American Conference on Diversity Honors Central Jersey Leaders for Building Inclusive Communities

NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J. - May 28, 2013 - PRLog -- “As long as women, minorities, and other underrepresented groups aren’t getting the healthcare they need, our work is still needed,” said Robin Vitale, senior director of government relations at the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association and the American Conference on Diversity Central Jersey Chapter 2013 Humanitarian Award recipient.

Vitale, a driving force for healthcare and disease prevention public policy within the region, was recognized on May 23 along with two other honorees – the Woodbridge Center (Corporate Citizen Award) and Rotary District 7510 (Community Service Award) — before a packed room at the Renaissance Woodbridge Hotel. Each outstanding individual or organization was honored for a commitment to the American Conference on Diversity mission — valuing diversity, educating leaders, and promoting respect.

“Our organization has a local touch with a global reach,” said Rotary District 7510 Governor Dwight Leeper, citing an example of nine Rotarians who recently traveled to Pakistan to help eradicate polio. “People thought that we were insane…but it’s our responsibility to share the message of diversity.”

The spectacular event, part of the American Conference on Diversity’s yearlong 65th anniversary celebration, drew local dignitaries including Senator Joseph F. Vitale, Assemblyman Craig J. Coughlin, and Highland Park Councilwoman Susan Welkovits.

Two Diversity Champions were also recognized for their service to Central Jersey communities. They include Lola Kamp, a dedicated leader who has significantly improved the quality of life for the underserved in Highland Park and elsewhere, and Avril Carter, senior personnel clerk for Woodbridge Township, who works to promote diversity and inclusion in the municipality’s HR processes and programs.

In addition, several local schools were recognized for their long-term participation in our Lead for Diversity program: Franklin High School (11 years), Gill St. Bernard's School (6 years), Piscataway High School (9 years), and Spotswood High School (8 years). Lead for Diversity (LFD) is a yearlong 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.

“My decision to attend Lead for Diversity was the best decision I have ever made! At first, I didn’t want to go. I went in with the worst possible attitude. But by the end of the week, I would have given anything to stay,” said John “Jack” Lowe, a delegate from Gill St. Bernard. “The biggest thing I learned from LFD is the ability to connect with people no matter who they are. They could be gay and I could be straight, they could be Muslim and I could be Christian — I learned that we can still be friends.”

Each year, the American Conference on Diversity Chapters’ Humanitarian Award events supports educational opportunities for more than 3,000 NJ students through our youth and collegiate programs. These initiatives 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.

Our other programs include:

►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.

To learn more, please visit http://americanconferenceondiversity.org/youth-collegiate-services or contact Pam@AmericanConferenceonDiversity.org.

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