Courageous Persuaders, Secretary of State Ruth Johnson Announce Renewed Partnership With Michigan Secretary of State's Office

TROY, Mich., Jan. 19, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- The DADA Education Foundation's Courageous Persuaders Program today announced that it has confirmed its continuing partnership with the Michigan Secretary of State's Office, led by Secretary of State Ruth Johnson, who was recently sworn into the office. The announcement was made during a joint press conference by Secretary Johnson and James Seavitt, president of the Detroit Auto Dealers Association, and owner of Village Ford in Dearborn, Mich.

The Courageous Persuaders Program is a video scholarship program that encourages high school students to create 30-second television commercials warning middle school students about the dangers of drinking alcohol.

Initially, the partnership facilitated the broadcast of the winning Courageous Persuaders video in Michigan Secretary of State Branch Offices. The partnership has grown in recent years to include the distribution of Courageous Persuaders literature to schools, driver's education programs, and in Secretary of State mailings.

"The DADA is grateful for the continued support of the Office of the Secretary of State, and to our new Secretary, Ruth Johnson," said Seavitt. "Through this major partnership, we are able to get the word out to thousands of Michigan high school students who enter the scholarship program, and most importantly, we are able to get the word out about the real danger of underage drinking."

Seavitt also announced that several other sponsors have enhanced contributions to the program:

• College for Creative Studies increased its commitment to the program, and will award a $250 scholarship.

• State Farm Insurance is expanding its sponsorship (it currently awards a $1,000 scholarship) and will include distribution of 5,000 brochures in backpacks, which are given away to each student attending Education Day at the NAIAS 2011.

Finally, Seavitt announced that the program has created a satellite program in San Diego, Cal. The program will be administered by the New Car Dealers Association of San Diego County (NCDA). The NCDA will conduct a regional program, awarding scholarships of $2,500, $1,500, and $1,000 for first, second and third place, respectively, to students of San Diego County.

The Courageous Persuaders program was created in 2000 by Oakland County District Judge Michael A. Martone (retired) and John Barczyk, a local McCann-Erickson advertising executive (retired).  In 2007, the DADA became the primary sponsor and administrator of the Courageous Persuaders program through its DADA Education Foundation. Now in its 11th year, the program awarded $17,000 in scholarships in 2010.

About the DADA Education Foundation

The mission of the DADA Education Foundation is to promote excellence in education through quality programs and leadership. 

About Detroit Auto Dealers Association (DADA)

The DADA was founded in 1907 by 17 local car dealers, and has grown to more than 220 member car and truck dealers who donate their time and resources to a host of community activities. Currently, the DADA members collectively employ more than 16,500 people. Many members participate in the NAIAS, LLC, which is responsible for the production of the North American International Auto Show (NAIAS).  To find out more about Detroit Auto Dealers Association, visit www.dada.org. To find out more about the NAIAS, visit www.naias.com.

SOURCE DADA Education Foundation