Celebrate National Day of Encouragement September 12th

DALLAS, Sept. 8 /PRNewswire/ --These are difficult times. Now, more than ever, it seems people are struggling with uncertainty and discouragement. Leave it to a group of teenagers to find a way to bring hope with the National Day of Encouragement on September 12th. In its fourth year, the National Day of Encouragement is on its way to becoming a movement as more and more people are inspired to make a positive difference by offering encouraging words, acts of kindness, inspiration and support to the people in their lives.    

"The National Day of Encouragement is about inspiring Americans to make deliberate words and acts of encouragement a part of this day, first, and then a part of every day of their lives," says Andrew Baker, organizer of the National Day of Encouragement and executive director of the Encouragement Foundation, a group that raises awareness about the benefits of encouraging others.

"Since it falls on a Sunday this year, we are placing special emphasis on getting the message of encouragement out through places of worship, by asking them to remind their congregations about the movement on this particular day.  We have also partnered with DaySpring in a nationwide greeting card give-away; and, on Monday, September 13th we will present the national premiere of the documentary, '7 Days Across America: What's right with the American teenager,' in Dallas, TX."

DaySpring gives customers free cards

DaySpring cards partnered with the Encouragement Foundation to celebrate the National Day of Encouragement and are giving a half-million encouragement cards to their retail customers the week of Sept. 6.  

Premiere of "7 Days Across America: What's Right with the American Teenager"

Another centerpiece of the 2010 celebration is the premiere of the documentary film, "7 Days Across America:  What's Right with the American Teenager" hosted and narrated by Jeff Foxworthy, and featuring teens from across the nation whose selfless actions are changing the world for the better.  The film, directed by Patrick Cone, will premiere at the Angelika Film Center in Dallas, TX on September 13th. Tickets are $10 and available for advance purchase online at www.letsencourage.com.

The film portrays efforts of exceptional teens as they mobilize schools and communities in support of clean water projects in developing countries; teach residents of senior homes how to use computers and the Internet to connect with friends, family and society; create a way to treat waste and use a combination of existing technologies to produce food, fuel, fight greenhouse gases, produce oxygen; and, form their own non-profits to provide shoes for children in Africa, raise money to rescue children from the slave trade in Africa and more.

In 2007, one visionary group of teenagers at a leadership camp at Harding University in Searcy, AR identified a common problem facing youth and society today – discouragement.  These students felt the best way to combat many of the negative problems facing society was to confront the issues at their root. They created a national day of encouragement around which Americans of all ages and races may unite.  Today, the U.S. President, Senate, and cities representing 33 states have formally recognized the National Day of Encouragement.

Endorsed by U.S. Senate Resolution 261, backed by Southwest Airlines, Commonsensesuccess.net, CNL Lifestyle Properties, DaySpring and Harding University with support from celebrities such as comedian and actor Jeff Foxworthy, and embraced by communities around the nation, this truly unique idea is gaining considerable momentum.

For more information on the National Day of Encouragement or to get involved in the movement, visit www.letsencourage.com.

ABOUT THE ENCOURAGEMENT FOUNDATION

The Encouragement Foundation exists to raise awareness about the benefits of encouraging others. The non-profit foundation provides tools and resources to create opportunities to encourage. The foundation also strives to challenge people of all ages to make encouraging others part of their daily lives.

SOURCE National Day of Encouragement