High schoolers invited to join Project PROM 2018

The Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence is inviting CNMI high school juniors and seniors to learn about advocacy and earn free stuff for their prom by joining the Project PROM 2018 program.

Now in its seventh year, the program has provided an opportunity for scores of students to not only receive formal attire, accessories, and related services for their prom but to learn from professionals about the issue of sexual violence and how they can be part of prevention efforts.

“This opportunity comes in the form of the Project PROM advocacy workshop that we try to have for the youth on Saipan, Rota and Tinian,” said NMCADSV program manager Angelyn N. Palacios. “The workshop includes presentations and discussions followed by a chance to select items for their prom.”

The Project PROM program, which is part of awareness and outreach efforts related to Sexual Assault Awareness Month in April, is mainly supported by donations and sponsorships from the community. Donations may include formal wear, shoes, accessories, gift certificates, as well as related services like hair styling, makeup styling, and clothing alteration.

This year’s sponsors include the CNMI Youth Affairs Office and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corp.’s Community Guidance Center-Substance Abuse Prevention Services Unit, who are also offering participants the opportunity to be part of their project to develop public service announcements that aim to raise awareness on sexual violence, and underage drinking.

“When we started Project PROM, we were looking for a creative way to help our youth not only understand the issue of sexual violence but to also help empower them with information as they are developing their own values and ideas on relationships and sex,” Palacios said.

Those interested in joining Project PROM may apply by submitting an essay answering the following questions “In your own words, how do you define sexual violence? What does advocacy mean to you? How will you advocate against sexual violence to your peers? Give examples.” The essay must be 300 words minimum.

Essay submissions must also include the following information: applicant’s full name, school attending, grade level, age, gender, contact number(s), and email address. Essays may be emailed to info@endviolencenmi.org as an MS Word document, as a PDF, or within the body of the email.

Saipan high school juniors and seniors may also submit essays to the NMCADSV main office in Springs Plaza along Middle Road during regular hours of operation (Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm), or by emailing info@endviolencenmi.org. The deadline is 11:59pm on Tuesday, March 20, 2018.

The Project PROM Advocacy Workshop for Saipan will be on Friday, March 23, from 10am to 2pm with the venue to be announced later. Those selected to attend will be updated and notified via email and/or phone.

Note that details on the Project PROM Advocacy Workshop on Rota and Tinian will be forthcoming.
For more information on Project PROM, contact the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence at (670) 234-3878 or email info@endviolencenmi.org. (PR)