Dignity Project Documentation Barbara Bodine Dignity Productions (215) 646-6630 (215) 646-1030 THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY PROJECT (An Idea) The following is a concept proposal titled, THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY PROJECT. It is a multi-level, multi-benefit campaign created to raise awareness and funds for Dignity Housing, a unique Philadelphia based organi- zation that provides permanent housing for the homeless. This organization is founded and guided by currently and formerly homeless people. Submitted September, 1991 by Barbara Bodine "All the darkness of the world cannot put out the light of one small candle. ." DIGNITY HOUSING FOR THE HOMELESS . A CANDLE OF HOPE AND A MESSAGE OF DIGNITY . INTRODUCTION HOMELESSNESS. For many of us it is a vast and faceless problem that can evoke the widest range of human emotions. From compassion to disgust, we are often united only by a great sense of frustration and hopelessness. But homelessness is not always about hopelessness. Remark- ably, there are stories of courage and of hope. Unspoken success stories such as those coming from Philadelphia's Dignity Housing, a unique model program founded and guided by currently and for- merly homeless people. Their goal has been an innovative ap- proach to providing permanent housing, and "like a candle in the darkness," Dignity has become a model program for other cities. A grass-roots advocacy program, Dignity Housing is not without conflict or controversy. Still, from its activist beginnings to its day-by-day struggle, Dignity has become a symbol of strength, and of hope. To date, 150 families are housed and living in stable, supportive environments. In a program that promotes independ- ence, self-reliance, and a reduced dependency on welfare, nowhere has the renewal of hope been more poignant than in the stories of Dignity children whose lives have been turned around. In their honor, THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY PROJECT was conceived——to help lift and send their message of hope and dig- nity. It is a message that reaches not only to Philadelphia and beyond, but deep into our own hearts where the need to renew hope 1 2 and understanding for the homeless is great. Inspired by Dignity's spirit of collaboration and commit- ment, this Project attempts to unleash and strengthen creative energies and resources at home. And, like the Dignity Housing Program, it is based on the belief that human resources and human energies are both vast and renewable. The PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY PROJECT will attempt to bring together a group of creative, competent, and caring individuals capable of "making it happen." Key to this Project's success will be a kind of "Roving Leadership" that frees each one of them to contribute their own unique best. Today there are 2000 pre-school and school-age children living in Philadelphia shelters. Programs such as Dignity Hous- ing hold a candle of hope for all of them. But it is a small candle in the wind—— its survival at risk every day. The candle that cannot be put out is the one that still burns in all our hearts. Lifted up together, the light of hope can change lives. And together, we can make a difference. 3 The Philadelphia For Dignity PROJECT PHILOSOPHY AND STRATEGY Ú THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY PROJECT: Like Dignity Hous- ing, the strength and success of this project is based on the belief that human resources and human energies are both vast and renewable. The human spirit, our most powerful resource, is that this campaign hopes to inspire. Ú THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY PROJECT is a proposed col- laborative campaign effort that combines the talents, energies, and expertise of a select group of caring and competent individu- als. Its goal is to build funds and awareness for Dignity Hous- ing, by launching an "unprecedented campaign for dignity." It attempts to build a system of support and visibility for all campaign efforts and a solid and profitable aftermarket for all efforts. Ú THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY PROJECT is based on a system of "roving leadership" that frees each of us to do what we do best and enables all of us to contribute our own unique "piece of the bigger picture." Key to this project's success will be finding those individuals. Ú THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY PROJECT is committed to building a strong aftermarket for all promotional and campaign efforts. Designed to build-in solicitation, projects such as THE 4 PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY BENEFIT PERFORMANCE will continue to profit significantly from this "long-view" after-the-fact market- ing strategy (song, CD, video, and cassette). Ú THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY PROJECT recognizes that fundraising and building awareness is a natural process that develops in its own time. Still, we recognize the importance of building the widest possible base of support and visibility, not only with the effective use of PR but with a sincere and personal commitment to community. 5 THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY BENEFIT SHOW Description: The focus of this campaign would be THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY BENEFIT, a special "Hometown-For-Dignity Show" featuring Philadelphia artists sharing messages of dignity in their music and their lives. An inspirational evening of uplift, this show would highlight the formerly homeless children of Dignity and celebrate the unifying spirit of dignity in music and the commu- nity. In honor of these children and their families, well-known and upcoming talent would come together and share in the spirit and dignity of the day. It is recommended that the Benefit be preceded by THE PHILA- DELPHIA WALK FOR DIGNITY, a pre-publicity community event that celebrates these themes and culminates in a special on-site Dignity Housing Party. Famous Philadelphians and "honored" out- of-town guests would lead a community JAZZWALK, GOSPELWALK, and JOYWALK FOR KIDS. Held far enough in advance of the Benefit, this PR event could build excitement, stimulate celebrity in- volvement, and captivate the media. Unlike "LIVE AID" or "COMIC RELIEF," THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY BENEFIT is about "bringing it all back home. ." Based on a "more dignified" and "personal approach" to audience and artist participation, the Show will highlight a specific 6 Dignity housing site to benefit and honor the Dignity children that symbolize the renewal of hope and happiness. With an up- beat, positive presentation the artists that stand beside these children will be honored too. With imagination and inspiration, this multi-media tribute to dignity could be unforgettable. THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY BENEFIT is a project that could attract a wide spectrum of support. In the private volunteer sector, there seems to be a growing sentiment of frustration with "fancy fundraisers" and genuine need to contribute in more mean- ingful ways. Projects such as this one provide for Dignity Housing the much needed linkage to business, volunteer and community re- sources. This unique opportunity to build a network of friend- ship will foster future generosity and benefit us all. 7 THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY PROJECT SUGGESTIONS The following Project suggestions are submitted to help build marketing opportunities after-the-fact (BENEFIT) and seek to stimulate other ideas of involvement. WPVI (TV) and WDAS (radio) are sampled because of their demonstrated commitment to the community. Sponsors for these suggested events could include McDon- ald's, Burger King, Philadelphia Magazine, Marvel Comics, NFL Films, Coke and Pepsi. (Note: Coke and Pepsi could be partners in sponsorship and reinforce the collaborative nature of this event and spirit of unity.) 8 Sample Project Idea: THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY IN-SCHOOL VIDEO PROJECT "The Child That Walks Alone . ." Title: Description: An educational in-school video project distributed and produced in cooperation with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and created to provide teachers, parents and students with a vehicle that shows the "human side of homelessness" through the perspective of homeless school-age children. Note: This project has the endorsement and support of the Pennsylvania Department of Education in Har- risburg, whose Homeless Program Director believes strongly that the message "we are all human beings and we should care about each other" should be brought into the school setting. This video would provide an innovative, thought-provoking vehicle for teachers, students, and parents to discuss "value issues" such as respect for all human be- ings (regardless of physical or mental conditions) and respect for the achievement of others (home- less helping homeless). 9 A short-length, low-budget film (20 minutes), this video could include Philadelphia artists such as Teddy Pendergast, who, with the homeless children, could be an especially powerful presence for Dignity. 10 THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY TELEVISION CAMPAIGN Title: "In Search of Dignity . ." Description: A weekly presentation that ties into the Dignity Campaign with a special series titled, "In Search of Dignity." These presentations would highlight stories of kindness and courage in the community and help to promote themes such as "self-worth" and "self-determination." Featured at the Philadelphia For Dignity Benefit would be these profiles and the station personalities that presented them. Hosting this segment of the show would be well-known and re- spected newscasters who participated in "The Search For Dignity . ." (This campaign could culminate with the tele- vised Benefit and phone-in contribution line.) 11 THE PHILADELPHIA FOR DIGNITY VIDEO AND RECORDING PROJECT Philosophy: The great music of Philadelphia has been, and will always be, about dignity. Whatever form it takes (from Gospel to Jazz to Rock and all that comes between), the essence of the music is the human spirit. At its best, it teaches us and leads us to a place that transcends time and differences. Gifted artists have always known that their music and songs come from "some greater place," a place where the gift of music is a gift of love.