coalition. Rabbi Susan Talve of Central Reform Congregation will moderate the panel. Admission is free and open to the public. A book signing and reception will follow.

Harris, visiting Professor of Law at St. Louis University, explodes the commonly accepted beliefs about race and policing in Profiles In Injustice, his new myth-busting investigation into the practice of racial profiling. Harris proves that the "common sense" idea of racial profiling does not help fight crime; in fact, racial profiling is poor policing, often illegal, and destructive to police and their communities. Harris shows with staggering precision why and how racial profiling cannot help us keep the peace, stem the flow of drugs into our country, or prevent future terrorist attacks.

Panelists will address the current racial profiling situation in St. Louis from their perspective and the impact it is having on our community. Audience members will also have the opportunity to contribute their ideas and question the panelists.

The topic of racial profiling has never been timelier. Currently, hundreds of citizens and immigrants are being detained largely on the basis of their ethnic background and race. As new security concerns after September 11 seem to demand new restrictions on civil liberties, Harriss book can provide a blueprint for what not to doand the necessary steps to move forward towards effective policing.

Harris contends that our police forces need to move away from the inaccurate approach of looking for young men of a certain color or ethnic group merely because young men of that same color or ethnic group make up the majority of Americas prison population. He uses new data collected by law-enforcement agencies themselves on racial profiling to make the case against it. The statistics show that stopping more blacks and Hispanics does not turn up more drugs or criminals. The rates at which police actually find contraband on the African Americans they stop for police searches (known as hit rates) is the same or lower than the rate for whites. And for Hispanics, the hit rates were far lower than for whites, proving what Harris repeats throughout the book: using race or ethnic appearance to predict who is a likely criminal doesnt work. Observing behavior is the most effective tool for catching criminals, not race nor ethnicity.

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Blues Sponsor "Hockey is for Everyone Night"

On January 15, 2002 the St. Louis Blues sponsored 'Hockey is for Everyone Night,' with a variety of activities throughout the evening to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.'s birth date and his message of the value of human worth, and encourage greater tolerance and acceptance in our own community. The game, against the Edmonton Oilers, featured eight minority players between the two teams, further evidence of hockey's increasing diversity.

The evening included appearances by Willie O'Ree, the first black player in the National Hockey League, and former Blues goalie Grant Fuhr. Also, an 'agency information fair' showcased local DAP partner organizations that address issues of diversity in the community. The Diversity Awareness Partnership was proud to be part of the event, which included the airing of our new public service announcement created by KMOV-TV featuring Blues players Jamal Mayers and Rich Pilon discussing the importance of diversity.

A highlight of the evening allowed for winners of an essay contest sponsored by the Blues and St. Louis American discussing what diversity means to them to attend the game.

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Blues Host 'Hockey Is For Everyone Night'

Contact: Melinda McAliney - Director, Community Relations 314-705-4723

HOCKEY IS FOR EVERYONE NIGHT

Blues, NHL to Showcase the Importance of Diversity on Jan. 15 vs. Edmonton

ST. LOUIS, MO (January 8, 2002) The St. Louis Blues are pleased to announce Hockey is for Everyone Night to be held at the Blues-Oilers game on Tuesday, Jan. 15 at Savvis Center. The Blues will host a variety of activities throughout the evening to celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr.s birth date and his message of the value of human worth, and encourage greater tolerance and acceptance in our own community. The game will feature eight minority players between the two teams, further evidence of hockeys increasing diversity.

This event will give us a chance to not only honor Dr. Kings message but to also recognize the players who are spreading the Diversity Task Forces message to youngsters who look up to them, said Willie ORee, the first black player in the National Hockey League and the current director of youth development for the NHL Diversity Task Force, a not-for-profit program designed to introduce economically disadvantaged boys and girls of diverse ethnic backgrounds to the game of hockey. This game is a shining example of the progress the NHL has made.

The evening will kick-off with a special video before the game celebrating the growing diversity of hockey. Other scheduled activities include:

ORee and former Blues player Grant Fuhr will attend the game as the special guests of the Blues and the NHL Diversity Task Force.

An Agency Information Fair from 6 p.m. until the end of the first intermission on the Plaza concourse. Local organizations that address issues of diversity will be present to share information about their services and volunteer opportunities.

A silent auction during the game to benefit the Diversity Awareness Partnership, a collaboration of St. Louis organizations that have demonstrated leadership in diversity work. The Blues are an active member of this organization.

Airing of a new public service announcement created by KMOV-TV featuring Blues players Jamal Mayers and Rich Pilon discussing the importance of diversity.

Mighty Mites competition during the second intermission featuring members of the Gateway Locomotives, a hockey organization for youth and adults with disabilities.

Winners of an essay contest sponsored by the Blues and St. Louis American. Area youth have been invited to submit a brief essay discussing what diversity means to them. Up to 10 students will be selected to attend the game.

Blues players as well as ORee and Fuhr will be available after practice that day for media interviews.

Hockey is for Everyone Night is one example of the Blues year-round commitment to the community. Through our community outreach efforts and the Fourteen Fund, the organizations charitable trust, the Blues seek to use the clubs unique resources to positively impact programs and services which improve the health and wellness of youth.

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Area Events Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

St. Charles, MO

Scripture Service and Talk - January 21, 2002 - St. Charles Borromeo Church

St. Louis, MO

Limelight Magazine - January 2002 Edition will be a Commemorative Tribute Issue dedicated to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Emancipation Proclamation - January 1, 2002 - Greater Mt. Carmel Baptist Church - 314/361-8893

Special Exhibit: 'Dred Scott, Slavery and the Struggle to be Free' - January 2, 2002 - December 31, 2001 - Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, 314/655-1626

Statewide Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Kick-Off Celebration for the State of Missouri - January 12, 2002 - Harris-Stowe State College, 314/340-3390

Experiencing the Dream Through Other People's Stories - January 13, 2002 - St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley: Terry M. Fischer Theatre, 314/595-2323

Together Making Public Schools Great for Every Child - January 14, 2002 - Powell Hall, 314/521-4043

Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration - January 14, 2002 - Harris-Stowe State College, 314/381-5345

The Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Student Awareness Day - January 15, 2002 - The Ambassador, 314/621-1994

'Dare to Dream' - January 15, 2002 - Kennard C.J.A., 314/353-8875

'Building a Community: Salute to Everyday Heroes' - January 16, 2002 - Carver Community Education Center, 314/533-7020

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Candlelight Vigil and Eight Hour Civil Rights Readings - January 17, 2002 - Fontbonne College, 314/889-4503

Panel Discussion - January 17, 2002 - Maryville University Auditorium, 314/529-9684

Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration - January 18, 2002 - Fontbonne College, 314/889-4503

Martin Luther King Freedom Celebration - January 19, 2002 - St. Louis Art Museum, 314/721-0072

Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Service - January 20, 2002 - Union Memorial United Methodist Church, 314/362-8314

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., State Celebration Civic Ceremony - January 21, 2002 - Old Court House Rotunda, 314/426-6553

Story-telling and King speeches - January 21, 2002 - City of Berkeley, Parks and Recreation, 314/506-0234

A New Generation: 'Building a Community' - January 21, 2002 - The Church of the Living God, L.B.I.C., 314/771-2677

'Realizing The Dream' - January 21, 2002 - Washington University Graham Chapel, 314/935-5970

'Meet Harriet Tubman' - January 24, 25, 26, 2002 - Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, 314/655-1626

Saturday Morning Breakfast - January 26, 2002 - Kirkwood Public Library, 314/909-1416

Dream, Believe, Achieve - January 30, 2002 - St. Louis County Library, 314/994-3300

Washington, MO

Remembrance of Martin Luther King, Jr. - Continuing the Dream - January 20, 2002 - St. Peters UCC, 636/239-1878

East St. Louis, IL

'Building a Community: Shaping a Generation - January 21, 2002 - Friendship Baptist Church, 618/397-6314

Edwardsville, IL

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Luncheon - January 24, 2002 - SIU-E, Morris University Center, Meridian Hall, 618/650-2687

Reprinted from the 2002 State Celebration Calendar at Harris-Stowe State College.

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November Go 2004

This month, pick up Go 2004, the monthly newsletter of St. Louis 2004, for a free poster featuring sports celebrities Ernie Conwell, Fernando Vina and Jamal Mayers as they show their support for the Diversity Awareness Partnership. Go 2004 is available on the free literature rack at 600 locations throughout the St. Louis Metro and Metro East area including most Schnucks and Dierbergs, Hollywood Video and coffee shops and cafes.

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KMOX Remote

St. Louis is quickly becoming home to a growing number of Bosnian immigrants. This Friday, November 3rd, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., tune into News/Talk 1120 KMOX for The Morning Meeting Neighborhood Nickel Coffee Tour with Charles Brennan and McGraw Milhaven in partnership with the Diversity Awareness Partnership. The show will air live from Bevo Mill in south St. Louis and feature information and interviews about St. Louis' growing Bosnian community. The public is invited to join Charles and McGraw at Bevo Mill for the show.

Here are some quick facts on the Bosnian community in St. Louis:

There are currently 30,000 - 35,000 Bosnian immigrants in St. Louis.

St. Louis has become home to the largest Bosnian community in the United States.

The majority of Bosnians are Muslim.

The language was called Serbo-Croatian, but most immigrants now refer to the language as Bosnian.

This information has been provided by the International Institute of Metropolitan St. Louis.

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SOUL/ART Art Festival in Soulard - October 6, 2001 11:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.

Because Soulard has soul. There is no other place to produce an art exhibit in St. Louis without having a monetary value pre-conceived. The international Soapbox Society (producers of the International Soapbox Festival which was held in Soulard April 27-29, 2001) and Intermission for the Arts present this exhibit of aspiring St. Louis artisans.

Aspiring artists in and around St. Louis crave a forum to present and exhibit their creations. Many aspiring artists are not able to pay the registration fees of art shows...SOUL/ART is free of registration fees for the first thirty artists.

Sponsored by the Soulard Business Association, Mars Music and DiMBy Productions.

For more information, please contact Joshua Wolfe at 314/776-6927 extension 6.

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We Need Your Help To Make A Difference

Contact: Kedra Tolson, FOCUS St. Louis, 314-622-1250 Ext. 102

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Citizens Called to Action on the Issue of Racial Inequality

New citizen-based study of FOCUS St. Louis reveals that lingering disparities between racial groups prevent our community from growing as a healthy, vibrant region.

ST. LOUIS, JULY 19, 2001 - In 1989, Confluence St. Louis published Valuing Our Diversity: A New Spirit for the St. Louis Region, a report that was considered groundbreaking for clearly acknowledging that racism and racial polarization exist in our community and penetrate its every aspect. Today, FOCUS St. Louis has brought this issue to the forefront again with the release of a new citizen-based study, Racial Equality in the St. Louis Region: A Community Call to Action. While the 1989 Confluence St. Louis task force looked at a broad range of areas, this new report focuses on economics, housing and education as the most critical and comprehensive factors affecting racial equality in the St. Louis bi-state region.

The report is the result of 18 months of data collection and analysis by a FOCUS St. Louis citizen task force composed of 30 diverse members. The task force was co-chaired by Dr. Larry Davis, the E. Desmond Lee Endowed Chair of Racial and Ethnic Diversity, George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University and Ms. Susan Ryan, consultant, SC Ryan Consulting.

Among the pages of the full report are numerous data that illustrate lingering racial inequalities despite a decade of national prosperity. The study also contains a recommendations section including actions steps for individuals and institutions to catalyze change.

We hope with this report, people will stop and listen to the factsthey are alarming, said Susan Ryan. We hope that it will encourage dialogue, and more importantly, inspire action among the citizens of the St. Louis region.

Some of the task forces most critical and revealing findings were uncovered in the area of economics. Overall, the task force concluded that the economic playing field is still not level for people of color, particularly African Americans. According to Dr. Larry Davis, African Americans in the United States today have little more than one-tenth the wealth of Whites. If you remove homeownership as a factor, that figure drops to just one percent. Here in our region, the poverty rate for African Americans is five times the rate of Whites. It is clear from these findings that we are far from achieving equal access to economic opportunity for all people.

Based on the racial disparities that persist in the area of economics, the FOCUS task force developed a series of recommendations centered on ways to achieve the ultimate goal of economic parity. These recommendations challenge government, business, social service organizations, faith communities and citizens to address economic disparity by supporting minority business development, job training, asset-building programs and more. According to the task force, for every human being who fails to realize their fullest potential, the economic strength and quality of life is diminished for everyone in our community.

The second area the task force studied was housing, since where one lives greatly impacts access to social, educational and economic opportunities. Recent Census data indicate that the St. Louis region is the ninth most racially segregated of the top 50 metropolitan areas in the country, and the task force worked to determine why.

We concluded that regardless of economic status, people are racially segregated at all levels, said Susan Ryan This finding debunks the myth that segregation is primarily for economic rather than racial reasons. It also tells us that we need to become more deliberate as a community to develop integrated neighborhoods.

Some of the barriers to a stable and integrated housing pattern in the St. Louis region include housing discrimination and lending practices. In terms of mortgage lending in the St. Louis region, a White loan applicant is one and a half (1 ) times more likely to get a home purchase loan than an African American applicant. In addition, African Americans are rejected almost two and a half (2 ) times more often than Whites for refinancing loans and rejected over three times more often than Whites for home improvement loans. Recommendations to address such lending disparities, as well as other problems such as the steering of Whites and African Americans to certain neighborhoods, were identified in the report as critical first steps to achieving racial equality in terms of housing.

Education comprised the third area of study for the report. Overall, the task force concluded that students of color receive an inferior and more socially isolated education than White students. This disparity manifests itself in a variety of ways. For example, in the St. Louis region, African American students lag 10.5 percentage points behind their White counterparts in terms of high school graduation rates. Furthermore, African American students continue to perform the poorest of all racial groups in standardized testing.

The report also forewarned that despite almost 20 years of efforts to desegregate public schools in the St. Louis region, many children continue to attend schools that are separate and unequal.

Disparities are said to have already begun by the time a child reaches kindergarten. We found poverty to be one contributor, since clearly growing up in a poor household takes its toll on a child arriving at school ready to learn, said Dr. Larry Davis. The task force also concluded that the financial support of public education based largely on property taxes is inherently inequitable. Some of our regions school districts benefit from clusters of high-value property which result in large local tax revenues while others that do not have a similar concentration of wealth are forced to educate children with much less.

Recommendations in the education section seek to address barriers that prevent equal access to educational opportunity. The report urges educators and community leaders to look toward best practices in areas such as student dropout prevention, mentoring, testing, and more.

The findings and conclusions of the Racial Equality in the St. Louis Region report provide a set of benchmarks so that the St. Louis region can measure its progress on this issue over time. Combating racism requires a multi-pronged approach to address disparities in each of the three areas addressed in this report. The recommendations are intended to serve as a roadmap for action.

Our next step is to form an implementation and advocacy committee that will take the work of the task force to the next level, said Valerie Bell, president of FOCUS St. Louis board of directors. Excellent leadership will be provided by Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande and Ms. Janet Torrisi-Mokwa who have agreed to serve as the co-chairs of the implementation effort. Dr. Akande is the dean of the business school at Webster University and Ms. Torrisi-Mokwa is principal of human resources for the Global People Team at Andersen.

Racial inequality is a challenging and complex problem that is deeply entrenched in our culture, added Christine Chadwick, executive director. Unfortunately there is no quick fix to address it, and this is why FOCUS St. Louis has made a long-term commitment to working with all citizens to achieve racial equality.

To receive more information, or to order copies of Racial Equality in the St. Louis Region: A Community Call to Action, please contact FOCUS St. Louis at 314.622.1250. Community summaries are $10 and the full report is available for $25, including shipping and handling.

FOCUS St. Louis is a regional civic organization dedicated to creating a cooperative, thriving region. The organization achieves this mission by engaging citizens, developing leaders and influencing community policy. For more information, please log onto the website at www.focus-stl.org.

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Stars Visit the Stars at the St. Louis Science Center

On Tuesday, May 22, nearly 200 area youth, ages elementary through high school, and their teachers got a sneak peek of the new James S. McDonnell Planetarium Building at the St. Louis Science Center. The Diversity Awareness Partnership was recognizing star St. Louis area students and their teachers for their commitment to diversity awareness as demonstrated by their completing or beginning the school pilot "Dont Laugh at Me" diversity training program. The students were the first youth to see more than 9,000 stars and other celestial objects as projected by the St. Louis Science Centers new $3.5 million projector. In addition, they were able to experience more than 100 interactive exhibits focusing on what it is like to live and work onboard a space station.

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Campaign Nurtures Children, Promoted Responsible Growth

By Dennis OBrien, Executive Director of KidzLink

The Mehlville School District is launching a Community Kindness Award campaign to make grownups more aware of how routine interaction positively affects children.

"Were hoping this Community Kindness Award will let adults know how powerfully they can influence children when they establish relationships and perform or ordinary human kindnesses, such as letting a child in who has lost his key after school," said Cindy Lynch, Mehlvilles assistant superintendent.

An essay contest will celebrate nonparent adults who are positive role models for children. Children in grades 4 12 will write about adults who have made them feel safe, successful and valued.

Winners will be selected from all district schools, private and public. The winners, their parents and the adults they celebrate will be recognized at a special awards ceremony at Hyland Behavioral Health at St. Anthonys Medical Center in St. Louis.

The campaign is supported by BJC Healthcare, Hyland, the St. Louis Rams and the Suburban Journals.

"The Rams are committed to community betterment, and the Community Kindness Award is a wonderful way to recognize and promote the healthy influence adults have on children," said Allison Collinger, executive director of the St. Louis Rams Foundation.

Copies of the essays will be sent to the people recognized by the children, so that the positive impact of their actions will be brought home to many more people.

"BJC is committed to preventive healthcare, and the Community Kindness Award exemplifies one of many ways we can support efforts to keep youth safe and healthy," school-health educator Lynne Lang said.

Research conducted by the Search Institute showed that children who have positive experiences with nonparental adults are less prone to indulge in highrisk behaviors, and much more likely to experience positive growth in their academic, social and personal lives.

The institute identified 40 powerful influences, or assets, on adolescent behavior. Statistical evidence showed that children who have fewer assets in their lives are prone to engage in sexual activity, drug and alcohol abuse, or violence, and to be less successful at school.

Children with more assets are much more likely to develop positive attitudes and behaviors, according to the research.

Because more than 60 percent of youth surveyed across the country had fewer than half the necessary assets to keep them safe and healthy, adults who are committed to building assets in youth are critically important.

Many of these 40 influences come from ordinary citizens.

Some positive influences on children include: caring neighbors; living in a community that values youth; feeling safe at home and in the neighborhood; having neighbors who take responsibility for monitoring young peoples behavior; and enjoying positive relations with three or more nonparent adults.

Providing jobs or getting them involved in community service are other ways adult asset builders nurture healthy young people.

"Its a process, not a quick fix," Lynch said. "Were hoping to develop assets steadily, one kindness at a time."

"Were looking to empower people who do simple, ordinary things by making them aware of the long-term impact they can have on children," she said.

The Community Kindness Award is making Mehlville students more aware of the many adults in the community who care about them, and helping thousands of adults become more aware of the good they can do for children in simple, caring gestures.

For more information, call Lynch at (314) 892-5000, or Lang at (314) 286-0504.

Posted with permission from the Suburban Journals.

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St. Louis 2004 Movement Celebrates Midway Milestone

2004 REPORTS PROGRESS OF REVITALIZATION EFFORTS, OUTLINES PLAYBOOK FOR MEETING 2004 DEADLINE

Thursday, February 15, 2001, St. Louis, Missouri

Six hundred kids have moved away from gangs into job training and educational programs.

More than 100 of the regions largest employers are participating in the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative.

Teens in Jennings now can go to a neighborhood teen center during non-school hours.

Ninety percent of youths are complying with their probation requirements up from 40 percent before Ceasefires Nightwatch program.

Missouris Hate Crimes Law now includes the categories of gender, physical ability and sexual orientation, and perpetrators can be sentenced to up to 10 years in prison for hate-motivated crimes.

A web site www.makeadifferencestlouis.org and hotline 1 866-ONE-CITY offer easy-to-use discussion guides and tips and information about organizations and events making progress for diversity.

Emerson Park and Forest Park Southeast residents are seeing dramatic improvements to their neighborhoods.

Twenty million dollars in new money is available every year in five Illinois and Missouri counties to preserve the regions rivers, parks and open spaces linking them to create a world class system of interconnected linear parks and trails.

A $17 million streetscape renovation will soon be underway Downtown along Washington Avenue; Famous Barr has invested $1 million in streetscape improvements including a new public plaza at 6^th and Olive; and the Laclede Gas Buildings $2 million renovation is underway.

These are just a handful of the tangible successes of St. Louis 2004s 13 Action Plan Initiatives.

At an event today at Rams Park, nearly 1,000 St. Louis-area citizens who developed and are leading implementation of St. Louis 2004s Initiatives, elected officials and community leaders from around the region gathered together to celebrate the midway point of 2004s seven-year effort to make St. Louis a leading region in the 21^st century.

Things are happening. There is a new Spirit of St. Louis. There is new optimism, said former U.S. Senator and St. Louis 2004 Chair John C. Danforth during his remarks at the Midway Report Celebration.Proposition C for Parks and Trails, Downtown Now!, Ceasefire, the diversity efforts and on and on these are great things.

Danforth reported the successes and setbacks of 2004s Initiatives.

We have not had a regional revival. But we are having one - and its only 2001, Danforth said.

Over the next three years, all of us must do more to turn ideas to action. We cant stand on the sidelines, Danforth continued. We must get into the game each one of us. St. Louis is not a spectator sport. I challenge you to double your efforts to improve our community.

In 1996 and 1997, St. Louis 2004 led with FOCUS St. Louis an unprecedented community outreach effort. First, thousands of citizens shared their vision for St. Louis at Think 2004 events. Nearly 1,500 citizens involved in St. Louis 2004 Action Teams and Task Forces created revitalization strategies. At more than 75 community forums, citizens reviewed and prioritized these revitalization strategies. In 1998, St. Louis 2004 announced the Action Plan.

St. Louis 2004 now has moved beyond priority-setting to action. Individuals, agencies, businesses and organizations are implementing the Action Plan.

St. Louis 2004 is a movement to bring about a renaissance in the St. Louis region, using the year 2004 as a deadline.

For more information, contact: Michelle Leith Cohen at 314/206-3223 (pager 314/538-9474) or Miranda Walker at 314/206-3240

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Grant Wistrom Hosts Pediatric Cancer Patients for a Weeklong Ski Trip

ST. LOUIS, February 26, 2001 - St. Louis Rams DE Grant Wistrom spent a week in Wisconsin hosting eight children from the SSM Cardinal Glennon Children's Hospital Costas Cancer Center. The group joined others from Wisconsin, Atlanta, and Tampa, who were hosted by Tampa Bay Buccaneers OT Jerry Wunsch.

The trip, which began on Valentine's Day, included a variety of activities from touring Lambeau Field, to arts and crafts, to a slew of outdoor winter sports like skiing, sleigh riding, and snowmobiling.

The adventure with the two NFL players was not only exciting and fun for the kids, but also gave them to opportunity to share their stories with other children who shared similar experiences. All involved had a wonderful time, and found it difficult to say goodbye at the end of the journey.

For more information, contact Allison Collinger, 314/516-8881.

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Heroes On and Off the Field

Winning Combination

By Paul Attner

Not only did KURT WARNER and MARSHALL FAULK torch defenses, roll up huge numbers and collect Super Bowl rings in 2000, they were shining lights off the field, too, with their stories of perseverance and benevolence.

Lord knows, we felt considerable responsibility to name the best possible distinguished athlete/shining citizen as the recipient of The Sporting News 2000 Sportsman of the Year award. This has been another in a series of tawdry years for sports, particularly on the pro level. Too many examples of reckless behavior, of criminal conduct, of financial arrogance, of gross immaturity, of scandal and utter disregard for the feelings of both fans and ownership. So we didnt think it enough to identify the mere superstar who seemed a suitable Sportsman. Name the sport-you can recite a bevy of standouts in each whose accomplishments make you marvel at how they possibly can be so good and still walk and talk like the rest of us.

No, we wanted more. We wanted athletic gods who also reflected another sort of uniqueness. We wanted meritorious character and intelligence and a sense of place and time; we wanted our Sportsman to be an example of great performance and admirable deportment, a dominant role model who is a positive influence rather than simply a shoe and apparel salesman.

To our relief, we found an abundance of worthy candidates, including baseballs Derek Jeter, Mike Piazza and Pedro Martinez, the NBAs Shaquille ONeal and the NFLs Peyton Manning. But there were two nominees so special, so talented, and so high-minded in both their in-uniform deeds and off-field endeavors that we felt it would be shortsighted to attempt to choose between the two. So we proudly present our co-recipients of the TSN 2000 Sportsman of the Year award: Rams teammates Kurt Warner and Marshall Faulk.

Not only are they the paramount reasons behind one of the greatest feel-good stories in years-the rise of the woeful St. Louis Rams from the pits of the NFL to Super Bowl champions-but they also are excellent examples of what perseverance, mixed with considerable talent, can reap. And, refreshingly, they have recognized their potential influence in the community by giving back some of their wealth-and by attempting to spread a message of hope and goodwill to anyone willing to listen.

That they have arrived at this point-arguably two of the top five players in the NFL and acknowledged leaders of one of the leagues elite teams-is a stunning accomplishment in itself, considering both faced substantial obstacles in their lives that could have ended any athletic dreams well short of fruition.

We both have great stories to tell, says Faulk. There are lots of reasons neither of us should be where we are today. But we are, and I know that both of us remain grateful for what happened to us. And I think we both want to make sure we show our appreciation by how we act and how we treat others.

It is remarkable how similar they are as players. They have a steely toughness, an ability to produce under pressure, a knack for making decisions quickly and correctly, a desire to be recognized among the truly best. Before they became starters with the team last season, the Rams were a franchise treading in mediocrity, void of a winning record for nine years, with little upside. But that was before Warner, who was so underappreciated by the Rams that he was exposed in the expansion draft to the Browns, became an unexpected starter and before Faulk, who had been obtained in an offseason trade with the Colts, blossomed into one of the best multi-dimensional backs in league history. They played so well that even though Warner eventually was named league MVP, it could be argued that Faulk instead should have won the award.

Together, their results have been stunning. Last season, with both starting every game, the Rams went 16-3 while creating all types of mayhem for defenses. Masterminded by Mike Martz, the teams new offensive coordinator who had, until then, been a relatively obscure assistant coach, the Rams shredded various defensive schemes, using the long pass to dominate a league that heavily emphasizes the controlled passing of the West Coast offense. These Rams were just so much fun to watch, so daring, so unflappable, so dangerous. And no one was more feared than Warner, the former Arena League star, and Faulk, whose talents had been buried amid all the losing his last two years in Indianapolis. Together, they demolished the teams record book and put a considerable dent into the NFLs. Few quarterbacks in league history had enjoyed a season like Warners; his accomplishments included 41 touchdown passes, 4,353 passing yards and a 109.2 passer rating. And no NFL back had ever equaled Faulks output of 2,429 combined receiving and rushing yards. Together, they helped the Rams to their first league title since 1951.

And their joint value was never more evident than last month, when injuries disrupted them and the team. Before Warner broke the pinkie finger on his throwing hand and Faulk injured a knee, the Rams again were better than anyone in the NFL - winners of six straight, fielding an offense on pace to become the most prolific ever. Then Warner and Faulk went down and St. Louis became much more humble. With one or both out of the lineup, the team lost four of six, including a 1-3 mark in November. Now, with both healthy again, the Rams may be regaining the kind of fearsome presence that once again would place them among the favorites to play in Super Bowl 35.

In the process, Warner has shown that last season was no fluke. If anything, he is better, says 49ers defensive coordinator Jim Mora Jr. You can see he is even more comfortable in what he is doing. And Faulk has proved to be even more formidable and more consistent as defenses debate whether to cover him with a linebacker or defensive back. Hes the best overall offensive player in the league, says Titans defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.

But they contribute more than talent. So much of the teams ongoing success stems from their leadership abilities. Watch Warner on the sideline; he is all fire and determination, stalking and talking. Faulks input is less demonstrative. His professional manner-no Ram prepares more thoroughly for a game-and his incredible confidence draw teammates to him, and he readily admits he will use a quick needle, if not blunt criticism, to motivate one of his peers. The Rams concede they had no idea Warner would ever be this good, but who did? Who could have imagined he would be this accurate, this consistent, this audacious? But they also underestimated Faulk. They knew they were acquiring a talented runner-receiver who already had four 1,000-yard rushing seasons. But they never realized the level of Faulks mental and physical strength-he was back on the field this fall two weeks after knee surgery-the positive effect of his locker-room charisma, and that his on-field versatility was so extreme. He is unquestionably the NFLs scariest receiving threat coming out of the backfield.

Its no surprise to me that they should be honored like this, says Rams president John Shaw. The huge turnaround we have had the last two years is a result of Kurt and Marshall and probably Mike Martz; they are the difference. And they stand for very high professionalism and high moral conduct and character.

Yet, in many ways, these two bold men are very dissimilar. One is white, married, from the Midwest-an outgoing, deeply religious, wide-eyed innocent whose too-good-to-be-true ascent to fame has left him still trying to figure out how to deal with the nuances and nuisances of his new life. The other is black, single, from the deep south-a private, moody, introverted, keep-them-at-arms-length, deep-thinking, wary veteran of the housing projects, a street-smart sophisticate who took years to adjust to the fame he first encountered during his three extraordinary seasons at San Diego State.

The way they view the world and the message they broadcast are shaped by these contrasting life experiences. Warner sees his time in the spotlight as an opportunity to spread the word of his Lord. Faulk seeks the spotlight only if he feels such exposure will ultimately benefit the inner-city kids who are the recipients of virtually all of his extensive charitable activities. I cant believe you can meet better people than Kurt and Marshall, says Martz. Youd think there might be a rivalry, considering they both are good and it is human nature to want as much fame for yourself as you can get. But if that is the case with these two, they hide it really well. There is a mutual admiration between them that is reflected in how they play with each other. Its so refreshing to see.

What makes Kurt Warner so appealing to all of us is the simple purity of his story. This was Mr. Everyman actually succeeding in the fantasy world of pro football. Here was a league MVP who not so long ago was a store clerk restocking shelves; an alumnus of the minor leagues of his trade-the Arena League, NFL Europe; a reject who was cut by the Packers and overlooked by the Browns in the expansion draft; a husband who joyfully married a single mom with two kids, including one with special needs; a minimum-wage guy with no pretensions, just a deep faith in his ability and a refusal to give up even when every sign indicated he needed to find another day job.

It was the type of tale that just doesnt happen anymore in our sports world, at least not to the magnitude of Warners success. At 28, despite having thrown only 11 passes in the NFL, he emerged as the best player in the league. And for good measure, he added MVP of Super Bowl 34 by throwing for a record 414 yards against Tennessee.

And what continues to make him so appealing is the way he has absorbed all this glory. He has been rewarded handsomely for his 1999 work-a seven-year, $46.35 million contract-and has collected other trinkets of todays fame: an autobiography, his own childrens book, his own cereal, growing endorsements. But he has lost none of that enthusiastic, aw-shucks personality that we so rarely see anymore from our stars. He spews energy and friendliness, with little of the selfish, spoiled aura that soils so many of his peers. He has expressed concern over the lack of privacy in his life, but hell eventually realize that is the trade-off for so much of the good fortune that has come his way.

Weve tried really hard to manage his time better, says Marci Moran, the Rams director of community relations who handles many of the off-field demands for Warners presence. And I think he has learned to say no better than last year. But he still is so upbeat and open-armed about everything. He sincerely enjoys what he does, and he relishes meeting fans and making them happy.

Thats because Warner sees his new-found prominence as a way to spread his Christian message. If he shut himself off, he has fumbled a chance to influence lives. I want people to look at me as a person off the field first, he says. I want that to be the brighter part of who I am, how I carry myself, what I believe in and stand for. I always hoped I would be in a position where I could make a difference in peoples lives. Now I am, and its neat to be in a situation where you know you can do whatever you want to do, and that people will bend over backwards to help you get involved. That allows you to pick and choose the things that are really important to you and give wholeheartedly to those things that really can make a difference.

For now, Warner has chosen to direct the bulk of his charitable efforts toward Camp Barnabas, a Christian summer home for special-needs children located in Purdy, Mo. Early in 1999, before he became a starter, Warner huddled with Moran to formulate ways for him to bring attention to Camp Barnabas, which his son, Zachary, attends. They were hoping he could raise maybe $10,000. By seasons end, he had turned over to the camp all monies he received from his awards, plus proceeds from his cereal, plus his own donations. The final sum was more than $350,000. The camp has begun a remodeling plan, building a new cafeteria, expanding sleeping quarters and upgrading the grounds. Warner now wants to start his own foundation and then his own Christian-based charitable programs.

Kurt is a bigger man than me, says Faulk bluntly. He can go into a crowd of people and deal with that, stuff I have a difficult time handling. He can shake hands and sign autographs, and sometimes I have a problem with that. Sometimes I can deal with it, sometimes I cant. I think it has to do with our experiences. When I first became a pro, I was doing great and then I got hurt, and fans stopped being fans, and I heard a lot of criticism. You remember that. I took it personal, although I now understand better that fans pay to see us play, and they are entitled to do and say what they want. He hasnt experienced some of that, and hopefully, he never will.

So that is why, in a large gathering, it would not be unusual to see Warner signing autographs until everyone is satisfied while Faulk is off to the side, spending time with some youngsters. Warner amazed Rams officials this past training camp when he would sign autographs after practice almost daily. Lets put that in context. It is rare that any player signs autographs in such quantity, and for a player of his caliber to do it so frequently, well, it restores your faith in athletes.

Faulk, too, has a message, but its aim and theme is much different. Within his own guarded world, though, he is just as emotional and driven as Warner. Marshall is a pretty unusual guy in todays sports, says Martz. With all the accolades thrown his way, it would be easy for him to get caught up in it. But he avoids it. But what a heart. He would get mad if everyone knew all the things he does for people. Hes much more introspective than Kurt; he has a more serious manner. But what a man he is.

Ironically, Faulk came to the Rams with a less-than-stellar reputation. Indeed, Moran was told by one member of the Colts organization that Faulk would be a cancer in his new home. He had been cast away by Indianapolis into what looked like NFL purgatory-You know thats what they thought, says Faulk-when management tired of his constant unhappiness over his contract. The Rams settled the contract issue by giving Faulk a new one after his brief training camp holdout in 1999. Faulk himself has taken care of the rest by growing up.

When I was younger in the NFL, I imagined being this good, he says. And when that didnt happen, I thought maybe I never would be. Back then, I was much more talented than I am now. But I felt if I didnt have the ball, it was not going to get done (by the team). Now, if I dont have the ball, there are some things I can do to make sure it can get done, like picking up a blitz or running a route to free a teammate. I have found out what it takes to be a complete player. Before, I had no concept of taking one for the team. It was all me-give me the ball, give me the ball.

And as his influence on the field has grown, so has his determination to make a difference in the community. Through his foundation, he is involved in a series of significant activities. There is the Rams 28 Club (thats his number), where inner-city kids in St. Louis receive awards for classroom and home success; Lift for Life, where inner-city kids receive weightlifting training and tutoring and are kept off the streets; Right Step, where needy kids, including some who stayed away from school because they lacked footwear, are given free athletic shoes. Before contract discussions with the Rams began, Faulk already had informed them of his desire to become active in the inner city. He then pledged $500,000 toward that goal.

Everything we do evolves around getting kids to go to school and away from gangs, says Faulk. We want to motivate them and tell them it is OK to dream, it is OK to look outside of your neighborhood at people who are successful. This is important because sometimes these kids have blinders on and have tunnel vision and can only see what is around them-the guys on the corner, the guys who are stealing, who are making the money. And it is like, to them, hey this is how you make money. No, that is not how you do it. Dont believe that.

These kids instead can look to Faulk, who was once one of them. Raised with five brothers in a New Orleans housing project, Faulk grew up amid poverty and crime, never daring to dream of life outside his environment. A couple of his older brothers served time; they warned him, You dont want to do this stuff. To this day, he has no idea why he listened to them, why he stayed out of trouble and concentrated instead on athletics, which gave him a way out of the dead end. Is it amazing? Is it smart? I dont know what to call it, he says. There is no rhyme or reason to why I chose to stay out of trouble. I just did.

And he makes sure the youngsters he visits see him in the proper light. I tell them, I was in the same situation as you and I made it. Theyll say, Really? You were? And I tell them I grew up in a small place with five brothers, and I saw everything on the streets that they see every day and look what happened to me. Every time they see me (on television), I want them to remember talking to me and using me as inspiration.

For us, both Warner and Faulk are inspirations. And worthy Sportsmen of the Year.

Senior writer Paul Attner covers the NFL for The Sporting News.

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Rams Score With Rams Family Cookbook

ST. LOUISThe World Champion St. Louis Rams have combined their cooking expertise and recipes to create the first ever Rams Family Cookbook. Just in time for the 2000 holiday season, the four-color, 200-page cookbook features a collection of recipe favorites and photographs of Rams players, coaches, staff and their families. Rams center and professional artist Steve Everitt designed the cookbook cover.

Whether the atmosphere calls for fine dining or meals-in-minutes, the Rams Family Cookbook has just the recipe for you. Georgias Divine Moist Cornbread, Warners MVP Mac & Cheese, and Holts Caribbean Red Stuffed Snapper are just a few of the recipes included to delight your palate.

For the perfect tailgate party the cookbook includes great grilling recipes like Bakers Babyback Ribs, Paces Charcoal Broiled Chicken and Proehls Flank Steak Marinade.

Committee co-chairs Jana Timmerman, wife of guard Adam Timmerman, and Julie Green, wife of quarterback Trent Green, organized the Rams wives to create this collection of recipes that will generate funds for area youth through the St. Louis Rams Foundation.

Beginning today, the Rams Family Cookbook can be purchased for $19.95 at all area Schnucks stores, or by calling 1/800-345-2868 or on-line at www.stlouisrams.com/proshop. Shipping and handling charges will apply for phone and Internet orders.

Sponsored by Laclede Gas Company, the cookbook features a variety of recipes perfect for the grill and food tips from the pros.

We are pleased to support the activities of the St. Louis Rams Foundation in their efforts to create opportunities to inspire positive change in area youth. We are proud to be a part of this project, and encourage our customers to include the cookbook on their holiday shopping list, said Rick Hargraves, director of corporate communications for Laclede Gas Company.

Color-Art, Inc. created the books design and provided partial underwriting for the printing costs.

All proceeds benefit youth through the St. Louis Rams Foundation. Formed in 1997 with a $1 million commitment by Rams owners Georgia Frontiere and Stan Kroenke, the Foundation builds partnerships with area organizations by providing financial contributions and in-kind support.

Bon Appetit!

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Barnes & Noble and the Anti-defamation League Announce the Unprecedented Campaign, Close the Book on Hate, Beginning In September 2000

A Joint Campaign to Break the Cycle of Prejudice through Education

Hate Hurts, the Campaigns Key Educational Resource,To Be Published by Scholastic

Barnes & Noble Stores Nationwide Will Hold Special Programs and Events with Community Leaders and Local Schools

NEW YORK, NY August 22, 2000 Barnes & Noble, Inc., the nations largest bookseller, and the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), a leading organization in the fight against racism, anti-Semitism and bigotry, are planning to announce an unprecedented joint effort, Close the Book on Hate. Beginning in September 2000, with national press conferences in New York, Atlanta and Los Angeles, the campaign will provide children and their parents, caregivers, teachers and civic leaders with resources and programs they need to help end prejudice and discrimination in America.

At the heart of the campaign is ADLs innovative new book, Hate Hurts, co-authored by Caryl Stern-LaRosa and Ellen Hofheimer Bettmann, and published by Scholastic Inc., the leading publisher of childrens books. Hate Hurts explores how to answer difficult questions frequently asked by young people, help caregivers comfort children who are the victims of hate, and offer assistance when working with those who are the perpetrators of intolerance. Hate Hurts will be available for sale at Barnes & Noble stores and on its Web site, Barnes & Noble.com (www.bn.com), as well as other retail and online bookstores.

Barnes & Noble stores across the country will dedicate a special table for works of fiction, non-fiction, photography and poetry that emphasize the importance of valuing diversity for both children and adults. While the goal of Close the Book on Hate is to gain respect for all types of difference, the campaign emphasizes fighting racism, anti-Semitism and homophobia. Barnes & Noble, in conjunction with ADLs 30 offices across the country, will also hold special in-store educational programs and events with community leaders and local schools. Barnes & Noble.com will prominently feature the campaign with links to ADLs (www.adl.org) Scholastics (www.scholastic.com) web sites.

Barnes & Noble and ADL are also producing a brochure: Close the Book on Hate: 101 Ways to Combat Prejudice, which features a recommended reading list of all the books included in the Close the Book on Hate campaign. These brochures will be given away free at all Barnes & Noble stores.

In addition to the events at every Barnes & Noble store, the campaign will concentrate on the following ten key markets in which both Barnes & Noble and ADL have a strong community presence:

Atlanta, Georgia	Los Angeles, California
Boston, Massachusetts	Miami, Florida
Chicago, Illinois	New York, New York
Denver, Colorado	Washington, D. C.
Houston, Texas	Westport, Connecticut

Prejudice is a vicious poison that affects all of us, particularly our children, said Leonard Riggio, chairman and chief executive officer of Barnes & Noble, Inc., and Abraham H. Foxman, ADL national director. The only cure is to replace ignorance with knowledge. If bigots can teach people to hate, Barnes & Noble and the Anti-Defamation League can teach them not to hate. That is what this campaign is all about.

Mr. Riggio and Mr. Foxman added that, through exposure to good books and discussion, children and their parents will better understand the richness and beauty of our multicultural society. Close the Book on Hate will raise awareness of the profoundly personal and social consequences of prejudice, while promoting respect at home, in schools, and in our communities.

Close the Book on Hate will officially kick off with three national press conferences. The first will take place in New York City on Monday, September 11; the second in Atlanta on Tuesday, September 12; and the third in Los Angeles on Thursday, September 14. All press conferences are scheduled for 10:00 a.m. and will be held in Barnes & Nobles flagship stores in each of these cities.

About Barnes & Noble, Inc.

Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) operates 551 Barnes & Noble and 379 B. Dalton bookstores, and, with its acquisition of Babbages Etc. and Funco, Inc., is the nations largest operator of video game and entertainment software stores. Barnes & Noble stores stock an authoritative selection of book titles and provide access to more than one million titles. They offer books from more than 50,000 publisher imprints with an emphasis on small, independent publishers and university presses. Barnes & Noble is one of the worlds largest booksellers on the World Wide Web www.bn.com, and the exclusive bookseller on America Online (Keyword: bn). Barnes & Noble.com has the largest standing inventory of any online bookseller. Barnes & Noble also publishes books under its own imprint for exclusive sale through its retail stores and Web site.

General financial information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained via the Internet by visiting the companys investor relations Web site: www.shareholder.com/bks/.

About the Anti-Defamation League

The Anti-Defamation League (ADL), founded in 1913, is the worlds leading organization fighting anti-Semitism through programs and services that counteract hatred, prejudice and bigotry. ADLs mission to stop the defamation of the Jewish people and secure justice and fair treatment to all citizens alike, is as valid today as it was to the Leagues founders. In classrooms, on campuses, in boardrooms and community rooms throughout America, ADLs educational outreach -- especially its A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE Institute programs -- teaches people of all ages, all religious and ethnic groups, and all walks of life to respect difference and value diversity. ADLs efforts to bring people together have been recognized by every American president since Harry Truman.

ADLs work in monitoring, exposing and combating extremists has been a vital resource for law enforcement, government, the media, and the American people. When hate strikes, ADL, through its 30 regional offices, responds to victims of hate crimes and to their communities. Forty-three states and the District of Columbia have enacted hate crimes legislation, many based on ADLs model legislation, which has been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. A staunch defender of the Constitution and its First Amendment freedoms, ADL works to maintain church-state separation and protect freedom of speech and religious expression.

ADL works to foster harmonious inter-group relations through a variety of ways. Many of the League's programs highlight both the memory and lessons of the Holocaust. Bearing Witness was designed for Catholic educators and the National Youth Leadership Mission brings hundreds of teens from around the country to the nation's capital to learn to apply the lessons of the Holocaust to today. ADLs Peer Training program empowers teens to work with their counterparts to overcome confrontation and develop respect and mutual interests.

ADLs Web site, www.adl.org, serves as a resource for educators, students, law enforcement, media, and others. The constantly updated site provides current and background information on extremists, anti-Semitism, racism, bigotry, terrorism, and hate on the Internet, as well as posting ADLs position on issues and anti-bias tools for people of all ages.

Posted with permission of the Anti-Defamation League, St. Louis Office.

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Dre Bly Teams with Mayor to Tackle HIV

St. Louis Mayor Clarence Harmon has enlisted the help of Rams cornerback Dre Bly to launch a campaign aimed at confronting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. The goal of this effort is to reach, test and direct people into optimal HIV care, including encouraging testing and partner notification for persons most at risk. The campaign, Tackling HIV Together, features posters of Harmon and Bly on bus shelters located throughout the St. Louis area. They are designed to educate the community at large about the AIDS disease and offer avenues of support. According to the data presented by the St. Louis HIV/STD Task Force, the dominant trend in the HIV epidemic shows increasing infection rates among African American men and women. The fact that Dre is part of this effort when neither he nor anyone close to him is directly affected by this horrible disease is admirable, said Harmon. We need more people to do the same and break the silence.

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St. Louis Rams: Committed to the Area Through Community Outreach Team

One of the goals of the Rams, and my personal goal, has always been the education and well-being of all our children. Through our Foundation and continued community involvement, we will strive to provide opportunities for youth so they may make their dreams a reality.

- Georgia Frontiere

Majority owner and chairman, St. Louis Rams

The St. Louis Rams Foundation and Rams Community Relations Department work together to comprise the Rams Community Outreach Team. The Community Relations Department encourages and organizes the involvement of Rams personnel in the community via programs and player initiatives while the Rams Foundation awards grants on a biannual basis to community youth organizations with a focus on education/literacy, health and recreation. In an effort to create partnerships that extend beyond monetary assistance, the departments work together to integrate Rams players and staff with grant recipients.

The close working relationship between the Foundation and Community Relations make possible creative partnerships between the St. Louis Rams and St. Louis area organizations. This team collaborates with area organizations to leverage resources, build awareness and serve as a catalyst for change. Rams players, management, staff and cheerleaders are active in many of the areas youth-serving organizations. Highlights of the Rams Community Outreach Team initiatives include:

Programs

Community First

Each year, the St. Louis Rams and Rams Foundation issue a challenge to youth organizations throughout the St. Louis area to earn a seat at a Rams regular season home game by putting the community first. This program, which awards tickets for community projects, has generated more than 70,000 hours of community service since its inception in 1998. Each participant has the chance to walk on the sideline of the Trans World Dome prior to kickoff and receives a complimentary T-shirt and coupons for food and refreshments during the game.

Get Into the Game Program

This program, coordinated by the Cooperating School Districts (CSD) which represents more than 250,000 area students, promotes positive character development and decision-making among area youth by utilizing Rams players and cheerleaders as positive role models. Keying on buzz words like Respect, Responsibility and Perseverance, the video, produced by KMOV Channel 4, and the curriculum, funded by the Rams Foundation, serve as valuable tools for teachers and parents in encouraging todays youth to fulfill their dreams.

Youth Football

Youth football, and flag football in particular, makes up the majority of the Foundations recreation grants. From funds to purchase a new score board to flags and mouth guards, the Rams Foundation is committed to inspiring positive change in area youth by teaching the value of teamwork, sportsmanship, and healthy competition. Two current noteworthy programs are:

St. Louis Public Schools

In 1998, the Rams Foundation initiated a partnership with the St. Louis Public Schools to implement a year long flag football curriculum in one-third of their elementary, middle and high schools. Funds were provided for the purchase of flag football equipment and uniforms.

Promoting the idea that physical fitness is both worthwhile and fun, the partnership also included a Physical Education Teacher of the Month award as well as a PE teacher in-service session featuring the Rams head trainer. The program culminated with championship games, at each grade level, played on the practice fields at Rams Park. This year the program encompasses all of the St. Louis Public Schools.

As part of the grant, the Foundation convened a group of area public relations and marketing professionals to assist in brainstorming collaborative programs and additional resources for the district. This group catalyzed the creation of the Right Step, an emergency shoe program, and linked Rams standout Marshall Faulk as a major contributor.

CHAMP

A unique collaboration of more than twenty childrens homes serving at-risk youth who are in emergency placement, residential and day treatment programs, CHAMP (Childrens Home Activities Meet Program) organizes seasonal sports activities that allows children living in these homes to improve social skills, increase self-confidence and develop athletic abilities. With assistance from the Foundation and the NFL Flag program, flag football has been added to their sports curriculum. In addition to providing equipment, the grant provides for a special year-end banquet. This fall a clinic was held at Rams Park for all participants.

Rams 28 Club

Rams running back Marshall Faulk, the Rams and the Rams Foundation have teamed up to form a special club for urban kids. The Rams 28 Club is an incentive-based program for children living in public housing which encourages and rewards them for positive choices in life with specific emphasis on attitude, education and community service. Using a giant football field board to monitor progress, members gain yardage with positive behavior at home and school and earn incentives along the way. The program was piloted in 1999 in the Cochran Community Center, just north of the Trans World Dome, and the Christian Activity Center in East St. Louis, Illinois. This fall, it was expanded to include Beyond Housing in the Castlepoint neighborhood of St. Louis County and the Jackie Joyner Kersee Boys and Girls Club in East St. Louis.

Rams Reader Team

The Rams Reader Team began in 1996 as a collaborative effort of the Rams and KSD Radio to use the influence that professional athletes have on children to increase their excitement about reading. During the 1999 season, children in grades K-8 tackled reading by visiting their public library and choosing books from a RAMtastic reading list suggested by members of the St. Louis Rams and team owner Georgia Frontiere. After reading a book and turning in a completed scorecard to their librarians, kids received a poster of Rams Reader Team Captain Keith Lyle. Also, local volunteers have an opportunity to read selections from the list to students at Mrs. Frontieres former elementary school.

Future Executives

The Future Executive program is a collaborative program developed with Rams marketing sponsor Xerox of Mid America, the Rams marketing department, Rams Foundation and AAIM Management Association. This nine-month program is designed to provide thirty area high school students with the opportunity to gain a better understanding of daily business functions through skill-based seminars and visits to area companies. The students participate in monthly activities, keep a journal and participate in de-briefing sessions with their school advisors. The program also includes a kickoff luncheon and closing celebration at Rams Park, as well as tickets and recognition at a Rams home game.

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"Do Something" to Fight Racism, Speaker Implores 1,100 Attendees at Conference Here

In a keynote address to the first St. Louis Regional Conference on Racial Justice and Harmony, the head of the Missouri History Museum said firms must seek minorities for jobs and for contracts.

BY NORM PARISH

Of the Post-Dispatch

Robert Archibald remembers how blacks made up just about 5 percent of his staff when he started his job about a dozen years ago as president of the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park.

And museum contracts also were rarely awarded to minorities.

Today, the museum's staff is much more diverse. About a third of his 140 staffers are African-American, as are the recipients of the museum's purchases of goods, services and construction contracts.

"If you really want to challenge and undermine racism, then do something," Archibald told a crowd Friday attending the first St. Louis Regional Conference on Racial Justice and Harmony at America's Center downtown.

"We all have choices," he said. "We can do the right thing, we can do the wrong thing, we can do nothing. No one can escape responsibility by doing nothing. No matter which choice we make, we are accountable."

Archibald was the keynote lunch speaker at the day-long conference that was convened by Mayor Clearance Harman and the local National Conference for Community and Justice. More than 1,100 people attended the forum.

Harman said he was convinced the conference was needed after meeting with various groups that "didn't feel really empowered" in dealing with racial issues throughout the region.

The Rev. Martin J. Rafanan, executive director of the local NCCJ, said racial polarization was "central to what we have to face."

Past studies have shown that the St. Louis area is one of the most racially segregated metropolitan areas in the country, a problem shared with other Midwestern cities, including Chicago, Milwaukee and Cleveland. African-Americans in St. Louis, like blacks living in other American cities, typically have unemployment rates that are double those of whites.

At Friday's conference, a wide range of workshops were held, including issues dealing with criminal justice, employment, public safety, housing and the media.

At the end of the conference, companies including Bank of America and the Post-Dispatch presented their goals or initiatives associated with diversity. Various organizations and institutions, such as the Missouri Historical Museum, also presented goals. A year from now, the groups and companies will report on how they did in reaching their goals.

Possible solutions to address race-related problems were also offered during workshops.

During the Social Action/Civil Disobedience presentation, panelists offered a wide range of solutions to fight racism, such as joining organizations that deal with such issues, forming coalitions and developing political education.

"We still have 'to remove profit from racism," said longtime activist Percy Green. "If we can remove the profit from it, it will cease to exist."

During his luncheon speech, Archibald said "a fair process brings in fair results."

"Quotas do not work if you do not have the process right," Archibald said. "You fail to meet them and then hear excuses like this: There were no African-Americans in the pool of job applicants. Nor qualified minority firms submitted bids. We tried and it is not our fault.

"There are no excuses. If you fail, it is because you were not committed in the first place."

Archibald said he requires a final applicant pool of three people, including one black applicant.

He also requires three bids for every purchase made for more than $500, as well construction contracts. One of the three bidders must be African-American.

To encourage black bidders, he sometimes cuts construction jobs into pieces so small businesses can handle the work.

Posted with permission from Postnet.com

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What if There Was a War and Nobody Wanted to Talk About It?

TOOLS FOR TALK:

A Resource for Creating Post 9-11 Dialogue

Sponsored by The National Conference for Communty and Justice St. Louis Region

In Celebration of the Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.

"This is a day which demands new thinking and the re-evaluation of old concepts."

-Martin Luther King, Jr., 1967

LET'S GET ST. LOUIS TALKING...

THE NATIONAL CONFERENCE FOR COMMUNITY AND JUSTICE INVITES YOU TO ATTEND A COST-FREE POST 9-11 DIALOGUE FACILITATOR TRAINING SESSION

ACT in celebration of the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and gain skills and materials you can use to provide others with a chance to share their voices at this crucial time in our nation.

WHEN:

Thursday, January 17, 2001

7:00 p.m - 9:00 p.m.

WHERE:

United Way Office

Gateway Room, Fifth Floor

1111 Olive Street

St. Louis, MO 63101

HOW:

For more information or to reserve a space, please contact Jason Purnell, United Way Director of Community Engagement, at 314-539-4055 or purnellj@mailstl.unitedway.org

"Every step towards the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals."

-Martin Luther King, Jr., 1958

WHY POST 9-11 DIALOGUE?

As concerned citizens of a democracy facing an indefinite state of "war," potential threats to our civil liberties, an increase in hate crimes and fundamental changes in our daily lives, it is important that everyone has an opportunity to share their voice and to hear the voices of others.

By organizing and participating in dialogue groups that allow ideas to be exchanged, we are able to create the "new thinking" demanded of us by our changing American lives and our world.

WHAT ARE POSSIBLE OUTCOMES OF ORGANIZING POST 9-11 DIALOGUE?

By organizing dialogue groups, you provide individuals with:

An opportunity to talk about the 9-11 attacks and the impact on our daily lives.

An opportunity for exploring the meaning of civil bonds.

An opportunity to discover ways to promote allyship with immigrants who have been targets of hate crimes.

An opportunity to explore a wide range of views on our country's response to the attacks.

An opportunity to explore what the threat of future attacks means for our nation and our region and our own personal lives and freedoms.

An opportunity to explore potential contributing factors to the attack from a global perspective.

An opportunity to devise an action or response plan in St. Louis on a group or individual basis.

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INTRODUCING Y.A.H.A.V.

Youth Against Hatred And Violence

HATE HAS NO HOME HERE

The problem: a growing threat by white supremacists promoting hatred and violence, spreading racist, anit-Semitic, and homophobic ideology encouraging violent acts, recruiting alienated youth with white rap hate music, magazines, Internet.

The YAHAV MissionStatement: Our purpose is to raise awareness, educate, and empower youth to non-violently and effectively respond to hatred and violence in our society.

YAHAV invites: Youth leaders and advisers of churches, synagogues, faith groups, campus ministers, student leaders, school counselors, teachers, concerned community leaders, clergy.

WORKSHOP

Saturday, May 5, 2001 - 8:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
1st Congregational United Church of Christ
6501 Wydown Blvd

Presentations made by leaders of organizations experienced in fighting bias, bigotry, and racism:
How do you organize and teach youth groups to counter hate-violence messages?

Presentations by Center for New Community of Chicago

Update white supremacists use of music and Internet, "Turn Down the Sound of Hate"; creating space for joint efforts to protect diversity.

Institute for Peace and Justice

Challenging youth, families, schools to follow a pledge of non-violence and training youth to share this with others.

Anti-Defamation League

Programs to assist goals for inter-group understanding, diversity, next step planning, for schools and community groups.

National Conference for Community and Justice

Human relations programs to promote understanding, respect, conflict resolution leadership training in strategies for change, Anytown Program for Youth.

Spread the message HATE HAS NO HOME HERE

A project for the Interfaith Alliance of Greater St. Louis.

For Information call 314-721-6750 or 314-968-9513

Workshop Registration: Adults $10 Students $8 (Buffet lunch included)

Send with check to - Y.A.H.A.V. 438 N. Skinker Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63130

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Bank of America and NCCJ Team Up to Develop A New Training Process

Multicultural Organizational Development Institute:

Strengthening Regional Leadership To Build Racial Justice and Inclusion

The St. Louis Region of NCCJ, with support from Bank of America, will develop and implement a Multicultural Organizational Development Institute (MCOD). This awareness and skill-building training process will be available to graduates of the Dismantling Racism Institute and the Anytown Youth Leadership Institute. It will provide leaders with basic information and tools to understand the issues related to change processes in institutions.

Based on recent theory and practice in the field of multicultural organizational development, the institute will be guided by these key assumptions identified by Bailey Jackson and Rita Hardiman:

Oppression, manifested by racism, ethnocentrism, sexism, classism, heterosexism, ageism, ableism, and religious oppression are thoroughly institutionalized in public- and private-sector organizations in the U.S. Oppression is not an organizational aberration; it is systemic and entrenched.

Oppression in an organization cannot be addressed effectively by focusing only on changing the individuals in that organization. Individual development (i.e., consciousness raising, awareness, and skill development) is necessary but not sufficient to create meaningful change in an organization.

Striving to create multicultural organizations, by definition, requires that the organizations work on both eliminating social injustice and recognizing and valuing social diversity. Focusing exclusively on one or the other will be ineffective. Trying to create a multicultural organization by adopting a value-the-differences approach without confronting injustice in the organization is akin to trying to cure cancer solely by adopting sound nutritional practices.

MCOD asserts that optimal functioning of organizations cannot be achieved without addressing issues of oppression and maximizing the benefits of diversity.

Since the "fabric of privilege" in an organization cannot be addressed effectively by focusing on changing the individuals in that organization, change agents need to understand and learn to use multicultural organizational development strategies that are organization-wide and long-term, including the development of a support process to establish a level of readiness for organizational change, assessment strategies, the creation of change teams, engaging senior management in leading the change effort, and a self-renewing systems-change process.

The MCOD institute will empower leaders from all sectors of our community who are already engaged in working on change within their organizations. The institute will provide these leaders with additional knowledge and specific skills related to the multicultural organizational development process. Participants will learn about MCOD stages in organizations, various models of institutional change, assessment, types of interventions, and strategies for internal and external change. Institutes will be developed for specific sectors of the community, providing specific information on change processes in various sectors of the community. Initial sectors targeted for an MCOD institute in St. Louis will be economic, education/youth/emerging, and faith leadership.

The St. Louis Region of NCCJ, with the support from Bank of America, will engage a consulting team in our region to build a partnership with collaborative partners who have DR/Anytown participants in the first year and complete the design of the Multicultural Organizational Development Institute. The second year would be focused on the implementation of as many as three pilot institutes throughout the region. The institute will be designed and implemented as a sustainable part of the Region's Dismantling Racism process.

Note: The St. Louis Region of NCCJ is one of six NCCJ regions nationwide who are working with Bank of America as a result of the national research conducted by NCCJ and sponsored by Bank of America entitled, "Taking America's Pulse."

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Area Students Celebrate Completion of Give Respect - Get Respect Youth Program

The Diversity Awareness Partnership (DAP), along with sponsor Edward Jones, recently celebrated the successful completion of the 2003 - 2004 Give Respect - Get Respect Youth Program. The Give Respect - Get Respect Youth Program is a yearlong anti-bias program connecting 48 middle and high school students and their teachers from 24 public and private schools from throughout the bi-state region in an effort to address the increasing diversity in today's schools and encourage acceptance and respect among one another. In addition, 48 Edward Jones associates participated in the program, creating a link for the students between school and the workplace.

During the program the students:

Attended bi-monthly sessions at Edward Jones headquarters to learn the tools and knowledge necessary to become peer leaders within their schools and create a network between schools;

Designed a project that was implemented in their school that embodies the program goals with their teachers, advisors and Edward Jones mentors;

Were honored for thier participation and given the opportunity to socialize at a St. Louis Rams, Cardinals and Blues home game (all of which are DAP partners);

Participated in a culminating/wrap-up event that focused on how the Give Respect - Get Respect Youth Program impacted the students and celebrate their accomplishments; and

Through an essay contest, three high school participants received scholarships to attend the National Conference For Community and Justice's Anytown Youth Leadership Institute

The DAP has created a unique, comprehensive program that involves schools from throughout the entire St. Louis region. Edward Jones, having inclusion as a core principle, recognized the value that this program could bring to the community and the valuable role that their associates could play in a mentoring capacity to the students and has stepped forward to sponsor the program.

Participating schools included:

Alton High School
Belleville West Junior High
Belleville Central Junior High School
Brittany Woods Middle School (University City)
Central Visual and Performing Arts High School
Chesterfield Day School
Clayton High School
Cleveland NJROTC
Fox High School
Fox Junior High School
Holy Family School (City of St. Louis)
John Burroughs High School
Ladue Horton Watkins High School
Lindbergh High School
McCluer South - Berkeley Sr. High School
Normandy High School
O'Fallon Township High School
Parkway Central Middle School
Parkway North High School
Parkway Northeast Middle School
Rockwood Summit High School
SIUE East St. Louis Charter School
St. Bridget of Kildare (Pacific, MO)
Wentzville Holt High School

For more information on the Give Respect - Get Respect Youth Program, please contact the Diversity Awareness Partnership at 314/436-7628

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KMOV Spot Featuring Diversity Awareness Partnership Finalist for Major Media Award

KMOV Channel 4 has been chosen as a finalist for a PROMAX&BDA North American Award in the Public Service Announcement category for the Diversity Awareness Partnership spot that was created last year featuring local students from Vashon and Kirkwood High Schools.

Final judging is nearing completion and the winners will be honored at the 2004 PROMAX&BDA Award Show in June. PROMAX&BDA are the world's foremost organizations working on behalf of those involved in the promotion, marketing, and design of all electronic media. PROMAX&BDA represent more than 4,200 member companies and individuals in over 60 countries.

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Give Respect - Get Respect Youth Program Participants Attend Cardinals Game

Nearly 100 participants of the Diversity Awareness Partnership's (DAP) Give Respect - Get Respect Youth Program were hosted by the St. Louis Cardinals at a recent home game, Sunday, April 18 against the Colorado Rockies. While the outcome of the game was an 8-5 loss to the Rockies, students, teachers and Edward Jones mentors alike enjoyed the opportunity to socialize outside the classroom. Participants of the 2003-2004 program will join together once more on May 5 to celebrate the successful completion of the second year of the program.

The Give Respect - Get Respect Youth Program, sponsored by Edward Jones, is a year-long, anti-bias program connecting middle and high school students and their teachers from 24 schools throughout the St. Louis region in an effort to address the increasing diversity in today's schools and encourage acceptance and respect among one another. Edward Jones, having inclusion as a core principle, recognized the value that this program could bring to the community and the valuable role that their associates could play in a mentoring capacity to the students and has stepped forward to sponsor the program. Throughout the program, students and mentors were honored for their participation and given the opportunity to socialize at a St. Louis Rams, Cardinals and Blues home game (all of which are DAP partners).

For more information on the Give Respect - Get Respect Youth Program, call 314/436-7628.

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DAP to Receive 2004 Brotherhood Sisterhood Award

The Diversity Awareness Partnership is honored to have been chosen as one of three recipients of the National Conference for Community and Justice's (NCCJ) 2004 Brotherhood Sisterhood Award. The theme for the 59th Brotherhood Sisterhood Awards Dinner, to be held Wednesday, June 2, 2004, in the Grand Ballroom of America's Center is "Uniting to Complete America's Unfinished Business." NCCJ is honoring local collaborative initiatives that are dedicated to making our region a more inclusive place. For more information on the event, please call NCCJ at 314/241-5103.

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St. Louisans from throughout our region Walked As One inside the Edward Jones Dome

St. Louisans from throughout our region gathered at the Edward Jones Dome on November 8 for the 2003 Walk As One to celebrate the value that diversity plays in our community.

The Diversity Awareness Partnership teamed up with the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ), the St. Louis Rams, KMOV Channel 4 and KMOX for this year's Walk which featured an exciting array of multicultural entertainment for families and people of all ages. In addition to local celebrity charis, Carol Daniel from KMOX and Lisa Manzo from KMOV, Walk co-chairs St. Louis Fire Chief Sherman George and St. Louis Police Chief Joe Mokwa, Walked as One with the participants from across our region who came together to make a difference. Walkers who raised or donated additional money earned the unique opportunity to walk on the field of the NFL St. Louis Rams.

"It's encouraging to see how many people joined together to celebrate the importance of an inclusive community," said Martin Rafanan, executive directory of the NCCJ. "This was a real testament to the number of people who see the value of promoting diversity in the St. Louis region."

All proceeds from Walk As One go to support Diversity Awareness Partnership and NCCJ programs which foster inclusiveness and empower our youth to become strong leaders for our community. To learn more about NCCJ programs, check out www.nccjstl.org.

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