Usher Raymond's 'I Can't But You Can' Voter Registration Campaign Goes National

PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- After a widely popular and successful run in Atlanta, GA, today Usher Raymond IV announces the national expansion of the "I Can't But You Can" voter registration campaign beginning August 21, 2008 in Detroit, MI. Held last month as part of the 4th Annual Camp New Look in partnership with Rev. Joseph Lowery, 350 youth completed curriculum based on the election/voting process and registered nearly 1,000 voters during the inaugural program.

As part of the "I Can't But You Can" campaign, on August 21 Usher and his New Look foundation are planning several events to build registration awareness and education to Detroit natives. In the morning, over 400 Detroit area youth are expected to participate in a voter registration drive and rally from numerous organizations including Youthville, Detroit NAACP, Mayor's Time, Youth Development Commission, LaSed, and the Derrick Coleman Foundation. Usher will also be on hand to rally 6,000 poll workers at a picnic in their honor encouraging them to lead by example and register to vote. In addition, the MGM Grand Detroit will be hosting a special reception and fundraiser to benefit Usher's New Look later in the evening. Tickets for the reception are available via Ticket Master.

The "I Can't But You Can" campaign geared towards youth age 17 and under, boasts a dual focus objective. Before youth can register voters under New Looks' initiative, they must first complete a 4-hour curriculum and training course on the voting process. "This election impacts ALL youth," says Usher. "I wanted to give teenagers more than the experience and satisfaction of registering voters; I wanted to give them knowledge that will engage them in our democratic process long after this election ends."

The "I Can't But You Can" campaign, which will also include multiple public service announcements, will branch out to additional cities on September 27th with rallies and drives held throughout the country. Lead by New Look youth as part of the National Day of Action (www.servicenation.org), confirmed cities include New Orleans, Cleveland, Atlanta, New York, Boston, Oakland, and Los Angeles.

Recently named the Youth Chair of ServiceNation, a national service campaign, Usher will represent young people from around the country who are committed to giving back to their communities. At the historic ServiceNation Summit in New York City on September 11th and 12th, Usher will serve as their voice while simultaneously raising awareness about the importance of national and community service. He will challenge America's youth to get involved and participate in activities both during and after the Summit.

Youth serving agencies can join the "I Can't But You Can" campaign by downloading the free empowerment kit from www.ushersnewlook.org. The kit includes campaign applications, Voting 101 curriculum, and report forms. T-shirts can also be purchased via UshersNewLook.org for $9.99 plus shipping and handling.

Usher's New look partners with youth serving agencies within the United States including Communities in Schools, Hank Stewart Foundation, SCLC Women, Future Foundation, and Lite House.

-----
Georgia Front Page
Fayette Front Page