Title
Proclaiming National "Reason to Shine" Day in Saint Paul on October 4, 2015 to recognize actors with special needs.
Body
WHEREAS, the special needs actors of Highland Friendship Club starred in a movie named "Underland" to be presented at the Ordway on Sunday, October 4, 2015; and
WHEREAS, rising above their mental challenges and physical limitations through hard work and perseverance for the purpose of delivering a message to the world that “LABELS DON’T DEFINE YOU” benefits all citizens of Saint Paul, MN; and
WHEREAS, as special needs actors, they are in the unique position of being a vehicle for denouncing stigmas and taboos about people with disabilities to a greater audience; and
WHEREAS, through their work in the UNDERLAND film series, they have raised awareness about bullying, self-advocacy, body positive, self-worth, dignity, and sexuality to the most marginalized of people who can now look at actors with disability and see a bit of themselves; and
WHEREAS, a valuable asset to the arts community, actors with disability are grossly under represented in film and theater for character roles with disability; and
WHEREAS, they have earned the respect of the general public, special needs populations, and the international community by giving each and every person the message that reaches “A REASON TO SHINE”;
NOW, THEREFORE, the Saint Paul City Council, does hereby proclaim October 4-2015 as NATIONAL “REASON TO SHINE” DAY throughout Saint Paul, MN and encourages all citizens to recognize actors with special needs for the significant impact they have made and continue to make in the local, national, and international film community .