Contacts:

Adina Ellis, NFL, (212) 450-2435 or adina.ellis@nfl.com

Monty Fakhouri, Arab-American & Chaldean Council, (248) 559-1990; (586) 381-1147 -- cell

Linda Lee, Mayor’s Time, (313) 965-4135; (248) 842-0208 – cell

NFL JOINS THE ARAB-AMERICAN & CHALDEAN COUNCIL AND OTHER LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS TO LEAD LOCAL CHILDREN IN DAY OF

CULTURAL AWARENESS AND UNDERSTANDING

DETROIT, Jan. XX26, 2006 – More than 200 school children from metropolitan Detroit will be immersed in, “One World.One Detroit,” a one day cultural diversity fair culminating more than three months of study and field trips focused on ethnic culture and Detroit historical experience. The event will be held on Saturday, January 28 from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the new Boll Family YMCA.

The half-day trips were designed to reinforce messages learned through the NFL/Scholastic One World: Connecting Communities, Cultures and Classrooms program and provided students an opportunity to explore the achievements and contributions of the diverse ethnic make-up of the Detroit region.

The intensive 10-lesson plan One World: Connecting Communities, Cultures and Classrooms program is being used with several thousand students age 12-18 during after-school programs. Out of those students, 120 were selected to participate in four-hour field trips to the African American Museum, Arab American Museum and Cultural Center and Detroit Historical Museum in October, November and December. These cultural visits expanded on themes explored in the One World program and included lunches of ethnic cuisine.

“Exploring and understanding the similarities and differences of diverse cultures are critical to the development of future leaders,” said Monty Fakhouri, Arab-American & Chaldean Council.

On Jan. 28, an additional 120 youth have been invited to participate in a comprehensive and interactive day at the Boll Family YMCA in downtown Detroit. Workshops will explore such areas as dance and music styles of different cultures; challenges faced by those with physical impairments demonstrated by playing basketball in wheelchairs; and creative resolutions of sensitive issues as explored through scenarios. A town hall meeting will review themes and lessons learned and offer an opportunity for questions and answers.

After-school provider organizations participating in the “One World.One Detroit” interactive youth cultural sensitivity/understanding project, presented by the NFL Super Bowl Multicultural Outreach program include the Arab-American & Chaldean Council, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southeastern Michigan, Generation of Promise, Ready 2 Read, Think Detroit PAL, YMCA of Metro-Detroit, YWCA, and Youth On the Edge…of Greatness.

Also involved in the program are Eastern Michigan University and Mayor’s Time, an independent agency which brings organizations together for the benefit of expanding after-school opportunities.

The “One World.One Detroit” cultural diversity fair will begin at 9:30 a.m. The Boll Family YMCA is located at 1401 Broadway in downtown Detroit.

As part of the NFL’s Super Bowl multicultural and community investment, the NFL works with local organizations to develop programs focusing on the education, advancement and leadership of both racial and gender minorities in the host city. This year’s roster will boast a list of youth, business, health, leadership, and cultural events and activities.

Arab-American & Chaldean Council provides a broad spectrum of health and human services specifically tailored for this ethnic and minority population, including outcome-based youth after-school and summer programs. Contact: Monty Fakhouri, (248) 559-1990

YWCA of Metropolitan Detroit is dedicated to eliminating racism and empowering women. Contact: Emma Peterson, (313) 259-9922

Youth on Edge…of Greatness, Inc. seeks to empower middle school youth to reach their full potential by enhancing their academic achievement, preventing their involvement with alcohol, tobacco and other drugs while encouraging parents to play an active role in their children's school life. Contact: Nanci Gibson, (313) 571-2800 x1119

The mission of the Generation of Promise program is to build a community of young leaders who celebrate diversity and are dedicated to the elimination of discrimination in metropolitan Detroit A small group of student participants is chosen annually from metropolitan high schools to engage in the program’s ten-month curriculum. Contact: Christine Ervin, (313) 494-4565

The YMCA of Metropolitan Detroit serves over 300,000 members across Southeast Michigan.  The YMCA’s mission is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build a healthy spirit, mind and body for all through its 15 branches, two camps and YMCA Service Learning Academy Charter School.  The YMCA believes in providing membership and program services to all those who desire to participate in the YMCA regardless of their ability to pay. Contact: Gina Peterson, (313) 267-5300

In partnership with community volunteers and the Detroit Police Department, Think Detroit PAL builds character in young people through athletic, academic, and leadership programs.  Think Detroit PAL is working to make Detroit a great place to be a kid and to raise a family. Contact: Dan Varner, (313) 833-1600

Ready 2 Read is a reading incentive program that is designed to encourage and motivate students by rewarding them for reading daily for 20 minutes at school and at home. Contact: Rhonda Tharpe,
EYEBOXNETWORK@comcast.net

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