WHAT: The official launch in Archdiocese of Chicago schools of the Words Can Heal Schools Program. Words Can Heal is a national initiative to raise awareness that words have the power to both hurt and heal and that young people can help create safe, civil environments by choosing positive words over harsh remarks and gossip.

Several hundred Catholic elementary school students, principals and teachers from nine schools on Chicago’s southwest side and two southwest suburban schools will participate in the launch event. The 11 schools are the first Catholic elementary institutions in the United States to implement the program and the first elementary schools in the Midwest – private or public –
to introduce Words Can Heal into their curriculums.

The launch will feature a special high-energy live performance by the Words Can Heal music group, a spirited team of young professional singers and dancers who will highlight the importance of using words carefully to avoid hurting others.

The Words Can Heal Schools Program is an initiative of Words Can Heal, a non-profit organization devoted to providing educational solutions to reduce verbal violence, bullying and gossip for American youth. The program is collaborative and promotes “violence-free and gossip-free zones” at schools by discouraging students from engaging in verbal abuse, bullying and perpetuating rumors. Students learn to become sensitive to the effect that their words may have on others and are urged to make a pledge to choose words that encourage, engage and enrich. The program at the 11 schools is being underwritten by a grant from the Richard H. Driehaus Charitable Trust.

WHO: Richard Guerin, principal, St. Bede the Venerable School and coordinator of Words Can Heal in Archdiocese of Chicago schools
Michelle Chandler, co-founder and executive director, Words Can Heal
Students, principals and teachers, 11 elementary schools on the southwest side of Chicago and southwest suburbs.

WHEN: Tuesday, October 21, 2003
10:45 a.m.

WHERE: St. Bede the Venerable School
4440 W. 83rd Street, Chicago

VISUALS: More than 500 elementary school students, teachers and principals will attend a live music show performed by a spirited team of young professional singers and dancers who will highlight the importance of using words carefully to avoid hurting others.
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INTERVIEWS:Rick Guerin, principal of St. Bede School and coordinator of the Words Can Heal program in Archdiocese of Chicago schools will be available, along with national leaders of Words Can Heal, to highlight details of the initiative and explain why it is being launched in 11 Chicago area Catholic schools and why the program is “catching on” in schools around the nation.

Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic Schools
The Catholic schools of the Archdiocese of Chicago play a critical role in the life of the community by providing academic excellence and faith formation for approximately 117,000 students of many races, faiths and backgrounds in the 283 elementary and secondary schools in Cook and Lake counties. There are more than 6,400 teachers in the Catholic school system who instill values, teach discipline and achieve strong, consistent academic results in the Archdiocese of Chicago's 242 elementary and 41 secondary schools. Visit the Archdiocese of Chicago Web site at www.archchicago.org/schools.

Words Can Heal
Words Can Heal (www.wordscanheal.org) is a non-profit, multiethnic, non-sectarian nationwide organization to strengthen America through the power of words. Its programs and initiatives aim to create awareness of use of words as a vital force for enhancing all human relationships – to help others use words that encourage, engage and enrich. A core focus of the initiative is that communicating – be it speaking or hearing – supportive, positive and healthy expressions fosters happiness, health and productivity.

Note to Editors:

A special VIP breakfast for the launch of the Words Can Heal program in the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools will take place Tuesday, October 21, at
8:30 a.m. Scheduled to attend the breakfast are:

Dr. Nicholas M. Wolsonovich, superintendent, Archdiocese of Chicago
Rick Guerin, principal, St. Bede the Venerable School
Rabbi Irwin Katsof, founder, Words Can Heal
Michelle Chandler, co-founder and executive director, Words Can Heal
Richard H. Driehaus, founder, CEO and chairman, Driehaus Capital Management Inc.
Rep. Michael J. Madigan, Speaker of the House, State of Illinois
Sen. Edward Maloney, 19th Ward
Rep. Jim Brosnahan, 36th District
Alderman Frank Olivo, 13th Ward
Alderman Thomas Murphy, 18th Ward

At 9 a.m., there will be a performance by the Words Can Heal music group, followed by a presentation of a special award to Richard Driehaus.

If you would like to attend the 8:30 a.m. breakfast or 9 a.m. performance, please contact Wendi Koziol at 312-558-1770.

A special VIP breakfast for the launch of the Words Can Heal program in the Archdiocese of Chicago Catholic schools will take place Tuesday, October 21, at
8:30 a.m. Scheduled to attend the breakfast are:

Dr. Nicholas M. Wolsonovich, superintendent, Archdiocese of Chicago
Rick Guerin, principal, St. Bede the Venerable School
Rabbi Irwin Katsof, founder, Words Can Heal
Michelle Chandler, co-founder and executive director, Words Can Heal
Richard H. Driehaus, founder, CEO and chairman, Driehaus Capital Management Inc.
Rep. Michael J. Madigan, Speaker of the House, State of Illinois
Sen. Edward Maloney, 19th Ward
Rep. Jim Brosnahan, 36th District
Alderman Frank Olivo, 13th Ward
Alderman Thomas Murphy, 18th Ward

At 9 a.m., there will be a performance by the Words Can Heal music group, followed by a presentation of a special award to Richard Driehaus.

If you would like to attend the 8:30 a.m. breakfast or 9 a.m. performance, please contact Wendi Koziol at 312-558-1770.