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THE NATIONAL CAMPAIGN TO REDUCE TEENAGE PREGNANCY Summary Mission: To reduce teenage pregnancy by supporting values and stimulating actions that are consistent with a pregnancy-free adolescence. Goal: To reduce the leenage pregnancy rate by one-third by the year 2005. What the Campaign will do: take a clear stand against teenage pregnancy and attract the interest of more national leaders and organizations in this issue; enlist the help of the media to reduce teen pregnancy; support and stimulate state and local action to reduce teen pregnancy; foster a national discussion about how religion, culture, and public values influence both teen pregnancy and responses to it; and strengthen the knowledge base for effective programming Organization and leadership: This is a totally private (nongovernmental) and nonpartisan effort. It will be led by a distinguished Board, have four task forces as its working arms, and a small staff. A new 501(c)(3) organization is being established and funding sought to accomplish its objectives. An initial group of distinguished leaders from many different sectors has already agreed to serve on the Board. The Board will be chaired by one of these private sector leaders. Origins and history: The initiative was stimulated by President Clinton's challenge issued in his 1995 State of the Union address that "parents and leaders all across the country join together in a national campaign against teen pregnancy to make a difference." A follow-up meeting was held at the White House with a group of private citizens in October to discuss what might be done. Following that meeting, a serious private-sector planning effort was initiated around the ideas generated at the meeting. In his 1996 State of the Union address, the President once more talked about the seriousness of the issue and mentioned the current private-sector initiative as one very positive response. Current status: A detailed prospectus is now being reviewed by Board members. They will hold their first meeting toward the end of February. Once the plans have been approved by the Board, the Campaign will begin the process of establishing a new organization, hiring a staff, and working with others to achieve its objectives. For further information: Because the Campaign is not yet operational, it is not in a position to respond to numerous inquiries. However, if you would like to get on the mailing list of the new organization, or if you have other questions, please write to Ms. Marti Easton, c/o the Urban Institute, 2100 M Street, N.W., Suite 500, Washington, D.C. 20037.