Nonprofit youthrive confirms spring visit by Archbishop Desmond Tutu

St. Paul, Minn., Oct. 10, 2007

youthrive, the nonprofit organization that is bringing Nobel Peace Prize Laureate and Archbishop Desmond Tutu to the Twin Cities in April 2008 to work with area youth, has re-affirmed that Metropolitan State University is their partner to host the Archbishop’s visit and public lecture next spring.

“We understand there have been many discussions around the University of St. Thomas’ decision not to host him and we have been alerted of their subsequent decision today to reconsider,” said Donna Gillen, executive director of youthrive.

“However, based on their initial decision, we approached Metropolitan State University months ago and they welcomed us with open arms. We are thrilled that they agreed to host our PeaceJam event and the public lecture in April and we are working together in partnership to reach out to youth and the community to make them aware of his visit,” continued Gillen.

“The PeaceJam event is a unique opportunity for area youth to learn about concepts of peace-building, social justice, anti-racism and ethical leadership, and the opportunity to interact with a world leader.”

Area youth who are interested in apprenticing themselves with Archbishop Tutu at the April PeaceJam event will first participate in a Nov. 3 PeaceJam Slam event and learn about the Nobel Peace Prize Laureate’s life and work through curriculum being made available to schools, youth groups and similar groups.

“Metropolitan State University is and has always been committed to civic engagement in all its forms,” said Metropolitan State University President Wilson Bradshaw. ”We are pleased to be the host site for this youthrive/PeaceJam event featuring this outstanding proponent of world peace and look forward to an ongoing partnership with youthrive and PeaceJam.”

In addition to participating in PeaceJam, Archbishop Tutu will also address youth attending the National Service-Learning Conference hosted by the National Youth Leadership Council (NYLC) on Friday, April 11. youthrive/PeaceJam, Metropolitan State and NYLC are all helping to make Archbishop Tutu’s participation possible.

An Upper Midwest affiliate of PeaceJam Foundation, youthrive is based in Denver, Colorado. For information on how youth may participate in the PeaceJam Slam in November and the April visit by Archbishop Tutu, contact youthrive at (651)224-3066. The PeaceJam event in April will also include a service project with the North Minneapolis community. For more information on youthrive, visit http://www.youthrive.net.