Take Down Gun Violence:
On average, there is more than one mass shooting a day in the United States. With arguments raging on how to manage the epidemic of gun violence, something needed to be done to save lives now.
Inspired by public safety choking communications, we created shooting survival posters, website, social pages and video. Designed to be displayed in movie theaters, schools, cafes, nightclubs and online, the campaign offered practical tips, first aid and safety advice to individuals on effective self-preservation in the case of a mass shooting.
The main goal was to educate people of practical tips for self-preservation and first aid. The secondary goal was to drive traffic to other resources to help people connect with other supporting organizations.
It was the campaign we didn't want to create.
The Shock Value of Not Trying to Shock:
Our idea centered around creating a poster about one of life's most frightening events without overtly emotional or fearful imagery. Basic how-to information conveyed with intuitive illustrations and plain language. Simple and to-the-point.
It's in the banal telling of this public health and survival story that screamed out to the public with tips on self-preservation. Without political leanings, left or right, we advocated proven and practical techniques for avoiding physical harm in case of a mass shooting.
Taking Down Gun Violence Starts With You:
How can anyone effectively protect themselves from random public shootings by relying solely on the government? In an open society, the police can't guard every citizen. With the polarity of the political party system especially in the United States, gun control measures are at a standstill. And hiring personal bodyguards is financially prohibitive for the average citizen.
The only reasonable approach is self-preservation. Learning practical techniques for swift action to flee the scene, take cover or tend to wounds.
Social Following Followed by PR Attention.
Since July 2016, the Take Down Gun Violence campaign has seen a sizable jump on Instagram with followers numbering over 1,100. This includes organizations and individuals from a wide range of political leanings. As our efforts continue, this trend is something we're planning to extend to Twitter and the retail postings.
Most importantly, the poster caught the attention of NYC security companies, New York City Police Department and the NYC Fire Department all of which followed our lead to use our poster then integrate into their firearms protection programs.
