MTV's
own ""Rock the Vote"" had a pre kickoff
in Times Square to their annual fund-raiser as they try
to raise $5,000 dollars. The $5,000 will help them sell
tickets in order to fill the seats of the Roseland Theater
where MTV Networks will be hosting the 10th annual "Rock
the Vote" benefit party/Patrick Lippert Awards.
"Rock the Vote" is a non-profit organization,
which seeks to get younger people from ages 16 to 25 to
become active. They discuss with their participants about
politics, education, violence, health, environment, discrimination,
economy, and free expression.
"Rock
the Vote" was founded in the early 90's by members
of the recording industry in response to a wave of political
attacks on freedom of expression. The first members involved
consisted of Madonna, Iggy Pop, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and
Woody Harrelson. Now entertainers ranging from AeroSmith
to Steve Young participate with the organization. They are
currently leading a street team, which is very active with
35 separate teams in major cities all across the U.S. These
street teams conduct peer-to-peer organizing and voter education
activities. The street teams go to many different events
with ambition to recruit more members and also deliver knowledge
to our youth. Their goal is to "hopefully tip the scales
in a progressive direction," which is what Andy Gabor,
the NY Street Team leader said.
The scales are tipping in a progressive direction. In 2002
alone RTV registered more than 200,000 new voters in the
election cycle, in coordination with their partners. The
"Rock the Vote" Benefit Party will be taking place
on Saturday, February 22, 2003, the night before the Grammy
Awards.
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