In this wonderful Penn State community, comfortably nestled in Happy Valley, there is a pervasive problem. This problem, in a word, is intolerance.

Intolerance is the underlying root that is inherent to many of today's issues: racism, sexism, anti-Semitism and homophobia, to name a few.

These problems would not be as difficult to address if it weren't for the problem of invisibility. To some of us, ignorance is bliss. But, to others of us, knowledge is power.

Ignoring problems is not an effective means to a solution; on the other hand, education is. To increase knowledge and awareness of diversity issues, Project Growth has been formed.

Project Growth's mission is to provide an educational opportunity to the Penn State community on diversity issues. To do this, Project Growth has sponsored a variety of programs that have been diverse in form and content.

Some of these educational opportunities have been discussions and free showings of the movies School Daze, Do the Right Thing and more recently Glory.

Other programs have been in the form of discussion groups, such as "AIDS: How you think can kill you," and "Religion: A celebration of diversity." We have also embraced games a a means to increased awareness with "Multicultural Pursuit." These and other programs have been successful opportunities for our community members to share and receive ideas.

Although Project Growth's mission is to provide educational opportunity, we cannot do it alone. Making Penn State a more tolerant and caring community is a large task that requires all of us to exchange ideas, change our attitudes and most importantly, work together. Now is your chance to formally get involved.

Project Growth is in the process of recruiting members for the 1990-91 academic year. To join, you must first file an application at the Campus Life Assistance Center in 135 Boucke.

Applications for membership will be accepted Monday, March 19 through Friday, March 30. An interview process is to follow for all selected candidates. Membership is open to all Penn State University Park students.

Project Growth appreciates and wishes to thank you, the Penn State community, for your past support of diversity issues educations. It is our hope that you will join us in the collective struggle to eradicate all forms of intolerance and to increase understanding and awareness of diversity.

Applications for Project Growth 1990-91 can be picked up at the Information desk in 135 Boucke. Become a part of the solution, apply to Project Growth today.