Helping Young Adults Succeed
Sponsored scholarship applications for the International Code Council Foundation (ICCF) 2007 Scholarship Program are now available online for children of code enforcement personnel. The ICCF Scholarship Foundation hosts five distinct sponsored scholarships, managed by the Code Council, and funded by its Foundation contributors and ICC Chapters. Eligible recipients have the opportunity to receive scholarship funding from $1,000 to $2,500. The deadline for all sponsored applications is June 30.

One Program That’s Changing the World

Craig Williams, Founder of Architects Without Borders North America, on site in Banda, Aceh, Indonesia, working to create a child-centered village for children and widows that lost their families to the December 2004 tsunamis. Architects Without Borders is a Silent Defender honoree for this year.

For helping improve the lives of others through building safety and fire prevention, the ICC Foundation has chosen the individuals and organizations to receive this year’s Silent Defender Awards.

Though space is limited for the Foundation’s third annual dinner on May 10 in Arlington, VA, you can still reserve a seat at this important event. Code Council members, building professionals and the public are invited to the Silent Defender Awards event.

Tips for Promoting Building Safety Week
Building Safety Week proclamations are a springboard to initiate public safety education and community involvement, as well as the recognition of local building safety and fire prevention officials. In 2006, more than 30 states issued proclamations. This year, Building Safety Week—Building Smarter…for Disasters and Everyday Life—is scheduled for May 6-12. Don’t miss your chance to be part of this program to promote building and public safety in your community.

Proclamation templates are available online. We also have some great ideas for promoting Building Safety Week in your area. Be sure to check out the April issue of Building Safety Journal for planned activities for 2007.

Building Safety on the Hill
During Building Safety Week, the Code Council Board of Directors and Government Relations Advisory Committee will meet with members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives to discuss Council legislative priorities on behalf of our members and stakeholders. ICC’s main focus will highlight efforts to establish a federally funded, competitive Local Code Administration Grant Program.

Make Noise at This Year’s Silent Auction
Help make a worthwhile cause a great success by donating to the Fifth Annual Silent Auction during the ICC Annual Conference. Money raised from this event will be donated to a local charitable organization in Reno, NV. Last year’s Silent Auction raised a recordsetting $5,000 for the not-for-profit organization Habitat for Humanity, Orlando. Now is the time to donate and get involved.

To donate, contact ICCF President Paul Myers at (513) 574-0957.

Calling All Heroes
There are many kinds of heroes, including those volunteers who serve as State Coordinators for the Project H.E.R.O nationwide program. Serving as liaisons between the local sites within their state and the Foundation, Coordinators track local group activities and share project progress with the Foundation. Be a volunteer hero to our nation’s deserving heroes.

Perfect Opportunity for 2007
Foundation staff can provide chapters and organizations with information about initiating their own Project H.E.R.O. team to honor our nation’s veterans. A free Project H.E.R.O. CD provides all the tools and templates necessary to create your team, select a veteran, raise financial and non-financial support, and complete a successful project. ICC Chapters were sent free copies of the CD. For your own copy, call 1-888-ICC-SAFE (422-7233), ext. 4204.

About the Foundation Around the world, thousands of lives are lost and billions of dollars in damage occur in places where people and property are not protected by building codes and standards. The International Code Council Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to alleviating the devastating effects of natural disasters and other building tragedies by promoting ideas, methods and technologies that encourage the construction of durable, sustainable buildings and homes. For more information on the ICC Foundation, click here.