National Parents' Day

From: Belinda Rollins National Parents Day Coalition Fax: 202 887 6109 Voice: 202 530 0849 To: Belsy Myers at: White House Page 1 of 1 Monday, June 08, 1998 8:21:20 AM National Parents' Day Coalition PYI FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Date: June 8, 1998 Audney Contact: Belinda Rollins (202) 530-0849, Fax: (202) 887-6109 Nation to Observe National Parents' Day in July Washington, DC-Sunday, July 26, is National Parents' Day. It is a day designated to "recognize, uplift and support the valuable role of parents in the rearing of their children." Parents' Day was signed into law by President Clinton in 1994 after unanimous passage in the House and the Senate. Public Law 103-362 encourages "all private citizens, organizations, and governmental and legislative bodies at the local, State, and Federal level to recognize Parents Day through proclamations, activities, and educational efforts." The Power of Parents To Make A Difference" is the theme of this year's observance. "While honoring parents, we also want to empower them. Parents play a vital role in the lives of their children. They influence them even before birth. Parents offer love, support, compassion and understanding. Children emulate their parents as they mature into adulthood, therefore it is important that we help parents by providing them with the best information, support and parenting skills." says Suzanne Begin, Chairperson of the National Advisory Board to The National Parents' Day Coalition (NPDC), a not-for-profit association for parenting professionals and organizations. The Coalition has coordinated the national observance for the past four years and assists more than 74 local coordinators and organizers across the country. They host a national observance in Washington, D.C. each year. This year's activities will take place at the Capital Children's Museum, 800 Third Street, NE, Sunday, July 26, 1998, 10am-6:00pm. The Museum fosters children's love of learning by encouraging exploration, creativity, imagination and discovery. "It is the perfect place for the observance of National Parents' Day," says the Honorable Walter E. Fauntroy, one of the National Chairpersons of the Coalition and key supporter of the Parents' Day Bill. "It encourages parental involvement in the education of their children and supports the parent involvement initiatives of the Coalition." The tribute to parents at the museum is sponsored in conjunction with WJLA-TV, The Partnership for Family Involvement in Education, Hand in Hand-- a Mattel Foundation Initiative, The Parent Guide, and Family Connections, a publication especially for parents of preschool children. For more information about national or local activities or to register your event contact the National Parents' Day Coalition at (202) 530-0849. ###