RESPECT Campaign: May in Citywide Schools

Milford, CT -- Have you ever driven around town and noticed the "Milford, Where Respect Shines" banners and signage? This is a local organization's initiative established twelve years ago, and presented with support from the City of Milford and the Board of Education. Each May, Milford’s Promise celebrates National Respect Month in all schools citywide. The celebration begins in April when information packets are sent to all schools regarding the year's campaign. The goal of this popular annual event is to engage all schools and help encourage a climate of Respect in the community.

Each year brings new ideas and projects, but the packets always include a calendar that is shared with all students throughout the month. The calendar gives students ideas on how to be respectful each day in May. Many teachers use the quotes and ideas shared on the calendar as discussion points or projects in their classrooms. Throughout April students nominate each other as "Stars of Respect" in each classroom, choosing those who they believe exemplify respect. From 2 to 5  students from amongst the 'Stars' from each school are chosen as Respect Ambassadors.

According to Mayor Blake "This is a very important program for young people. Respect needs to be taught and practiced at a very young age. I would like to commend Milford's Promise for the good work that they do."

Selected Respect Ambassadors will be honored at a Respect Ceremony, this year taking place on Wednesday, June 4th at City Hall. Mayor Benjamin Blake, Dr. Elizabeth Feser, principals, teachers, student honorees, their fellow students, friends and families will be in attendance.

Milford’s Promise, founded in 1998, is an affiliate of the National ‘America’s Promise’ organization, and a partner agency of the United Way of Milford. They were also a catalyst in compiling and submitting the application for the National ‘100 Best Communities in America for young people’ which resulted in Connecticut being chosen as one of the ‘100 Best’ for the past 5 years – and in 2008 Milford was the only Connecticut community to be chosen.

Milford’s Promise is committed to mobilizing the community to build the character and competence of its youth by fulfilling the Five Promises set forth by the parent organization, America’s Promise - started by Colin Powell - as a call to action to make youth a national priority.

The Milford organization supports several youth initiatives in Milford, and is making youth a priority by committing to the Five Promises. Those are, to provide youth with: A caring adult; a safe place; a healthy start, marketable skills, and an opportunity to give back to the community. For more information visit www.milfordspromise.org or email director@milfordspromise.org.