[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 160 (Tuesday, October 4, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1022]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE I'M JUST ME MOVEMENT'S MONTH OF OCTOBER AS I'M JUST ME 
                             BECAUSE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JENNIFER WEXTON

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 4, 2022

  Ms. WEXTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the I'm Just Me 
Movement's month of October as, I'm Just Me Because Month.
  Councilwoman Tina Stevens of Stephens City, Virginia began the I'm 
Just Me Movement in 2013 to assist and support a college opportunity 
for a young man whose family was going through hard times. This 
movement impacted their family and their community in unexpected ways. 
As their outreach of inclusion grew, the movement became a nation-wide 
non-profit organization in 2015, with a mission of spreading positive 
acceptance of others and breaking down stereotypes. The organization 
works to encourage a celebration of the rich scopes of diversity 
contained within each individual through acceptance and respect for one 
another.
  As the I'm Just Me Movement expanded its efforts to spread 
understanding of others and healing, the organization began an 
initiative known as Live Life Forward with a goal of breaking down 
stereotypes.
  Through the Live life forward initiative and related workshops, 
mentoring programs, and presentations at schools and businesses, the 
I'm Just Me Movement speaks out to advocate for inclusion and diversity 
and to raise awareness about bullying and self-esteem issues in order 
to positively impact youth, families, and communities to guide, teach, 
train, and mentor them for a better future.
  The movement works to remind everyone that the concept of diversity 
encompasses civility, acceptance, mutual respect, and understanding 
that each individual is unique.
  Throughout the month of October, the I'm Just Me Because movement is 
focusing on promoting individual development, creating environments 
that break down stereotypes, and embracing individuality by recognizing 
the diversity around us and moving beyond simple tolerance to 
celebrating all of humanity.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and our colleagues join me in 
recognizing the contributions of Ms. Tina Stevens and the I'm Just Me 
Movement has made in our community and the Nation.

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