WHAT:
Hundreds of Minnesotans will join advocates at Mall of America® to rally against sexual abuse and the exploitation of children at Demand the Change for Children on Saturday, March 23. Organized by the Minnesota Coalition Against Sexual Assault (MNCASA), Demand the Change for Children is a call to action to raise awareness and strengthen prevention efforts of child sex abuse. This family-friendly celebration gives a voice to those affected by abuse and focuses on the community’s ability to prevent abuse and exploitation.
The day will be packed with exciting and interactive activities including the opportunity to join the Women’s Drum Heart performance and zumba. There will be performances by the MacPhail Youth Choir, Rochester International Dance Studio, Heather Lyn with youthrive:LIVE! as well as soccer demonstrations by Tony Sanneh and the Tony Sanneh Foundation. Kids will get hands on with crafts including origami, quilt square and hero cape making. The Smooch! Project will also have a booth set up to snap photos of loved ones puckering up. This year for the first time, the event has added a new HOPE section where people can share their experiences and find out how to get involved in prevention efforts.
Sexual abuse of children happens at alarming rates. Demand the Change for Children is a grassroots collaboration of individuals and organizations working together to end the abuse and exploitation of children and advance prevention efforts by promoting healthy, respectful relationships and safe and supportive environments for all children.
For more information visit www.
INTERVIEW OPS:
*Donna Dunn, Executive Director of MNCASA
*Cordelia Anderson, founder of Sensibilities, Inc., Prevention Consultation
*Edward Ehlinger, Minnesota Department of Health Commissioner
*Individuals who have personal experience as survivors of child sexual abuse
are also available to talk about why they support prevention
VISUALS:
*Hundreds of attendees dancing, singing, and crafting in the Rotunda
*Performances by local dance and music groups
*Short speeches from national prevention experts
WHEN:
Saturday, March 23
11:45 a.m. – 5 p.m.
WHERE:
Mall of America – Rotunda
About Mall of America®
Mall of America is the nation’s largest retail and entertainment complex. At 4.2 million square feet, MOA is home to more than 520 world-class shops; Nickelodeon Universe®, the nation’s largest indoor family amusement park; SEA LIFE Minnesota Aquarium, a 1.2 million gallon walk-through aquarium; Moose Mountain Adventure Golf; Theatres at Mall of America® – a 14-screen movie theater with VIP theatre and more. The Mall opened in August of 1992 and is located in Bloomington, Minn., just minutes from downtown Minneapolis and St. Paul. Follow Mall of America on Facebook and Twitter or visit our blog.
