United Way Alternative Spring Break Group Brings Social Impact to Washington, D.C. and Campuses Around the Country

ALEXANDRIA, Va., March 25, 2015 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- United Way Worldwide recently partnered with Kimberly-Clark's U by Kotex® Brand to host an Alternative Spring Break program in Washington, D.C. for 25 young women leaders from college campuses across the country. Last week, the group volunteered at sites throughout the city and met with White House staffers, as well as members of Congress to advocate for programs supporting women and girls, including human trafficking, income supports and Science, Technology, Education and Mathematics (STEM) education.

"It's inspiring to see a group of motivated college students from around the country come together for a week to use their time, skills and caring power to leave a lasting impact on the Washington, D.C. community," said Ryan Powers, Vice President of Communications, United Way Worldwide. "With Alternative Spring Break programs and others like it, we hope to create a movement among college students to drive social impact and advance the good in the U.S. and around the world."

During the visits to White House and Capitol Hill, the students discussed a handful of bipartisan pieces of legislation currently being considered in the U.S. Senate on the topics of education, financial stability and health.

"This was a great opportunity to make the most of our spring break by learning about important issues such as human trafficking, giving back to the community and promoting promising initiatives," said Colleen Fonseca, a senior from St. John's University. "I met so many inspiring women on this trip that empowered me to own my voice. I'm looking forward to continuing the momentum back in my home state of Rhode Island."

In addition to advocating for women and girls, students completed service projects at a number of sites around the city, including the Teen Tech Center, DC Rape Crisis Center, Bright Beginnings and the Embry Rucker Community Shelter. Participants were also encouraged to apply the lessons they learned by writing op-eds in local papers and launching Student United Ways on their university campuses.

"We are proud to partner with United Way on this meaningful initiative," said Kanchan Patkar, Brand Director – U by Kotex® Brand at Kimberly-Clark. "These young women participating in Alternative Spring Break represent the best of what we stand for, working to help ensure a better life for everyone."

In light of the program's action-oriented focus, the creators of "The Honest Beauty Project," a social media campaign encouraging people to engage around the issue of what "beauty" means to them, also joined the group for part of the program.

About United Way Alternative Spring Break Powered by U by Kotex®
United Way in partnership with Kimberly-Clark's U by Kotex® Brand hosted an Alternative Spring Break for 25 young women leaders from college campuses around the country. The week-long event in Washington, D.C. focused on empowering women and girls in service and leadership. The participants took part in service projects throughout the week, met with the White House Council on Women and Girls, and met with Members of Congress and staffers to advocate for policy changes related to human trafficking and empowering women and girls in education and financial stability. Follow these 25 young women on Twitter #PoweredByU.  Search #UnitedWayASB to follow the actions from United Way Alternative Spring Breaks around the nation.

About United Way Worldwide
United Way is a worldwide organization of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 41 countries and territories. It advances the common good by focusing on education, income and health – the building blocks for a good quality life. United Way mobilizes millions to action – to give, advocate and volunteer – to improve conditions in their local community. For more information about United Way, please visit UnitedWay.org.

About Kimberly-Clark 
Kimberly-Clark (NYSE: KMB) and its well-known global brands are an indispensable part of life for people in more than 175 countries. Every day, nearly a quarter of the world's population trust K-C's brands and the solutions they provide to enhance their health, hygiene and well-being. With brands such as Kleenex, Scott, Huggies, Pull-Ups, Kotex and Depend, Kimberly-Clark holds No. 1 or No. 2 share positions in more than 80 countries. To keep up with the latest K-C news and to learn more about the Company's 143-year history of innovation, visit www.kimberly-clark.com or follow us on Facebook or Twitter.

Contact: Eileen Lin, [email protected] or 703.836.7112 x 279

SOURCE United Way Worldwide

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