ILLINOIS STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO COMPETE -- ILLINOIS STATEWIDE WRITING COMPETITION

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

CONTACT:  

JOHN D. EVANS - Illinois (USA) Regional Coordinator, 2010 International Men's Day
Telephone: 708/383-1264
Cell Phone: 708/214-0706
Email: IMDIllinois@aol.com

ILLINOIS STUDENTS ENCOURAGED TO COMPETE FOR CASH PRIZES

IMD Illinois, Inc. and TEPC, Inc. Sponsor Statewide Writing Competition

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS (USA)  -- 4 August 2010 -- IMD Illinois, Inc., (http://www.International-mens-day.com), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization promoting positive models for men and boys around the State of Illinois and The Evans Poetry Collection (TEPC, Inc.) join forces to sponsor the IMD Illinois Statewide Writing Contest. The regional arm of the global International Men's Day movement is currently accepting poetry, essays, and short stories with a theme related to fatherhood, manhood, and/or one of the core objectives of International Men's Day from all Illinois residents, including Chicago youth of all ages.

Speaking on behalf of UNESCO, Ms. Ingeborg Breines, Director of Women and Culture of Peace said, “This is an excellent idea and would give some gender balance.” She added that her organization was looking forward to cooperating with organizers of International Men's Day (IMD).

Supported by the United Nations, International Men's Day began on November 19, 1999 in Trinidad and Tobago and is celebrated in Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Australia, India, Italy, United States, New Zealand, Moldova, Haiti, Singapore, Malta, South Africa, Ghana, Hungary, Canada, China, and the United Kingdom. The following core objectives of IMD are observed:

To promote positive male role models; not just movie stars and sports men but every day, working class men who are living decent, honest lives.


To celebrate men’s positive contributions to society, community, family, marriage, child care, and to the environment.


To focus on men’s health and wellbeing; social, emotional, physical and spiritual.


To highlight discrimination against men; in areas of social services, social attitudes and expectations, and law.


To improve gender relations and promote gender equality.


To create a safer, better world; where people can be safe and grow to reach their full potential

Join us on 19 November 2010 in celebrating International Men's Day and visit  the International Men's Day website at www.International-mens-day.com/Illinois.php to learn more about the IMD Illinois Statewide Writing Competition.