Celebrating Social Good: causes & campaigns we love ā¤ļø
Social good initiatives are finally at the forefront of the collective mind, and there are some truly amazing campaigns and programs working to effect real change. The Shorty Social Good Awards focuses on recognizing these programs and those working to make our world a better place. As more organizations and brands realize their responsibility to give back, the causes being supported are diversifying. Here are the new cause-based categories the Shorty Social Good Awards and some of the past entrants that have inspired them.Ā
1. Veteran and Service Support
Service men & women often put their lives on the line for their country, and subsequently many organizations are working to accommodate, support and thank them for their dedication. In this case study by MSLGROUP and Home Depot, we learn how the worldās largest home improvement retailer is improving the homes and lives of US veterans and their families.
Equality for all genders has long been supported by countless socially-conscious brands and organizations throughout history, and the momentum has been picking up even more in recent years.Ā In this case study by R/GA, The Muse, Ladies Get Paid, PayScale, & Reply.ai, we learn how they all joined forces with the worldās fiercest female leaders and equal pay advocates to combat the wage gap.Ā
With increasingly widespread attention to social movements tackling the biggest issues that are preventing racial equality, many organizations have joined in the conversation to educate and support.Ā MTV Decoded, a digital series produced by Viacom and hosted by Franchesca Ramsey brings a comedic, conversational, and brilliant perspective to some of our society's biggest problems with stereotyping and discrimination.
Diversity programs and campaigns that aim to educate community members in a thoughtful and engaging way are the ones that truly inspire social change.Ā This tear-jerking PSA produced by Gorilla Media went viral in 2017 when the public and politicians reacted to their emotional showcase of the damage that is caused by the hateful rhetoric towards minority communities in Denmark.
Every day, the LGBTQ+ community and allies advocate in their immediate communities and globally in order to achieve equal rights, treatment and acceptance for all.Ā In this case study by Digitas LBi and Maytag, the brand used their influential position and brand values to take a stand against discrimination affecting the LGBTQ+ community.Ā
The fight for human rights is a series of battles meant to provide the most basic freedoms for all individuals and groups, and each win brings us closer to achieving the shared goal of total world peace. In 2017, Free a Girl Movement and FleishmanHillard launched the world's firstĀ School for Justice, which takes the victims of sex trafficking out of prostitution and into prosecution. Ā
7. Immigration & Refugees
Whether itās due to a crisis, war, poverty or any other socialĀ issue that affects oneās livelihood, people are experiencing devastating displacements from their lives and families every day. Fortunately, there are many organizations dedicated to supporting those who donāt have the tools or resources to support themselves.Ā In this case study produced by the Anti-Defamation League, they showcase their āWe Were Strangers, Tooā campaign which aimed to both raise awareness and spread understanding of the refugee experience, while positively impacting legislation related to the refugee crisis.Ā
Children are the most innocent members of society, and it is our duty to protect and teach them in order to ensure a safe and prosperous future for all.Ā This outstanding video produced by Upworthy and Comfort Cases used creative storytelling to expand the traditional definition of what it means to be a family, impacting and informing a large audience and driving them to action.Ā
The global health field is comprised of various organizations that are working tirelessly to achieve worldwide health equity through studies, research and practice. St. Baldrickās Foundation created this viral contest not only to acknowledge the awesome dads out there making a difference in the lives of their families, but to also inspire others to support their foundation, which is working towards finding a cure for childhood cancer.Ā
The Shorty Social Good Awards are now accepting entries from brands, organizations and nonprofits who are doing important work to inspire change. Enter by the early deadline on June 20!