• by Steve McClellan  @mp_mcclellan, June 1, 2018

The One Club for Creativity and Interpublic’s  MullenLowe have launched an industry coalition designed to support students across the country who are taking initiatives to curb gun violence.

The organizations said the effort, which they’re calling “Fight Gunfire With Fire” was inspired by student activism in the aftermath of recent school shootings.

The basic idea is to help identify and foster some of the strongest creative work being done by student activists and then help bring ideas to fruition with support from advertising agencies, production and editorial companies, non-profits, and national leaders to create active campaigns.

“Now is the time for us to support our students, who through their vocal actions are making a difference in the fight against gun violence,” said Kevin Swanepoel, CEO of The One Club for Creativity. “Creating Fight Gunfire with Fire is meant to support their efforts further by amplifying their work and finding like-minded creatives to make their visions a reality.”

Fight Gunfire with Fire begins with a creative brief posted on The Young Ones site, where students get information about the scope and goals of the initiative. The brief is designed to inspire students to address many issues including, legislative matters—like state reciprocity laws and bans on gun sales to convicted stalkers and violent criminals—as well as related issues like gun buy-back programs, racial profiling, and domestic violence.

Students are encouraged to create lower-budget grassroots ideas that can be developed and implemented quickly. All ideas submitted by students will be reviewed by a FGWF Creative Fire Council in the fall. The best entries (no fees required) will be showcased on the website and connected to sponsors, including interested agencies, production companies and other organizations.  

“This is not about the right to bear arms,” stated Mark Wenneker, chairman of FGWF and Chief Creative Officer of MullenLowe. “It’s about the right to send our sons and daughters to school without fearing for their lives. Our industry can use its massive powers of persuasion, creativity, and media to help make sure that children are heard and protected.”

In addition to Swanepoel and Wenneker, coalition council members include: 

Kirk Baxter, Oscar-winning film editor and partner at Exile

Keith Cartwright, ECD, 72andSunny

Jonathan Dayton and Valerie Faris, Oscar-nominated directors, Bob Industries

Monte Frank, founder and leader of Team 26, partner at Pullman & Comley, and candidate for Lt. Governor of Connecticut

Kathy Hepinstall Parks, novelist, creative director

Susan Hoffman, CCO, Wieden+Kennedy

Fernando Machado, global CMO, Burger King

Ida Woldemichael, creative director, Everytown for Gun Safety