Press Releases
Teens and Parents Are Invited to Attend “Choose Respect Montgomery” Teen Dating Conference
For Immediate Release: Tuesday, April 2, 2019
The 10th Annual Choose Respect Montgomery conference will be held on Sunday, April 7 at Richard Montgomery High School, located at 250 Richard Montgomery Drive in Rockville, from 12:30 to 5 p.m. The free and fun event is for 6th through 12th grade students, parents, youth service providers, educators and others.
“Choose Respect Montgomery educates teens and the broader community regarding ways to promote healthy relationships and prevent teen dating violence,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “We approach this from a community perspective because it is not enough to educate those who may become involved in a difficult situation. It also is important to engage the broader community in recognizing warning signs and knowing how to help a friend or family member.”
Hosted by the Domestic Violence Coordinating Council and Montgomery County Public Schools, the conference includes separate tracks for parents and teens. Teens will learn about healthy relationships, teen dating violence prevention, controlling behavior and how to help a friend. Parents will learn how to talk with their children about relationships. Everyone can attend a resource fair regarding ways to get help. Workshops will be offered in English and Spanish.
One in three teens in the U.S. is a victim of physical, sexual, emotional or verbal abuse from a dating partner, a figure that far exceeds rates of other types of youth violence. The purpose of the “Choose Respect Montgomery” conference is to promote conversation about dating abuse and help end the cycle of violence.
“I am pleased to participate in the 10th Annual Choose Respect Montgomery Conference,” said Councilmember Sidney Katz, chair of the Public Safety Committee. “The conference will provide a fabulous learning experience for all of the participants. Each of the sponsoring organizations give so much time, energy and support to this annual conference and the success is marked by the growth in participation. In our current climate, it is so very important for our youth to learn cooperation and tolerance and to choose respect!”
The event will open with a resource fair about healthy relationships and a red carpet at which attendees can take selfies with Toby Knapp of iHeart Radio 97.1, emcee of the opening ceremony. Winners of the annual Choose Respect PSA video contest and raffle prizes will be announced. Students can earn Student Service Learning (SSL) hours and enjoy free pizza at the conclusion of the event.
For more information and to register to attend, please visit http://chooserespect2019.eventbrite.com/
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Media Contact: Lorraine Driscoll 240-777-6533