[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 67 (Wednesday, May 22, 2002)]
[House]
[Page H2837]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  NATIONAL COMMUNITY ROLE MODELS WEEK

  (Mr. KNOLLENBERG asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, children need role models in their 
communities to help guide them through the many challenges that they 
face. Although we often hear inspiring stories about famous 
individuals, we seldom publicly recognize exceptional local people with 
whom children can more readily relate.
  The Michigan-based R.A.R.E. foundation has established a program to 
recognize outstanding community residents and teach children about 
their work ethic, their values, and their accomplishments. The 
foundation helps children develop a sense of purpose and hope for the 
future by providing inspirational examples of ordinary people with 
traditional jobs who make extraordinary contributions.

                              {time}  1015

  I will introduce legislation today that encourages communities to 
adopt similar programs and support the goals and ideals of a national 
community role models week. Establishing an annual week for identifying 
role models in our local communities would remind us how each 
individual, no matter his or her profession, plays a vital role in the 
progress of this Nation.

                          ____________________