My platform for the pageant.

My platform for the Mrs. Utah United States pageant is CREATING COMPASSION THROUGH CULTURAL EDUCATION. I feel that in today's society it is crucial for people of all ages, but especially the youth, to gain a greater understanding of those around them who may seem different than themselves, either ethnically or religiously. The more we know about others and the culture and traditions that drive them, the more our hearts can be softened and greater compassion follows. Apparently 1/3 of all hate crimes are committed by children under the age of 18. It's easy to hate those you know nothing about, but through education we learn that we are all more alike than we think and we recognize the humanity of others. Children especially need this type of education while they are developing their core beliefs. Those beliefs will be carried throughout their life and will be passed down to next generation. I have seen this personally by growing up in a small town community in Georgia. I have witnessed racism much on my life and just doesn't sit well with me. I feel like it's time to make a change and that is what I'm out to promote.
You might ask how I intend on doing this. I'm developing a program, keeping in mind that it's in its infancy, that could be implemented into the school programs. I'm hoping one school district at a time. It should be both fun and educational. It goes something like this. I would establish an International Week at school that would serve as a jump start to later become a multi-cultural club. During the week, we would choose a different part of the world to study each day. Activities and experiences would be created around the theme including crafts, songs, food experiments, guest speakers, storytelling and such, and could be tailored to the particular age groups.
At the end of the week we would have a morning assembly that focuses on how we are all alike and how we can celebrate the differences we do have. It could include a guest speaker and a cultural performing group. At lunch we would have what is called "Mix It Up At Lunch," a program I found online. See www.tolerance.org/teens/about.jsp This would encourage the youth to meet and sit with others who seem different themselves. We would encourage the teachers to participate and facilitate the discussions. These events would be followed up by writing assignments and discussions focusing on their experiences and what they learned.
The hope is to create an interest to be carried over into a multi-cultural club at the school. The objective would be to teach and educate and to get the kids involved in the community. They could also work on humanitarian projects that would benefit the people they are learning about.
I've seen the benefit of learning about others in my own life and feel that I've been personally enriched. I have greater love for those around me and feel as though the world is not so big as I used to think. I truly believe that we are all a lot more alike than we think and hopefully I can educate others and help them realize that as well.

I appreciate you reading this and would love your feedback. Tell me any thoughts or concerns you might have. Would you like for your own children to participate in something like this or are there changes you would make or things you would add? Also ask me any questions you may have as well. Thanks and I look forward to the feedback.