[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 21, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E109]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE ``LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR'' CAMPAIGN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. CARRIE P. MEEK

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, January 21, 1997

  Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my 
congratulations and support for the ``Love Your Neighbor'' campaign 
that is sweeping south Florida.
  The ``Love Your Neighbor'' campaign is dedicated to promoting the use 
and spirit of the phrase ``Love Your Neighbor'' in oral and written 
communications to make Miami and the world a better place; work towards 
reducing stress and improving our mental health; reduce suffering, 
violence, and crime by becoming considerate, respectful, and caring 
towards one another; and identify south Florida as a community that 
cares for all people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, or social 
status.
  Three years ago, Metropolitan Dade County embraced the ``Love Your 
Neighbor'' campaign. Since that time, over 750,000 ``Love Your 
Neighbor'' bumperstickers have been distributed, including 16,000 
purchased by the Metro-Dade police department and 250,000 distributed 
by Dade County Public Schools. The Miami-Dade Public Libraries 
distribute ``Love Your Neighbor'' bookmarks, the phrase appears on the 
side of many Metro-Dade Transit buses, and a billboard flashes the sign 
at Miami International Airport.
  The newly-elected mayor of Metropolitan Dade County, Alex Penelas, 
has endorsed a week of activities for February 9-15, 1997, and Governor 
Chiles has already proclaimed that week as ``Love Your Neighbor'' week 
in south Florida. Even Kenny Rogers Roasters has become involved in the 
campaign, carrying the message in all of their franchises. Other 
corporations have donated space on 600 billboards, and are involved in 
producing a music video and a public service announcement to be aired 
on local television.
  ``Love Your Neighbor'' was started by Jim Ward, Dade County's Human 
Resources director. Mr. Ward is an ex-police officer, having protected 
and served the people of Jacksonville, FL for 17 years. He moved to 
south Florida 17 years ago, to Miami's great benefit. For the last 3 
years he has worked tirelessly to promote the ``Love Your Neighbor'' 
campaign, watching it grow from one man's idealistic dream to the 
massive campaign it has become, spreading throughout south Florida and 
even as far as Macon, GA.
  Mr. Speaker, Dade County and the city of Miami owe a great debt of 
gratitude to Jim Ward for the ``Love Your Neighbor'' campaign. I wish 
him every success in spreading his message throughout our community and 
our country.

                          ____________________