CNMI teens invited to join Project PROM 2017

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 prom by joining the Project PROM 2017 program.

Now on its sixth year, the Project PROM program is designed to engage high school juniors and seniors in advocacy and sexual violence prevention. The program is also part of awareness and outreach activities related to Sexual Assault Awareness Month, which is in April.

“Our main goal with Project PROM is to give our youth the opportunity to learn about the issue of sexual violence, and to equip them with advocacy skills,” said NMCADSV executive director Maisie B. Tenorio.

This opportunity is in the form of the Project PROM Advocacy Workshop, which is scheduled to take place on Rota and Saipan. Participants can receive formal attire, accessories, and related services for their prom.

“We’re able to offer the participants…apparel and even services for their prom through the generous donations and sponsorship,” said Tenorio. “For that we feel very blessed.”

Sponsors of Project PROM 2017 include the Marianas Variety, Naked Fish Bar & Grill, Pena House Boutique, CHCC: Community Guidance Center’s Prevention Services Unit, and Stellar Marianas.

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 sent via email may be attached as an MS Word document or PDF, or within the body of the email.

Rota high school juniors and seniors may submit essays to a representative at the Dr. Rita Hocog Inos Junior Senior High School, or by emailing rotacoalition@gmail.com. The deadline is 4:30pm on Monday, March 27, 2017.

The Project PROM Advocacy Workshop for Rota will be on Wednesday, March 29, 2017, at 5:30pm at the Central Man’amko Center in Sinapalo. Those selected to attend will be notified via email and/or phone. For more information, contact a team rep at 287-7527 or email rotacoaliation@gmail.com.

Saipan high school juniors and seniors may submit essays to the NMCADSV office in Springs Plaza located along Middle Road during regular hours of operation (Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm), or by emailing info@endviolencenmi.org. The deadline is 11:59pm on Sunday, March 26, 2017.

The Project PROM Advocacy Workshop for Saipan will be on Saturday, April 1, 2017, from 10am to 3pm. Those selected to attend will be updated on the location and notified via email and/or phone.

For more information on Project PROM, contact the Northern Marianas Coalition Against Domestic & Sexual Violence at (670) 234-3878 or email info@endviolencenmi.org. Details regarding Tinian will be forthcoming.