05.20.10 | Scott to be joined by Celebrities for Youth PROMISE Act Viral Video Premiere

WASHINGTON, DC – On Wednesday, May 26, 2010, Congressman Robert C. "Bobby" Scott will host the premiere of a "viral video" urging support and passage of the Youth PROMISE Act. The premiere will take place at the South Orientation Theatre in the Capitol Visitor Center at 6:00 p.m.

The Youth PROMISE Act is comprehensive legislation that will provide much-needed federal resources to communities to implement evidence- and research-based strategies to reduce gang violence and juvenile crime at the local level. Over the last year and a half, the Youth PROMISE Act, sponsored by Congressman Scott, has been cosponsored by 235 members of the House, 15 members of the Senate, and endorsed by over 250 organizations. In the House, the bill was reported favorably out of the Judiciary Committee in December 2009.

Capitalizing on this momentum, people from all walks of life have come together to tape a short web video sharing their personal stories as to why Congress must pass the Youth PROMISE Act this year. The video is designed to be shared and distributed on various social media platforms, such as Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, and Google Buzz, to enhance awareness of the act and continue to build support outside the halls of Congress. Video participants include Media Mogul Russell Simmons; Actress Robin Wright; Newark, NJ Mayor Cory Booker; NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown; Pro-Skateboarder and MTV personality Rob Dyrdek; and Lawyer and TV Personality Star Jones. Many of the video's participants will be joining Congressman Scott and other advocates at Wednesday's premiere. At the premiere, attendees will also have the opportunity to tape a message in support of the Youth PROMISE Act for future web videos.

To RSVP for the premiere, please contact Christian Haines in Congressman Scott's Washington Office at (202) 225-8351. For more information on the Youth PROMISE Act, please visit: bobbyscott.house.gov/ypa.

# # #