Michael Franti and CARE Host the Second Annual Power to the Peaceful Global Action Forum & Celebration in San Francisco

The night before Franti's 11^th annual Power to the Peaceful Festival in Golden Gate Park, which draws more than 50,000 attendees for a day of music, yoga, and other activities, the Global Action Forum & Celebration will feature two short documentary films, one about Franti's trip to visit CARE programs in East Timor and the other about a powerful advocate for girls' education in Mali. Following the films will be a panel of experts from CARE and other local organizations who will discuss topics including education, microfinance and ending violence against women. Participants will leave with tangible strategies to affect change at home and abroad. After the panel discussion, Franti will present a special acoustic performance of his new CD, The Sound of Sunshine. The album is set for release September 21^st.

''Michael Franti's voice is a powerful tool for social change,'' said CARE President and CEO Dr. Helene Gayle. ''His music inspires his fans to take action and through the Power to the Peaceful Festival and Global Action Forum, he's convening people to learn more about the issues affecting girls and women around the world. We here in the U.S. can make a differenceby learning, advocating and spreading the word to others. The weekend of Power to the Peaceful events provides both inspiration and information that Michael's audience can use to join the movement to end global poverty.''

The Power to the Peaceful Global Action Forum & Celebration will take place starting at 8:00 PM on Friday, September 10, 2010 at the historic Fillmore theatre in San Francisco. Tickets are on sale now at Ticketmaster www.ticketmaster.com. The concert on Saturday, September 11 in Golden Gate Park is free. For more information please visit www.care.org/forum or www.powertothepeaceful.org.

Sponsors include: Full Circle Exchange, ITVS, KRON4, Vivanista, World Pulse and The Women's International Perspective.

About CARE:

CARE is a leading humanitarian organization fighting global poverty. We place special focus on working alongside poor women because, equipped with the proper resources, women have the power to help whole families and entire communities escape poverty. Women are at the heart of CARE's community-based efforts to improve basic education, prevent the spread of HIV, increase access to clean water and sanitation, expand economic opportunity and protect natural resources. CARE also delivers emergency aid to survivors of war and natural disasters, and helps people rebuild their lives. To get involved, visit www.care.org.