Q: Why did you get involved with the Anti-Stigma Coalition?
We were asked by Michelle Brown (former Executive Director of Compeer) to help a group of organizations pull together an anti-stigma campaign around mental illness. She thought we could give some advice. Without knowing what I was walking into, I was amazed by the people and organizations at the table and their passion and knowledge around the topics. They were smart, kind and looking for some help, and we jumped in with both feet. It has been one of the most fulfilling groups I have ever been a part of.
Q: What has been your company’s role in Join the Conversation?
We have helped create and execute the campaign itself—from the name and look, to the website, social media, TV, billboards, events, brochures and all other elements. We are the creative arm of the Coalition. We also create presentation materials that people need. My team is unbelievable—every single person has been part of this campaign in one form or another.
Q: What has been the response to the campaign?
The response has been amazing. We get excited every day when we see the new pledge numbers or visitors to the website. We are also excited by the one-on-one things people tell us about how much they love to see a campaign like this because “nobody ever talks about mental illness publicly.” People have opened up to us individually in our personal lives when they see we are connected to the campaign. And, that’s what this is all about—creating a conversation.
