Facing History and Ourselves Announces $1 Million Grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation
BOSTON- Facing History and Ourselves, an international educational nonprofit organization, announced today a $1 million grant from the Wal-Mart Foundation. This gift provides the organization with critical funding to tour its nationally acclaimed interactive, multimedia exhibit Choosing to Participate (CTP) in five cities across the United States over the next five years.
Choosing to Participate is a multifaceted educational and civic initiative that inspires dialogue and reflection on ways to build community. Through the exploration of four compelling stories about the difficult choices made by communities and individuals, the exhibit allows visitors to examine issues of racism and prejudice, as well as courage and compassion and to consider the responsibilities of citizenship. It invites viewers - students, educators, family members and neighbors as well as civic and corporate leaders to ask "What could I have done?"
With Wal-Mart's support, the tour of CTP will reach hundreds of thousands of people--beginning in Cleveland in the Fall of 2009 and then traveling to Los Angeles, Memphis, Chicago and Denver by 2012. Facing History estimates that at least 75,000 visitors will experience the exhibit in each location including volunteer-led guided tours for more than 7,500 middle and high school students in each venue.
"In this twenty first century, it is critical that adolescents learn how to confront the moral decisions they face each day and develop skills that help them to build a sustainable and inclusive community. This is central to Facing History and Ourselves' program and the Choosing To Participate initiative. We are honored that the Wal-Mart Foundation shares this commitment and has provided us with such a significant opportunity," said Margot Stern Strom, executive director of Facing History and Ourselves.
"Choosing to Participate offers a unique experience for exhibition visitors to think about the importance of social and civic responsibility in new and powerful ways," said Margaret McKenna, president of the Wal-Mart Foundation. "Wal-Mart is proud to be able to provide so many people with the opportunity to participate in this unique program."
Facing History first launched Choosing to Participate in Boston in 1998. Since then, the exhibit has traveled to Chicago, Los Angeles, Memphis, New York, and San Francisco. To date, the exhibit has attracted more than a quarter of a million visitors, including 50,000 middle and high school students and has garnered widespread attention in the media for its focus on civic engagement and inspiring community wide dialogue.
About Facing History
Facing History and Ourselves is an international educational organization that engages students of diverse backgrounds in an examination of racism, prejudice, and antisemitism in order to promote the development of a more humane and informed citizenry. Facing History and Ourselves reaches nearly two million students worldwide each year and many thousands more through our online presence. In 2007, the Facing History and Ourselves website received more than 500,000 visits from people in 205 countries. Learn more at www.facinghistory.org.
About the Wal-Mart Foundation
Wal-Mart Stores, Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and the Wal-Mart Foundation are proud to support the charitable causes that are important to customers and associates in their own neighborhoods. Through its philanthropic programs and partnerships, the Wal-Mart Foundation supports initiatives focused on enhancing opportunities in education, job skills training, sustainability and health. In 2007, Wal-Mart, Sam's Club and the Wal-Mart Foundation gave $296 million to communities across the United States. To learn more, visit the Wal-Mart Foundation online.
