Verizon Wireless Launches 'Know It Forward' in Georgia to Raise Awareness of Sexual Assault Among Young Adults

/PRNewswire/ -- Verizon Wireless announces today (April 4) the launch of "Know It Forward," a social media campaign aimed at increasing awareness of sexual assault, particularly among college students and young adults, for Sexual Assault Awareness Month (SAAM).

Throughout the month of April, Verizon Wireless is joining colleges and universities across Georgia to educate students about the prevalence of sexual assault on college campuses and encourage them to visit www.KnowItForward.com to find out how to reduce the risk and discover ways to share the information with their personal network through Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and other social channels.

"Because of our strong relationships with universities across Georgia as well as nonprofits that focus on sexual assault and domestic violence, we feel this program provides a real opportunity to reach young people and help educate them on this important issue," said Jeff Mango, president – Georgia/Alabama Region for Verizon Wireless. "Our goal is to facilitate and promote peer-to-peer discussions and provide facts and information in a way that is impactful, memorable and easy to share with friends and family."

College-age women are four times more likely to be sexually assaulted than the general public, with an estimated one in four female college students becoming victims of sexual assault during their college career, according to studies from the U.S. Department of Justice. As such, sexual assault is an issue of significant concern on college campuses throughout the state, with the majority actively providing resources to educate students and the public about sexual assault prevention and awareness.

"At VSU, we strive to prepare our students not only academically, but also through awareness and prevention efforts. Along with Sexual Assault Awareness events held in April, we provide various opportunities throughout the year for students to learn how to keep themselves safe on campus and in the community," notes Holly Wright, health educator and RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) coordinator for Valdosta State University.

In support of collegiate SAAM efforts throughout the state, Verizon Wireless is working with various student organizations and awareness/prevention programs at Augusta State, Clark Atlanta, Kennesaw State, Mercer, South Georgia College, Spelman, University of Georgia and Valdosta State to bring the campaign to students through campus-specific efforts and by joining scheduled campus events.

Know it. Forward it. KnowItForward.com. For information on national sexual assault statistics, awareness and prevention tips, and regional assistance programs, visit www.KnowItForward.com; then share the website, videos and factsheets with friends and family.

A recognized corporate leader in the prevention and awareness of domestic and sexual violence issues through its HopeLine program (www.verizonwireless.com/hopeline), Verizon Wireless is launching a variety of regional sexual assault awareness initiatives across the country this April.

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Chuck Leavell, Keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, Announces the Opportunity for College Students to Become Correspondents for Mother Nature Network

PRNewswire/ -- Today, The Mother Nature Network announces its College Correspondent initiative. One student from each major U.S. college will be selected to be the Mother Nature Network correspondent for 2009. MNN is running the contest in partnership with YouTube to find the country's best college environmental journalists. ( http://www.youtube.com/mnn )

With a new President waiting in the wings, 2009 is going to be a year of extraordinary environmental coverage. Mother Nature Network's college reporters will be at the forefront of this transformational change. Each of the winning correspondents will become a highlighted contributor at MNN for 2009 with his or her own video program or blog that will provide access to a nationwide audience. In addition, winners will receive a "Flip Ultra" video camcorder, and the top five correspondents will be selected to participate in an exclusive, all-expense paid summit where they will share ideas with top environmentalists, business leaders, scientists and entertainers.

MNN was co-founded by former environmental marketing executive Joel Babbit and Chuck Leavell, keyboardist for The Rolling Stones, and one of the world's most respected environmentalists. Its mission is to provide the most reliable and comprehensive environmental news and information available and to do so in a voice and design that is engaging and easily understood by the mainstream business and consumer audience.

"Providing environmental news coverage on a local level is a major component of the Mother Nature Network," says Joel Babbit, CEO and President of MNN. "Today's college students are so knowledgeable and involved in environmental issues -- we are hoping they will inspire others in their communities to become more informed as well. Those students who are selected as our correspondents will have the opportunity to report on important issues in their community, improve their skills as aspiring journalists, and gain an important addition to their resume."

Entry Submission Process

Participants will be chosen in two categories -- online and video. Students can audition by submitting a two-to-four minute video to http://www.youtube.com/mnn or a 500-word blog to http://mothernaturenetwork.blogspot.com/2008/10/announcing-mnns-college- contest.html . (Due to Length of URL please copy and paste into your Browser). People 18 years or older, and currently enrolled in college, are eligible to submit content. All entries must be in by January 15, 2009.

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