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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 22.2005
Contact:
, Austin Public Library, (512) 974-7528
Fax: (512) 974-7442
Wired for Youth Centers@Austin Public Library Launch “Choose Respect” Campaign to Help Prevent Teen Dating Abuse
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(AUSTIN) – The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with several Austin community organizations, launched a pilot communications campaign in Austin aimed at reducing dating abuse among adolescents aged 11 to 14. The "Choose Respect" campaign encourages adolescents to develop positive, respectful relationship behaviors. The goal is two-fold – to prevent dating abuse and to help adolescents learn skills that will help them maintain healthy relationships throughout their lives.
Austin, one of two cities nationwide chosen by the CDC to pilot this program, has partnered with the Michael & Susan Dell Wired For Youth Centers of the Austin Public Library (technology learning centers). Several WFY Centers will host “Choose Respect” discussion groups for preteens and teens between the ages of 11 and 14. The programs will be moderated by facilitators from SafePlace and discussion topics will cover teen dating and healthy relationships.
The following Austin Public Library locations will host programs:
Program 1: Windsor Park Branch, 5833 Westminster Dr.
Monday, April 25; 5:30 p.m.- 6:00 p.m.
This program is intended for teen boys and girls ages 11-14.
For more information please call WFY Librarian Joanna Nigrelli at 928-0333.
Program 2: Ruiz Branch, 1600 Grove Blvd.
Tuesday, April 26; 6:00 p.m. - 6:30 p.m.
This program is intended for teen boys ages 11-14.
For more information, please call WFY Librarian Rachel Wilson at 974-7518.
Program 3: Carver Branch, 1161 Angelina
Thursday, April 28; 4:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
This program is intended for teen girls ages 11-14.
For more information please call WFY Librarian Michele Gorman at 974-1014.
In addition to the discussion groups all 10 WFY Centers are holding a “Choose Respect” music video contest. Youth ages 8 to 17 are invited to create a music video by playing the “CHOOSE RESPECT” game! For every question the kids answer correctly about dating abuse, they get two video clips to add to their video. The top winners with the most creative music video at each WFY Center will win a prize. Visit a WFY Center to find out how to enter this contest. For more information about these programs visit www.wiredforyouth.com or call 974-7400.
The pilot tests are expected to run through May. Following that, the CDC will examine how the campaigns were conducted and will then decide the best way to share these materials with communities interested in starting their own campaigns to help parents and teens learn about healthy dating behaviors.
Web Sites
CDC Injury Center: www.cdc.gov/injury
Choose Respect: www.chooserespect.org
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