Violent media on television correlates directly to aggressive behavior in children — that's the finding of several Federal Communications Commission reports in recent years.

That's why the United Church of Christ's OC, Inc. — the church's historic media advocacy organization — is again teaming up with the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition to sponsor a Violent Media Fast, October 12 – 18, 2008.

The fast encourages families to take a stand against violent media by making a conscious decision not to watch it — and to seek other methods of entertainment and intellectual stimulation.

Make a commitment to refrain from watching violence as entertainment during the Media Violence Fast. Read the daily e-mail devotion/meditation that will be sent to you each morning. You may want to use these as a point of discussion with your family, church group or organization. Offer your own reflections and feedback in a group forum. An invitation to join the online forum will be provided when you join the Media Violence Fast.

Both the UCC and the Rainbow/PUSH Coalition are members of the Smart Television Alliance — a coalition of national non-profit groups that share commitment to improving what our nation's children see on television.