American Conference on Diversity ’13 Diversity Stride Walk Raises Funds to Educate Change Agents!

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - May 21, 2013 - PRLog -- Inclement weather couldn’t keep the crowd of more than 100 committed corporate leaders, educators, administrators, students, and volunteers from participating in the 2013 Diversity Stride Walk-a-Thon titled “Pace Yourself for Change” on May 19. Individuals and teams of walkers, donning plastic ponchos and holding umbrellas, marched passed the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island at Liberty State Park, NJ, to support our work with schools throughout New Jersey. These programs are designed to promote community unity and ensure respect for people of all races, faiths, ethnicities, sexual identities/expressions, and ages.

“You are our diversity champions of the day and bring us sunshine,” said Elizabeth Williams-Riley, President and CEO of the American Conference on Diversity, during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “Not only is it our annual walk today, but it’s our 65th anniversary. We continue each and every year to work together to educate tomorrow’s leaders.”

New Jersey: It’s not too late to “Pace Yourself for Change!” Join the American Conference on Diversity and make a donation to end bullying and discrimination. Go to http://americanconferenceondiversity.org today!

A special thanks to New Jersey City University (NJCU), the top college for participation in this year’s event, as well as Dickinson High School and Berkeley College for their continued support. We would also like to thank the nearly 30 dedicated volunteers from Bank of America, Provident Bank, and NJCU for their tireless efforts. In addition, generous support from the following corporate sponsors helped make the 2013 Diversity Stride Walk-a-Thon a success: ADP, Atlantic Health System, Day Pitney LLP, Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Liberty House Restaurant & Catering, New Jersey Natural Gas, and PSEG.  

Proceeds from this year’s Walk-a-Thon, which have already exceeded $50,000 and are still being tallied, help train and prepare students throughout New Jersey to lead our increasingly diverse schools, workplaces, and communities. Our youth and collegiate programs engage middle, high school, and college students; focus on diversity awareness, anti-bullying, and social-justice issues; promote leadership, communication, and facilitation skills; enhance civic responsibility and character development; teach communication and facilitation skills; develop human relations skills.

The following programs teach students to become change agents:

►Lead for Diversity is a year-long initiative beginning with a summer residential retreat experience. The program brings teams of students from high schools across New Jersey together. Students create Action Plans specific to their school district, which they implement throughout the school year.

►Manytown Human Relations Youth Forums are regional one-day programs, which provide the opportunity for students from diverse backgrounds to improve the climates in their schools and communities.

►School Swap brings together two demographically different schools so students can explore the disparities and similarities that exist among them. This program allows participants to experience a day in the life of their peers from different schools.

About the American Conference on Diversity

The programs, services, and initiatives of the American Conference on Diversity are among the most important work focused on creating a more inclusive society. It is the unfinished business of living in a highly diverse nation: educating and empowering our next generation of leaders; enhancing our workplaces; and helping to create inclusive communities. The American Conference on Diversity, which has been serving schools, organizations, workplaces, and communities in New Jersey since 1948, builds on a historic mission and creates programs and activities relevant and vital to 21st Century life. It is a journey we can all take together. The American Conference on Diversity operates eight chapters to help us to educate and empower leaders and bring our messages of inclusion and respect to communities throughout New Jersey: Atlantic County Chapter, Bayonne Chapter, Central Jersey Chapter, Essex County Chapter, Greater Bergen Chapter, Hudson County Chapter, Jersey Shore Chapter, and Mercer County Chapter. Visit www.AmericanConferenceonDiversity.org to learn more.

Contact:
Gail Zoppo
Media Relations Consultant
109 Church Street
New Brunswick, NJ 08901
gail@AmericanConferenceonDiversity.org
732-745-9330