Creating Access and Inclusion in Worship

PRESS RELEASE

Use this sample press release to publicize your congregation?s Inclusion Awareness Day celebration. Fill in your congregation?s information and send the press release to the religion editor of your neighborhood newspaper several days before your event. Follow up with a call to see if the paper will cover your event.

For Immediate Release Contact:
(Date) (Your name)
(Your phone and email)
Local Congregation Celebrates Inclusion Awareness Day
Members take steps to welcome worshippers of all abilities
(Your town), (Your state) ? On ___ (insert date and parish) ___will join other area congregations in observing Inclusion Awareness Day. Inclusion Awareness Sunday is an integral part of the Pathways Awareness Open Hearts, Open Minds movement that raises awareness to the need for accommodations so people of all abilities can participate in worship and ministry.

____ (Insert name of parish) ____ welcomes worshippers of all abilities and seeks to enable their full participation in the life of the church. By observing Inclusion Awareness Day we hope to raise awareness to the need for accommodations so that all may participate and share their gifts. (Name and address of your congregation) will (list your events, e.g.: have a special liturgy, bless new accessible features, etc.) to showcase how people with disabilities are welcomed every day of the year. (Insert the name and title of your religious leader and a quote, e.g. ?In the past year our congregation has made a conscious effort to make our facilities accessible. We are delighted that we can open our doors to all.?).

For more information about Inclusion Awareness Day visit www.inclusioninworship.org or contact Pathways Awareness at 1-800-955-445 or friends@pathwaysawareness.org.

The Inclusion Awareness Day Workbook is a publication of the Pathways Awareness Open Hearts, Open Minds movement. The national, interreligious Open Hearts, Open Minds program provides information and educational materials about access and inclusion in worship to congregations of all communions.

Visit www.inclusioninworship.org or call 1-800-955-2445 for more information about:

• The Pathways Awareness annual Chicago area and National Open Hearts and Junior Open Hearts Awards with cash grants of up to $1,000 for congregational inclusion efforts. Deadline for applications is August 1st. Grants are announced on Inclusion Awareness Day. Nomination forms available at www.inclusioninworship.org.
• The Open Hearts, Open Minds DVD and Idea Guide featuring practical ways to include worshippers of all abilities.
• The Vulnerable Journey DVD/CD by Father Henri Nouwen.
• Inclusion Awareness Day planning materials.