National Bible Association

National Bible Week is celebrated from Sunday to Sunday of Thanksgiving week. It promotes interest in Bible reading throughout the U.S. and awareness of the importance of the Bible in the history and culture of our nation. With the cooperation of nearly 4,000 local community groups, religious and civic, support activities arranged or provided by NBA included Bible Week proclamations by 588 mayors and 34 governors; the free distribution of posters and materials that introduce and encourage Bible reading, which included a partnership with the Archdiocese of Baltimore; and the dissemination of news releases to print and radio media outlets.

MEDIA CAMPAIGN: A public service advertising campaign was conducted throughout the year around the themes: The Bible...Good for Life and Often a Moment of Scripture.... Additionally, special morning radio interviews were done during National Bible Week by Tom Boomershine of the Network of Biblical Storytellers.

INTERNET SITE: NBA has six Web sites, averaging more than 40,000 daily visitors. These sites offer daily Bible readings in six English and Spanish versions; information about NBA; a registry of local Bible study groups; a listing of bookstores that sell Bibles; guidelines for constitutionally-acceptable ways for teaching about the Bible in public schools; information on "released-time" Bible education, and general information about the Bible. In November, 1999, the NBA and Freedom Forum's First Amendment Center co-published "The Bible and Public Schools: A First Amendment Guide." We also initiated the formation of a national network of 6 independent providers of released-time Bible education programs serving more than 100,000 children, creating BEST Network (Bible Education in School Time). We call public attention to the work done by people to propagate the Bible and knowledge of the Bible by public presentations of Citations of Appreciation for Outstanding Public Service to the Bible cause. One was given to Robert Schuller on The Hour of Power television program. Yearly, we also honor a military chaplain, for his or her service to Army, Navy, and Air Force personnel around the world.