WWPR Partners With Local Non-Profit to Screen Documentary, Miss Representation

Film Aims to Examine Media Portrayal of Women

ARLINGTON, Va., Feb. 16, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is partnering with DC based non-profit, Rock Recovery, to screen the award winning documentary, Miss Representation.  The fundraising event will be held March 1, 2012, and includes a networking reception at 6:00 p.m., followed by the screening at 7:30 p.m. at the NRECA Conference Center in Arlington, Va. 

Written and directed by Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Miss Representation explores how mainstream media contributes to the under-representation of women in positions of power and influence in America.  In a society where media is a persuasive force shaping cultural norms, the collective message that our young women and men overwhelmingly receive is that a woman's value and power lie in her youth, beauty, and sexuality--and not in her capacity as a leader. While women have made strides in leadership over the past few decades, the U.S. is 90th in the world in terms of women in national legislatures, women hold only 3 percent of clout positions in American mainstream media, and 65 percent of women and girls struggle with eating disorders.

"In DC, successful women are at the helm of large and small PR firms; at companies, nonprofits, and on the hill, they are in positions of power," said WWPR board president Tina Beaty.  "These women serve as strong role models for us all, but there is still an important discussion around mass media's portrayal of women as discussed by this Sundance Film."

Stories from teenage girls as well as interviews with politicians, journalists, entertainers, activists and academics such as Condoleezza Rice, Lisa Ling, Nancy Pelosi, Katie Couric, and Gloria Steinem encourage viewers to think about the messaging they are exposed to on a daily basis. 

What:  Screening of Miss Representation hosted by Rock Recovery in association with WWPR

When: Thursday, March 1, 2012
6:00 p.m. - 9:15 p.m.
Screening will begin at 7:30 p.m. followed by closing remarks from Rock Recovery

Where: NRECA Conference Center
4301 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22203

Cost: $20 in advance, $25 at the door.

All proceeds go to benefit Rock Recovery's mission to support the journey to freedom from eating disorders.  Purchase tickets here. 

ABOUT WWPR
Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) is the first and only D.C. based professional organization advancing women in the communications industry. WWPR is committed to delivering outstanding professional development, networking, marketplace positioning, and leadership opportunities to area communicators. Visit us at wwpr.org, "Like" us on Facebook.com/WashingtonWomeninPR, and follow us on Twitter @WWPR.

ABOUT ROCK RECOVERY
Founded in 2008, Rock Recovery is a nonprofit organization that exists to support the journey to freedom for those suffering from eating disorders and disordered eating. Rock Recovery's programs currently include a robust treatment program based in the Washington, D.C, metropolitan area, as well as community empowerment programs that are offered nationwide.  Rock Recovery is founded on the belief that complete freedom from disordered eating is possible, and they are committed to educating communities and bridging treatment gap by offering affordable and accessible services. For more information visit:  http://www.rockrecoveryed.org. 

SOURCE Washington Women in Public Relations