The program starts with a classroom presentation by our Education and Outreach Coordinator, Rita
Fitzgerald, followed by a short video showing typical examples of housing discrimination. Kids are encouraged to talk about their own concepts of equality and fairness and the impact that discrimination has on people and communities. Then they’re invited to create their own FAIR HOUSING POSTER on what they learned and enter it into a county-wide contest to compete for the honor of having their poster made into the Official  “2007 Fair Housing T-Shirt”. Note: This year was special because  we debuted a brand new video made especially for kids: “ Fair Housing is for Everyone”  (check it out on the website)  With the help of Disco Volante Productions and local talent, we had a great time making it. It turned out to be a hit with the kids!

This year, 150 posters were submitted. The winning poster, which will be made into the official T-Shirt was designed by 5th grader JACKSON FUHRMAN of Salford Hills Elementary School, with the the message: “Every Face Needs a Place” (Teacher: Mr Purnell) We choose the winning poster from a pool of 10 finalists on the basis of originality, clarity of fair housing message, use of color and overall design.  In addition to the grand prize winner we also honor the individual finalists (with prizes) at their local school  district school board meeting during June or at an awards ceremony at their schools. Additionally this year we selected one of the finalists’ poster to be made into our official Fair Housing Magnet. That design was by Andrew Shan, from Salford Hills Elementary “ Don’t Judge a Book By Its Cover”. The magnets are very popular- we give them out at numerous trainings throughout the year.

We  thank all  the teachers and site coordinators who so enthusiastically participated in the program, including Jeff Siuta from 20th Century Learners who helped facilitate the program in the Norristown School District. Of course, as usual every year, we give a special thanks to MR. PAUL BARNDT, a local realtor in Harleysville who conducts the school poster contest on behalf of the Center at the Salford Hill School.
Thanks to Montgomery Association of Realtors who have supported this event for the past several years. If you would like your school to participate next year, contact Rita Fitzgerald at 215 576 7711 ext 11.