For more information call:

Jennifer Laszlo Mizrahi at 703-276-1604
or check the website at www.WordsCanHeal.org

(Washington DC) Actress Goldie Hawn will call on Americans to continue to strive to create a positive change in the country on Monday, December 10, 2001 at a luncheon at the National Press Club. The speech is part of the ongoing efforts of WordsCanHeal.org and represents the first major speech by the group following the events of September 11.

"Since September 11, we have all witnessed extraordinary acts of courage," commented Hawn on behalf of WordsCanHeal.org. She continued by saying, "Americans all over this country are heroic. They are making a difference - by giving their time, contributing their money, and offering their prayers. We have seen an America that has not just gone back to normal - it is a better normal."

WordsCanHeal.org is a national campaign dedicated to eliminating verbal violence, curbing gossip and promoting the healing power of words to enhance relationships at every level. By providing tools for schools, communities and families to foster respect, mutual support and tolerance, WordsCanHeal.org is helping Americans build on the kindness and compassion they demonstrated in the aftermath of September 11.

WordsCanHeal.org is focusing on the goal "Why go back to normal?" According to WordsCanHeal.org Executive Director Rabbi Irwin Katsof: "September 11th will never leave our memories. Yet the good of the country depends on our ability to return to our normal lives. But why settle for normal when we've learned we are capable of so much more? Every word we speak offers a chance to keep the good alive. Let's work together to create a better normal."

Goldie Hawn is a producer and an Academy Award-winning actress. She was born in Tacoma Park, MD and studied drama at American University. Hawn will challenge others to "start this Holiday season by replacing hurtful words, angry words, untruthful words, with words of meaning, kindness and love." Hawn adds, "Our voice is both a window and a mirror. The words we use are a mirror, reflecting the way the world touches us. The way we say the words is a window into our hearts and minds."

Both the House and the Senate recognized the importance of the mission of Words Can Heal by passing resolutions naming Friday, November 23, WordsCanHeal Day. However, this recognition is not the final answer. Hawn urged Americans to work individually also when she said, "Do not wait for solutions to come from Washington. They are doing their job, but we must do ours as well. A better future will come from each of us when we assume the personal responsibility to make the world a better place."

WordsCanHeal.org was launched in September on the heels of a Luntz/Laszlo national poll showing that 90% of Americans agree that verbal violence and gossip is a problem in our schools, homes and the workplace. Additionally, fully 51 million Americans say they are hurt by gossip each week and more than 60 million Americans feel that someone is lying about them behind their back each week.

WordsCanHeal.org has captured the imagination and commitment of an unprecedented coalition. Its board includes members of Congress and governors, leading diplomats, Wall Street's most influential CEO's, America's leading clergy, Hollywood celebrities and community leaders, including: Tom Cruise; Rene Russo; Goldie Hawn; Senator Tom Daschle; Senator Harry Reid; Senator Sam Brownback; Senator Bob Dole; Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen; Peter Coors, Chairman, Coors Brewing Company; David Pottruck, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Charles Schwab; Alan G. Hassenfeld, Chairman and CEO, Hasbro Inc.; Howard Jonas, Chairman, CEO and Treasurer, IDT Corporation; Warren M. Weiss, Venture Partner, Charles River Ventures; and Robert Schuller, Founding Pastor, Crystal Cathedral.

Hawn's speech will take place at the National Press Club, 529 14th Street, NW on Monday, December 10. A luncheon will begin at 12:30 p.m. Reservations for the luncheon can be made by calling Pat Nelson at the National Press Club at 202-662-7539. The speech will begin at 1:00 p.m. sharp. The speech will last approximately 25 minutes and will be followed by about 30 minutes of questions and answers. Credentialed reporters may cover the luncheon without buying a luncheon ticket, but must sit in the galleries above the ballroom. Credentialed camera crews will be allowed to cover from the back of the ballroom.