The AHMA promise pledges for 2000 to commit 1,500 hotels, 15 AHMA member state associations, and 165 cities, reaching 1 million children. The following year AHMA will increase its involvement to 4,500 hotels, 40 member state associations, 410 cities, and 2.5 million children. In the final year, AHMA will reach 6,000 hotels, 50 member state associations, 1,000 cities, and 4.5 million children. 

AHMA already has outreach programs through its school-to-work organization, the Hospitality Business Alliance (also an America�s Promise partner), and participation in National Groundhog Job Shadow Day. AHMA has chartered a dual approach to further promote the goals of America�s Promise via individual property members and hotel companies. 

Of the 450 companies that have made commitments to America�s Promise, only a handful have been hospitality related, including Marriott International Corporation. Several hotel companies have stated their intention to become commitment makers, including American Hospitality Management, Carlson Hospitality, Days Inns of America, Howard Johnson International, Ramada, Southern Hospitality Management, Travelodge, and US Franchise Systems. 

In addition, AHMA is preparing a �Check Inn� how-to kit to help hoteliers participate in their local communities. Produced pro bono by the Decker Agency, Days Inns� advertising agency based in Glastonbury, Conn., materials include posters, brochures, a video, and a CD-ROM aimed at high school counselors and parents. In addition to assisting hoteliers with creative vehicles for making one or more of the five promises, the kit also encourages them to implement an adopt-a-school program utilizing America�s Promise as a springboard. Web versions of the materials will be available in January at www.ahma.com/checkinn. 

The America�s Promise commitment is a by-product of AHMA Chairman H.P. Rama�s blue ribbon �Experience Lodging� task force, chaired by Curtis Nelson, president/CEO of Carlson Hospitality Worldwide. AHMA Treasurer John Russell, who chairs the Community Outreach subcommittee, is leading the association on this important initiative. 

�Hotel operators already perform so many good works in their communities,� said Russell. �Our commitment to America�s kids through America�s Promise will be a perfect opportunity for our industry to expand its current activities or implement something new. The hotel companies and individual properties that join us in our commitment will set an example to the rest of the industry as leaders in the communities they serve as well as national leaders in helping America�s youth.� 

�America�s Promise is proud to partner with the American Hotel Motel Association, the trade association that represents the lodging industry,� said General Powell. �The industry�s 51,000 properties and 1.16 million employees will provide a strong nationwide network of safe places and caring adults much needed by young people across America. America�s Promise has now grown from a vision into a national movement. We are glad AHMA has joined us.� 
 

At the heart of America�s Promise is a set of five basic promises made to every child in America. To point them  in the right direction, to help them grow up strong and ready to take their  place as successful adults, these five promises must be fulfilled for all children and young people:  An ongoing relationship with a caring adult -- parent, mentor, tutor or coach A safe place with structured activities during non-school hours A healthy start A marketable skill through effective education An opportunity to give back through community service http://www.americaspromise.org/