Made in a Free World, a non-profit organization based in Oakland, CA, has launched “I’m With Lincoln”, an integrated advertising campaign connecting the focus on Abraham Lincoln during the Academy Awards with the realities of human trafficking in the 21st century. A two-minute PSA commercial opens with a sense of youthful anticipation that quickly devolves into a tragic illustration of abuse, fear, pain and ultimately, resistance. The ad is part of a multi-platform initiative aiming to raise awareness for the pervasiveness of human trafficking, including a letter to US senators online at madeinafreeworld.com
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ps0icwCIJmE
The form letter to senators:
“As a native of the state of (state), I feel it is my privilege to share with you a value we both hold dear: freedom. One of our nation’s heroes has recently been in the media due to his incredible work that led to the freedom of millions, shaping the story of our great nation. I’m talking, of course, about Abraham Lincoln. His struggle to abolish slavery is immortalized in paintings and statues in and around your office. I’ve recently learned about something that would certainly concern Lincoln, and I’m sure is concerning to you. Over 27 million people are living in slavery today, most of them women and children. Given our country’s fundamental belief in freedom, domestic and abroad, I assumed that this was a priority for us. Here is what I learned:
- One week’s spending on the “War On Drugs” is equal to 10 years spending on the “War On Slavery” (2001-2008).
- In 2009 we spent twice as much printing the Congressional Record (most of which gets thrown away) than we did fighting slavery domestically.
- In 2009 we spent almost 5 times as much managing wild horses and burros, than we did on domestic programs addressing slavery.
As someone who gets to decide who sits in my state’s senate seat, it’s important for you to know that I’m With Lincoln, and I expect you to be as well. The federal funding process will soon begin. Regardless of the President’s budget request, I’m asking YOU to commit to doubling funding to address this horrific crime. Please support our nation’s promise that all shall be “henceforth and forever free” by doubling funding to fight human trafficking. This funding request is decimal dust compared to other budget items, yet will translate into the very ideal our nation is built upon. I’ll be watching for your vote.
I’m with Lincoln
Credits
The I’m With Lincoln campaign was developed at barrettSF by creative director Jamie Barrett and art director Brian Cheung.
Filming was shot by director Noam Murro via Biscuit Filmworks with managing director Shawn Lacy, executive producer Colleen O’Donnell, producer Jay Veal, production supervisor Jen Berry, director of photography Eric Schmidt.
Editor was Stewart Reeves at Rock Paper Scissors and Catherine Bull at Spot Welders.
Music by J. Ralph was produced at The Rumor Mill.
Made in a Free World
Made In A Free World is an organisation based in Oakland, California, focused building a coalition of consumers, businesses, and governments to disrupt the system of slavery. They produce innovative campaigns, front line projects, consumer engagement tools, and marketable business solutions to get slavery out of the system.
