CMT ONE COUNTRY AND YOUTH SERVICE AMERICA ASK KIDS TO CHANGE THE WORLD
04/16/09
Country Music Duo Carter Twins promote Global Youth Service Day in April
WASHINGTON – (April 16, 2009) – CMT One Country, the pro-social initiative for cable network CMT, and Youth Service America have partnered once again to engage kids in Global Youth Service Day (GYSD), April 24-26, 2009. As part of this promotion, up-and-coming country music duo, the Carter Twins, will help spread the word about volunteer opportunities all over the country.
“We’re excited to work with Youth Service America and CMT One Country by encouraging our generation to make a difference in their communities,” said Josh Carter. “We truly believe the efforts of even just one person can make a difference, and it’s an honor to be involved in this project,” added Zach.
Lucia Folk, CMT’s director of public affairs, said, “Global Youth Service Day not only improves lives but it is fundamental to youth development.” Folk added, “I am pleased to continue CMT One Country’s relationship with Youth Service America for a third year.”
“Partnering with CMT over the past several years has been a joy,” said Steve Culbertson, Youth Service America president and CEO. “CMT and the Carter Twins have a passion for youth service and their outreach allows us to effectively reach young people and their families. Our joint message gives children and youth the knowledge that they can effect positive change today.”
Growing up in Akron, Ohio, 19-year-old twins Josh and Zach Carter were surrounded by music from the time they were born. Their mother worked in country radio and encouraged their interest — Zach stole time at her piano, while she taught Josh “Stairway to Heaven” on the guitar. The family recently relocated to Nashville from South Carolina so the twins could pursue their music career full-time under the development of CMT and Meteor 17. Still settling into their new digs, Josh and Zach spent the summer working with some of Music City’s best songwriters and crafting as many as 80 songs in just six months. Their first single, “Heart Like Memphis,” is already garnering national attention, making them one of the fastest-rising new artists on the digital charts. Under the helm of Frank Rogers, Billboard magazine’s #1 country producer, the Carter Twins are working on their debut album for an anticipated release in Summer 2009.
Global Youth Service Day occurs in all 50 states and in more than 100 countries. More than a million youth participate in service and service-learning activities with families, schools, community and faith-based organizations, and businesses.
Youth Service America provides resources for service projects that include planning tool kits and curriculum guides and Global Youth Service Grants. To see a map of registered projects, visit www.GYSD.org.
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About Youth Service America
Youth Service America (YSA) improves communities by increasing the number and the diversity of young people, ages 5-25, serving in substantive roles. YSA envisions a global culture of engaged children and youth committed to a lifetime of service, learning, leadership, and achievement. The impact of YSA’s work through service and service-learning is measured in student achievement, workplace readiness, and healthier communities. For more information, visit www.YSA.org.
About CMT One Country
CMT One Country, CMT's pro-social initiative, was launched in the fall of 2005 to promote civic participation and inspire CMT viewers to take action and bring about important change in their communities. CMT One Country partners include Feeding America (formerly America’s Second Harvest), Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Habitat for Humanity, Hands On Network and the USO (United Service Organizations). Led by Advisory Board members President Jimmy Carter, Maya Angelou and General Colin Powell, whose combined service to America is legendary, CMTONECOUNTRY.com aims to offer tools to help anyone start making a difference immediately. For more information: www.CMTONECOUNTRY.com.
About CMT
CMT, a unit of Viacom’s MTV Networks (NYSE: VIA and VIA.B), is the leading television and digital authority on country music and entertainment, reaching more than 88 million homes in the U.S. CMT and its website, CMT.com, offer an unparalleled mix of music, news, live concerts and series and is the top resource for country music on demand. The network’s digital platforms include the 24-hour music channel, CMT Pure Country, CMT Mobile and CMT VOD.
