Contact: Linda Holterhoff, 352-4382

Nicole Metzger, 352-4383

(CINCINNATI - OHIO) A wise man named Mahatma Gandhi once said "be the change you want to see in the world." Keep Cincinnati Beautiful is spreading the positive message in connection with the "Don't Trash the 'Nati" campaign by empowering local youth to take pride in their community. The campaign's kickoff is on October 1, 2004.

WHO: Keep Cincinnati Beautiful

WHAT: Introduce and kickoff the new "Be The Change" campaign

WHEN: October 1, 2004

WHERE: Nine different billboards will be place around the City and Public Service Announcements will be aired on television (see following page)

The "Be The Change" campaign focuses on changing attitudes by encouraging teens to take pride in their environment, respect their surroundings and make a real difference in their neighborhood. The campaign is a spin off of the "Don't Trash the 'Nati" campaign that started in 1998. Not only is Keep Cincinnati Beautiful embracing the image of change but also joining hands with the National Conference for Community Justice (NCCJ) to empower all communities to connect with the message.

The new campaign will be introduced to Cincinnati on October 1, 2004. Billboards with local teens and the "Be The Change" logo will appear along with public service announcements that will air on local television stations. The campaign's image includes local Cincinnati youth who have displayed pride in their community and life. The concept connects both local faces to a local problem, litter and blight.

Alphonzo Wesson, a self taught filmmaker, who has directed MTV's "The Real World" and "Making of the Band" volunteered to produce the video which features thoughts and feelings of local teens. Wesson is a native of Cincinnati and has helped on local work and has eleven regional Emmys under his belt.

"If we start changing ourselves then the environment around us has to change," said Robert Killins Jr., who is a local resident of the West End and a volunteer. He went on to say "If we feel good about ourselves then we will feel good about our neighborhood."

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful would like to thank The George Tassian Organization, The Greater Cincinnati Foundation, The PPS Group, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Recycling and Litter Prevention, ZoMotion and our Volunteers.

Keep Cincinnati Beautiful is a not-for-profit organization promoting litter prevention, recycling and community improvement and beautification through education, citizen action and strategic partnerships in the Greater Cincinnati area.

Eastern Avenue at Lancaster