WWPR Announces Sitar Arts Center as New Pro Bono Client

WASHINGTON, Feb. 13, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) has announced its support for Sitar Arts Center (Sitar) in its work to provide high-quality out-of-school-time education and experiences in visual, digital and performing arts to children and youth. Sitar will be WWPR's pro bono client for the 2018-2019 term.

WWPR will work to increase recognition for Sitar in DC, develop messaging that will enhance its visibility among potential partners and maximize community interest in Sitar's programming. As WWPR's pro bono client, Sitar will receive the proceeds from the annual PR Woman of the Year luncheon raffle, and from a gift drive during the annual holiday party. Sitar is WWPR's eighth pro bono client since it began providing marketing and communication services to local, non-profit organizations that support women, families and children in 1993.

"WWPR's membership offers a deep reserve of talent, skill and resources in public relations and communications," said Danielle Veira, 2018 president of WWPR. "While we come together for fellowship, professional development and networking as members of WWPR, we are women living and working in the Washington area community first. The Pro Bono Committee's work is a special opportunity to give value back to the community, something WWPR has done for 25 years, and we look forward to helping Sitar deepen its impact in our city during the next two years."

Sitar's success shows the value of creative youth development. Sitar reserves 80 percent of their enrollment for students from households making 50 percent or less of area median income.  More than 900 children each year are engaged in the Center's disciplines in creative writing, dance, digital arts, drama, music and visual arts. They also become proficient in 21^st century skills that are vital to later success in life -- how to communicate effectively, collaborate, think critically, take initiative and be accountable. More than 400 teens have completed Sitar's workforce development program that propels students toward college and career readiness. Currently, 93 percent of Sitar's alumni are enrolled in a two or four-year college or university.

The Center also offers an annual Broadway-style summer musical as part of its six-week Camp Sitar program, an instrument music academy and a performance and gallery series. Since 1998, Sitar has worked to develop unique coursework and opportunities alongside partners like The Washington Ballet, National Symphony Orchestra, DC Jazz Festival and Meridian Hill Pictures, allowing children and youth to benefit from working with professionals of the highest caliber.

"WWPR's belief in Sitar Art Center's mission and demonstrated value in the lives of children, youth and families is an incredible validation of our work. We are honored and excited to be chosen as WWPR's pro bono client," said Sitar's Executive Director Maureen Dwyer.

DC Mayor Muriel Bowser has also acknowledged Sitar's tremendous work with the Arts to provide a well-rounded education to children and youth in the District. Mayor Bowser selected Sitar as the site for her February 5 announcement of the launch of Learn24, a new initiative to ensure children and youth have access to quality educational and enrichment activities beyond the regular school day. Sitar's Arts Afterschool Program is a 2017 grant recipient from the District's Office of Out of School Time Grants and Youth Outcomes.

Through strategic communications support, WWPR will increase community awareness of Sitar's work, whose excellence has been recognized with numerous awards, including: the 2017 Mayor's Arts Award for Excellence in Arts Education, the most prestigious honor conferred by the District of Columbia to individual artists, teachers, and arts organizations; a 2015 Award for Excellence in Nonprofit Management from The Washington Post for its outstanding organizational management, including fiscal management and use of technology; and a 2009 National Arts and Humanities Youth Program Award, the nation's highest honor for after-school and out-of-school-time arts and humanities programs―also known as Creative Youth Development programs―that celebrate the creativity of America's young people, particularly those from underserved communities.

About Sitar Arts Center
Sitar Arts Center's mission is to offer possibilities that transform the lives of children and teens born into a world of unequal access to opportunity. Sitar teaches the arts to economically vulnerable children and teens so our students learn about themselves and gain critical life skills. We create community for students and their families. We are an untiring voice on their behalf. For further information, contact Angela Robinson, [email protected]

About Washington Women in Public Relations
Washington Women in Public Relations is a member-based professional society cultivating and inspiring female communicators to reach their full potential in the DC market and beyond. The organization is committed to providing leadership opportunities, professional development, mentorship and industry networking. Visit us at wwpr.org, connect with us on LinkedIn and Facebook, and follow us on Twitter @WWPR and on Instagram @WWPRDC . For more information contact [email protected]. WWPR's work with Sitar will be led by its 2018 Pro Bono Committee co-chairs Carrie Johnson and Bonnie Piper who oversee the efforts of a diverse and talented group of local volunteers. Contact [email protected].

SOURCE Washington Women in Public Relations

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