Human Relation Commission's D.A.Y. Program

2011 - 2012 D.A.Y. Initiative

Diversity
Awareness      Action     Achievement
             Youth

See What a Difference a D.A.Y. Makes!

The Village of Skokie Human Relations Commission is proud to announce the 2011 - 2012 Skokie D.A.Y. Initiative. The goal of the D.A.Y. program is to show the value of diversity and to promote cultural awareness throughout the Village of Skokie. This year's program is targeted to students in grades 6 through 12 and will feature three separate divisions:

Division	Description	Eligibility
1. Action Instructions Application	Individual students volunteer for a minimum of 24 hours and perform services for someone or a group of people who differ from them with respect to culture, religion, age, socio-economic level, family structure, physical ability or educational background. The students will then return an application to the Skokie Human Relations Commission listing the activities and a 300 to 500 word essay describing the experience. Entries will be reviewed by a panel assembled by the Human Relations Commission, Education Committee and awards will be determined based on the written essay. Download "Instructions" on the left for rules and procedures.	Grade 9-12
2. Awareness Application Book List	Schools, classes or groups of students perform a service or activity promoting awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity in the community inspired by reading one of the recommended books. Procedure: 1. Select one of the recommended books from the list for your class to read as an elective or as part of your regular curriculum (another suitable book or appropriate media may be substitued). 2. With the book as a motivator, engage the class to perform some service or activity related to promoting awareness and appreciation for cultural diversity in the community. Activities may include performances, essays, poetry, posters, photography, paintings, audio visual, animation, computer generated art, music, videos, community service, fund raising, etc. 3. Fill out the Diversity Awareness by Youth application and tell us about the experience so that your class can be recognized for its participation. Acknowledgments and prizes will be awarded at the 2012 Festival of Cultures.	Grade 6-8
3. Achievement Application	Teachers or mentors may nominate a student or group for outstanding achievement in fostering and enhancing cultural awareness thereby increasing the knowledge and understanding of cultural differences and promote harmonious living in the Village of Skokie.	Grade 6-12

All entries must be submitted to the Human Services Division Office by Friday, May 4, 2012.

Recognition and Awards:

Entries will be reviewed by a panel assembled by the Human Relations Commission, Education Committee and awards will be determined based on the application and essay. Recognition and honors will be given at the 2012 Festival of Cultures to students and schools for participation in the D.A.Y. initiative.

Email completed applications to Eileen.Janowski@skokie.org. Applications may also be dropped off or mailed to Maureen Murphy, Human Services Division - Village of Skokie, 5120 Galitz, Skokie, IL 60077. If you have any questions about what may or may not be an eligible activity, please contact the Human Services Division 847/933-8208.