States United to Prevent Gun Violence campaign “Common Sense Quotes” to support student efforts to make a difference

States United to Prevent Gun Violence is launching ‘Common Sense Quotes,’ a new initiative that re-imagines the power a simple yearbook quote can have in the effort to raise awareness of gun violence prevention. A volunteer team from Grey New York created the effort.

Students, teachers and industry experts report high school yearbooks continue to be amazingly popular among the digital natives of the Snapchat generation.

Rather than a song or lyric or joke, students are encouraged to donate a “Common Sense Quote,” whether it’s a call to action for legislators or thoughts on what a gun-free environment looks like, as the violence continues unabated.

The campaign includes:

• donateyourquote.com: a website where students can generate a shareable image pledging their commitment by uploading a yearbook photo and their own quoteCommon.
• Sense Quotes: an online video featuring 14 real students’ thoughtful quotes to spread the word to their peers.
• Bound Book: The goal is to amass all the quotes received in a physical book that will be shared with members of Congress to spur common sense gun reform.

“In the quest for common sense gun reform, students around the country are finding their voices. And what better place for them to express their opinions than through a space they’ve been expressing themselves for decades: the iconic student yearbook quote,” said Nick Wilson, Executive Director of States United to Prevent Gun Violence.

He continued, “At States United to Prevent Gun Violence, we support student efforts to make a difference. That’s why it was important for us to get behind these students and this initiative. We want to help amplify student voices around the country so that America can take one more step toward safer schools and a safer society.”

The effort will be supported by high-profile activists in social media and public relations.

John Patroulis, Chief Creative Officer of Grey New York, said, “With gun violence in the headlines and the midterm election days away, States United is looking to high school seniors to lead the way and be the generation that finally makes Congress listen and enact common sense gun reform. There is real wisdom in their quotes.”

About States United to Prevent Gun Violence:

States United to Prevent Gun Violence (States United) is a national non-profit organization founded in 1999 by state gun violence prevention groups. States United is the only organisation representing state-led gun violence prevention groups. Its 32 State Affiliate organizations – together with allies in other state groups – are committed to a 50-state solution to gun violence. States United believes that strong state-based organizations that reflect the unique landscape of attitudes and challenges in each state are essential to building grassroots support and affecting legislative change at the state and national level.

Credits:
Client – States United to prevent gun violence

Nick Wilson – Executive Director
Barbara Hohlt – Treasurer
Stephen White – Operations Manager

Grey
John Patroulis – Worldwide Chief Creative Officer
Rob Lenois – Deputy Chief Creative Officer
Jeff Stamp – Deputy Chief Creative Officer
Leo Barbosa – Creative Director
Cuanan Cronwright – Creative Director
Dan Greener – Copywriter
Shannon Smith – Art Director
Morgan Marc – Project Manager
Elizabeth Gilchrist – SVP, Account Director
Grace Hargrave-Thomas – Senior Account Executive
Christopher Izzo – Senior Digital Producer
Michael Nicosia – Director of Technology
Mariana Scaff – Tech Lead
Liniquer Fractucello – Front End Developer
Fabio Lenzi – Front End Developer
Bruno Azzi – Front End Developer
Luan Lopes – Quality Assurance
Hetal Patel – Marketing Sciences
Kenny Gold – SVP, Director/Social Media
Han Lin – Group Creative Director/Design
Brianna DiFelice – Designer
Colin White – Creative Technologist

John Grudzina – EVP, Chief of Staff & General Counsel
Katrina Dibbini – Counsel
Davis & Gilbert – Outside Counsel

Owen Dougherty – Chief Communications Officer
Courtney Engel – SVP, Activation, Talent & PR
Laura Konopack – SVP, Activation, Talent & PR
Ryan Hallett – VP, Public Relations
Kirsten Schubert – Account Supervisor, Public Relations

Townhouse Production Agency
James McPherson – Chief Production Officer, NA
Tania Salter – Head of Integrated Production
MJ Soler – Integrated Producer
Adam Defrin – Director
Amanda Rodriguez – Producer
Lauren Kulchinsky – Head of Creative Content
Tom Brink – Director of Photography
Steve Hafner – Editor
John Dillon – Producer
Michaela Moriarty – Producer
Dante Desole – Sound Engineer
Nina Pratt – Casting Director
Cecelia Critchley – VP, Executive Business Affairs Manager
Kurt Steinke – Music Producer

James McPherson – Chief Production Officer, NA
Tania Salter – Head of Integrated Production
MJ Soler – Integrated Producer
Adam Defrin – Director
Amanda Rodriguez – Producer
Lauren Kulchinsky – Head of Creative Content
Tom Brink – Director of Photography
Steve Hafner – Editor
John Dillon – Producer
Michaela Moriarty – Producer
Dante Desole – Sound Engineer
Nina Pratt – Casting Director
Cecelia Critchley – VP, Executive Business Affairs Manager
Kurt Steinke – Music Producer

Hogarth Brasil – Telecine Company

Luca Leocadio – Colorist
Paul Schneider – Producer

Asche & Spencer – Music Company