A new youth-driven campaign aims to end bullying where it begins: with kids and the choices they make.

"I Choose" (www.WhatDoYouChoose.org), available free to schools and communities, asks children and teens to adopt and embrace one of five words representing powerful social concepts: friendship, kindness, respect, compassion, love. In teacher-guided discussions, they analyze the meaning of their word and then strive to use it in daily interactions. When confronted with a choice involving peer relationships, they're asked to choose their word to put into action.

A Lance Armstrong "Livestrong"-style bracelet imprinted with "I choose (their word)" serves as both a reminder and a message to others.

"'I Choose' was developed with the help of the youth community at Yoursphere.com (kids-only social networking site). We asked who they thought could end bullying and 98 percent of respondents said 'kids can,' " says Mary Kay Hoal, the website's founder and president. "When we asked about the choices they thought would be effective in helping them end bullying, they chose these five."

The education initiative is the first for Yoursphere's non-profit arm, The Yoursphere Media Foundation and Coalition for Internet Safety Education and Reform (FCISER).

"Bullying is a global issue and cyber-bullying is at an all-time high," says Hoal, an Internet safety expert. "Unfortunately, a lack of funding and awareness has left many schools and communities without a solid bullying education program."

School and community representatives can apply for a free Anti-Bullying Challenge Starter Kit at WhatDoYouChoose.org. They'll receive an information packet, poster ("Bullying is a choice") and the "I Choose" bracelets.

"After the initial implementation of the challenge, we tell teachers and youth group leaders to periodically follow up with their students to analyze the impact that the program is having in their life at school and at home", Hoal says. "Have the students noticed a shift in the school or classroom culture? Did they stand up for someone they normally wouldn't have? This follow-through can be very empowering because it not only reinforces the fact that their choices matter, but it proves to the students that they can have a real impact."

The need is made painfully clear at the whatdoyouchoose website, where students can share stories and videos about their own experiences with bullying.

Maddie, 15, remembers bullies starting to leave nasty notes in her locker and binder when she was in seventh grade. They called her "fat,""ugly,""worthless." It got worse the following year, she writes.

"I started to believe them. ... So I stopped eating, not completely but to the point where I would eat so little a day, I was very very light-headed and sick by the end of the school day. ...I started wearing more makeup than I already was wearing and I was just a mess," she writes.

"To try to forget about the hurt and pain those people caused me, I turned to cutting myself. Not a good idea. I never told my parents because they were in the middle of getting divorced."

Maddie's doing better now, she writes, but the experience taught her how intensely painful and isolating life is for the victims of bullies.

Adults and children who've already chosen their words also have a place to share on the site. Nine-year-old Gladys chose kindness.

"I choose Kindness because it's like Love. Love shows up when Kindness comes around. So Kindness is like niceness and Love merged together," she writes.

"It's also like Friendship. If you're kind, people want to be your friend, right? ... It's also like Respect. ... If you're showing Respect, that is a sign of Kindness. And last, it's Compassion. If you're helping others, isn't that showing Kindness? Friendship, Respect, Love, and Compassion, ALL started with Kindness."

It's that kind of critical thinking that helps children remember they have a choice - and that with their choices they have the power to change people, Hoal says.

"'I Choose' is an important reminder to children that their choices do matter," Hoal says. "We want them to stop, think and remember."

About Mary Kay Hoal

Mary Kay Hoal is a nationally recognized Internet safety expert who provides technology tools and tips for parents at www.YoursphereForParents.com. She's the founder and president of www.Yoursphere.com, a social network site for ages up to 17 and social media outlet for youth-oriented organizations. Yoursphere Media Foundation and Coalition for Internet Safety Education and Reform is the website's charity arm. The 'I Choose' Anti-Bullying Challenge is its first education initiative.

Next-generation Navy vessel to be named after Illinois

CHICAGO ­- June 22, 2012. Governor Pat Quinn today joined Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus at the anchor of USS Chicago on Navy Pier for the ship naming ceremony in honor of USS Illinois, one of the Navy's newest vessels. The first modern Navy vessel to be named after the state, USS Illinois will join the fleet in 2015.

"Illinois has a long history of commitment and support for our nation's Armed Forces," Governor Quinn said. "On behalf of the people of Illinois, it is a privilege to once again have a vessel named after our great state."

Part of the Navy's new Virginia-class fleet, USS Illinois is a next-generation attack submarine designed for deep ocean warfare as well as shallow water operations. This multimission nuclear-powered submarine has unique features that enhance its warfighting capabilities such as excellent shallow water handling, high-resolution cameras instead of periscopes to improve visibility and the ability to support special operations forces. The many innovations incorporated into USS Illinois and the entire Virginia-class fleet's design make them the most advanced submarines in the world.

"I chose to name this submarine in honor of the U.S. Navy's longstanding relationship with Illinois," Secretary Mabus said. "A special bond exists between a state and her namesake.  I am confident the people of the great state of Illinois will continue their strong support of our military through their relationship with the USS Illinois and all those who sail in her."

Illinois is home to the only Recruit Training Command in the country, Naval Station Great Lakes. Approximately 37,000 men and women complete the requirements to become Navy Sailors each year at Great Lakes.

One of Governor Quinn's top priorities throughout his career in public service has been the well-being of Illinois servicemembers and their families. Governor Quinn championed legislation creating the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund as Lieutenant Governor, which provides monetary grants to families of Illinois National Guard members and Illinois residents serving in the U.S. Armed Forces Reserve. Governor Quinn also launched Illinois' Welcome Home Heroes program, created to make homeownership more affordable for veterans, active military personnel, reservists and Illinois National Guard members.

To find out more about the programs and benefits Illinois offers veterans, current servicemembers and military families, please visit www.operationhomefront.org.

 

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Alliant has been recognized for efforts to hire returning veterans 

Washington, DC - On Monday, Rep. Bruce Braley (IA-01) will visit Alliant Energy's Cedar Rapids Operations Center to discuss veterans' job creation and the company's success hiring returning veterans.

Braley will tour the facility, discuss veterans hiring with company officials and employees, and hold a media availability.

Braley has made reducing the unemployment rate among veterans a key focus of his job creation efforts.  In 2011, Braley introduced the Combat Veterans Back to Work Act, a precursor to two bipartisan tax credits ultimately signed into law that provided incentives to businesses that hire veterans.  In October 2011, Braley hosted a field hearing in Waterloo focused on the unemployment rate among veterans.  And last month, Braley introduced the Veterans Jobs Corps Act, a program to put veterans back to work improving national parks and serving as police officers and firefighters.

Monday June 25, 2012

 

9:30am                 Braley Visits Alliant Energy's Cedar Rapids Operations Center

1001 Shaver Rd. NE

Cedar Rapids, Iowa

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Do you love gold? The "Gilding Arts" exhibit opens in Pontiac, Illinois, opens on Friday, June 29, 2011.  The Society of Gilders, in cooperation with the City of Pontiac, will open an exhibition space inside the Walldog Mural and Sign Art Museum on 217 Mill St, in the center of downtown Pontiac.

The Society of Gilders is an international organization of artisans who work with gold and metal leaf.  The Society's members' works include using gold on picture frames, architectural items, sculpture, signs, furniture, fine art and other media like jewelry, mirrors, decorative objects, and more. The Society teaches interested artists and craftspeople to work with gold or other metal leaf.  For centuries, it has been a carefully guarded technique.  The Society, through its members, brings the techniques to all.  Artisans work with everything from 23 karat gold, silver, copper, aluminum and various other mixtures of metals to produce glittering objects.

The exhibition space offers an introduction to gilding, a glimpse of the famed "Swift Collection," a brief tour through how gold and metal leaf is made, a primer on how to gild, and showcases everyday items that are brought to brilliant life with gold and metal leaf.  The "Swift Collection" is comprised of tools and work stations that were used during the late 1800s in the hand production of gold leaf.  In addition to the historical artifacts found in the new exhibit, there are gold leaf works for sale.

It is the goal of the Society of Gilders to open a larger, more complete Museum of the Gilding Arts in Pontiac, with expanded exhibits, as well as classrooms and other learning opportunities.

The new exhibit space will be hold its grand opening during the Pre-War Festival that is taking place in the downtown area Friday night,  June 29th, and all day Saturday, June 30th.  A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held on Friday, June 29 at 10 AM.  The public and press are invited to attend.

For more information about the Society of Gilders, visit www.societyofgilders.org

CHICAGO - As part of his strong commitment to Illinois service members and their families, Governor Pat Quinn will sign important legislation to support military spouses. Joining Governor Quinn for the signing will be First Lady Michelle Obama.

As governor of a state with three major military bases, Governor Quinn has made the well-being of Illinois' veterans, service members and military families a top priority. He has created programs making home ownership affordable for military families, and worked to help service members find jobs and successfully transition back into civilian life

As Lt. Governor, Quinn also championed and implemented the Illinois Military Family Relief Fund (IMFRF), which provides military families with monetary grants to help cover the costs of necessities such as food, housing and medical care when a family member has left civilian employment for active duty. Several states have modeled their military family assistance programs after the IMFRF.

The First Lady has toured the country and heard from many military spouses and active duty service members about the difficulties they have encountered while trying to transfer their professional licenses and certifications from one state to another. Through her Joining Forces initiative, the First Lady has advocated for the 100,000 military spouses who serve in professions requiring state licenses or certifications and are facing financial burdens trying to transfer these credentials.

WHEN: 2:15 p.m.

**Media will be required to arrive ahead of start time. More specific information regarding media access will be advised in advance.

WHERE: Illinois National Guard Armory

1910 South Calumet Avenue

Chicago, 60616



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Aurora students focus on affordability, job prospects

AURORA - June 22, 2012. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon said she supported keeping student loan rates affordable during a round table Friday with adult education and ESL students at Waubonsee Community College's new downtown Aurora campus.

Simon urged Congress to vote soon on a plan to keep interest rates from doubling July 1. The hike on federal subsidized loans to undergraduates would cost the average Illinois student more than $1,000.

"College isn't a luxury, it is a necessity that all of us should be able to afford," Simon said.  "Congress needs to take steps to keep rates down. The General Assembly needs to fund state education grants. And students need to do the hard work it takes to complete college and enter the workforce here in Illinois."

Simon serves as the Governor's point person on education reform. In her first year in office, she conducted a Complete College Tour of the state's 48 community colleges to promote college completion. She has advocated for strengthening the state's Monetary Award Program (MAP) grants so more low-income students can access higher education. And a bill she crafted to reduce remedial math needs at colleges and universities awaits the Governor's signature.

Simon visited Waubonsee's downtown Aurora campus in recognition of its first anniversary. Unlike the former campus on Stolp Island, the River Street campus enables students to complete certificates and degrees at the single downtown location.

As part of her tour Friday, Simon learned about a "bridge" program that allows students to earn a GED while also taking a health information technology prep course.  This course improves writing proficiency and introduces students to health terminology and the health information technology career. She also learned about Waubonsee's unique Health Care Interpreting and Legal Interpreting programs that prepare bilingual students for interpreting careers.

"Health care jobs are in-demand in our state, and we need to make every effort to help students graduate on time, in less debt and with a credential that connects to these good-paying jobs," Simon said.

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ROCK ISLAND, IL (06/22/2012)(readMedia)-- 831 students have been named to the Dean's List at Augustana College for the 2012 spring term. Students who have earned this academic honor have maintained a grade-point average of 3.5 or higher on a four-point scale for courses taken during the term.

From your area, students who have earned this honor include :

Sheila Ahuja from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in English and language arts education.

Anthony Ash from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in accounting and business administration-finance.

Jessica Bacon from Rock Island, Ill., a sophomore majoring in elementary education.

Angela Bahls from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders and psychology.

Samantha Bazely from Coal Valley, Ill., a junior majoring in communication studies.

Adam Bengfort from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in liberal studies.

Allison Brown from Milan, Ill., a junior majoring in English and language arts education.

Courtney Brown from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Ryan Brummet from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in mathematics, applied mathematics, and computer science.

Nicholas Cummins from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Zain Dada from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology.

Grace Drenth from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in psychology.

Tonnie Farwell from Rock Island, Ill., a junior majoring in accounting.

Kayla Ferguson from Orion, Ill., a senior majoring in creative writing.

Abby Fiedler from Orion, Ill., a senior majoring in mathematics education and mathematics.

Jillian Gibbs from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Shai Gonzales from Milan, Ill., a junior majoring in political science.

Thomas Harris from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology.

Darshan Hullon from Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Alexandra Jones from Sherrard, Ill., a junior majoring in biology.

Samantha Kammerman from Milan, Ill., a sophomore majoring in psychology.

Benjamin Knapper from Davenport, Iowa, a sophomore majoring in applied mathematics.

Manisha Kumar from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Anna Letendre from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-marketing and psychology.

Kelsey Lovaas from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in business administration-management and accounting.

Eryn Maccabee from East Moline, Ill., a junior majoring in English and Scandinavian studies.

Hannah Maloney from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in psychology and communication studies.

Conner Martinez from East Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in accounting.

Melissa Mc Greer from Illinois City, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Nathaniel McDowell from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in English, philosophy, and classics.

Samantha McGreer from Illinois City, Ill., a sophomore majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Timothy Murga from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in biology.

Leart Neziroski from East Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in biology and pre-medicine.

Jacob O'Rourke from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in accounting, economics, and business administration-finance.

Douglas Peters from Port Byron, Ill., a senior majoring in neuroscience and biology.

Richard Rector from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Lauren Reid from Sherrard, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-marketing and communication studies.

Amie Rogers from Rock Island, Ill., a senior majoring in art and theatre arts.

Anna Rusch from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in business administration-advising.

Lisa Schippers from East Moline, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Andrew Shearouse from Coal Valley, Ill., a junior majoring in business administration-advising.

Roman Shepard from Davenport, Iowa, a first year majoring in liberal studies.

Rosalie Starenko from Rock Island, Ill., a sophomore majoring in geography.

James Stratton from Sherrard, Ill., a sophomore majoring in multimedia journalism and mass communication.

Astrid Tello-Rodriguez from Milan, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology.

Emma Thompson from Port Byron, Ill., a junior majoring in Spanish and psychology.

Chelsea Vickerman from Silvis, Ill., a senior majoring in business administration-finance.

Kaleigh Wall from Eldridge, Iowa, a senior majoring in art.

Alexander Wenskunas from Davenport, Iowa, a senior majoring in political science.

Dalinda Widdop from Milan, Ill., a junior majoring in biology.

James Wiebler from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in biology.

Laurel Williams from Milan, Ill., a senior majoring in communication sciences and disorders.

Shelby Womack from Davenport, Iowa, a junior majoring in biology.

Jennifer Youngs from Taylor Ridge, Ill., a senior majoring in psychology and political science.

Alyssa Zwicker from Orion, Ill., a junior majoring in psychology and sociology.

Founded in 1860, Augustana College is a selective four-year residential college of the liberal arts and sciences. Augustana is recognized for the innovative program Augie Choice, which provides each student up to $2,000 to pursue a high-impact learning experience such as study abroad, an internship or research with a professor. Alumni include 139 Academic All-Americans, a Nobel laureate, 12 college presidents and other distinguished leaders. The college enrolls 2,500 students and is located along one of the world's most important waterways, the Mississippi River, in a community that reflects the diversity of the United States.

What: "Iowa:  Creating Communities for All Ages" Roundtable Forum hosted by GOVERNING magazine in cooperation with AARP

Where: Renaissance Des Moines Savery Hotel, 401 Locust St.

When: 11:45 am - 12:15 pm - Governor Terry Branstad presents proclamation and remarks

12:15 pm - 12:45 pm - Media Availability with:

Nancy LeaMond, AARP Executive Vice President

Paul Taylor, Editor, GOVERNING magazine

Jay Byers, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Des Moines Partnership

Background: As the fifth oldest state in the nation, Iowa, and Des Moines were selected by GOVERNING Magazine and AARP to host a roundtable discussion on planning for an aging population while improving life for residents of all ages.  Des Moines is one of four locations selected to convene thought-leaders in this future-focused discussion.  Recommendations from Iowa, as well as the other locations - Lansing, Mich., Philadelphia, Penn., and Sacramento, Calif., will be presented at a summary event this fall in Washington, D.C.

The Des Moines GOVERNING Roundtable is from 10 am to 2 pm on Wednesday, June 27th.  The session is open to media at 11:45 am to cover Gov. Branstad's remarks followed by a media availability with roundtable leaders.

More than 60 public and private sector leaders, community planners and policymakers from Central Iowa and across the state are attending the Iowa event to share visionary projects and take a deeper look at strategies to enable older residents to remain active and engaged in their communities for as long as possible.

DES MOINES - Organizing for America Iowa has opened an office in Muscatine County with Rep. Dave Loebsack. The Muscatine office is the 10th campaign office in Iowa. It follows the opening of the Mason City office, which took place last Wednesday.

The Obama campaign has been on the ground building a network of volunteers and reaching out to friends and neighbors in local communities about the progress President Obama has made to strengthen the economy for the long term and provide economic security to middle class families, while the Romney campaign's strategy is to bombard the airwaves with ads funded by billionaire-backed superPACs.

This election offers Iowans two drastically different campaign approaches and two fundamentally different visions of how to grow the economy, create middle-class jobs, and pay down the debt.  Governor Romney believes that if you take away regulations and cut taxes by trillions of dollars, the market will solve all our problems on its own.  While the President believes the economy grows not from the top down, but from the middle class up, and he has an economic plan to do that -- a plan that focuses on education, energy, innovation, infrastructure, and a tax code that creates American jobs and pays down our debt in a way that's balanced.

OFA Muscatine Office

1012 E. 9th St.

Muscatine, IA

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OELWEIN, Iowa - Shooting sports enthusiasts from across the upper Midwest will come together Sunday, Aug. 12 at Fayette County Conservation Club for the fifth annual Shootout Against Cancer.

Sporting Clays 2.jpg

The Shootout will feature a 100-target sporting clays course, lunch on the grounds, special shooting games, raffles and prizes -- all to raise funds for cancer research supported by the University of Iowa Foundation.

All the day's events will be held on the club's grounds at Oelwein. Cost for the sporting clays course and lunch is $50.

The Aug. 12 sporting clays shoot begins at 9 a.m. and is open to all. The course is designed for all levels of shooters from novices to veterans.

All participants will register on the club grounds the day of the shoot. Event organizers encourage shooters to register in three-person teams. Individual shooters can also register and be assigned to a team.

All teams must be registered, entered and on the field by 1 p.m.

The Fayette County Conservation Club extends a special invitation to people of all ages who are interested in learning about and taking part in the game of sporting clays.

The Fayette club grounds are located on the west edge of Oelwein off County Highway C50 (West Charles Street).  On the day of the Shootout Against Cancer, signs will be posted with directions to the grounds and parking areas.

The annual Shootout against Cancer has raised thousands of dollars for cancer research. The 2011 Shootout drew 144 shooters and raised $7,810 for University of Iowa Foundation cancer research funding.

The 100-target sporting clays course will be designed and set up by sporting clays range designers Targets On The Move. The course will offer a variety of targets and will be fun for both veteran and novice shooters said Hugh Curtis, Fayette County Conservation Club member and organizer of the annual Shootout Against Cancer.

Raffle tickets for a Beretta A400 Xcel 12 gauge semi-automatic sporting clays target shotgun will also be available on the grounds for $10 each or three for $20.

"The Shootout Against Cancer is a fun event for shooters of all ages and ability levels," said Don Stohr, club member and Shootout organizer. "In addition to raising funds for the fight against cancer, this is also an opportunity to get more people involved in the shooting sports."

For more information, contact Stohr, telephone 319-283-0217.

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