WASHINGTON, DC--(Marketwire - June 21, 2010) -
"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances." - First Amendment to the United States Constitution
"1 for All," an unprecedented national public education campaign, is being launched to address a stunning lack of awareness among the American public about the freedoms granted by the First Amendment.
The non-partisan campaign will be unveiled July 1 in a series of advertisements and interactive programs featuring celebrities and citizens that will appear online, in print and across multiple media platforms all over the United States. The public will be directed to www.1forAll.us, where information and education resources are available.
The campaign is the first of its kind to market the First Amendment to the public. Using a fresh approach to acknowledge and expand upon basic notions of "freedom of expression and faith," the ads will celebrate the freedom to tweet, rock, write, read, sing, worship, assemble, petition and much more. The John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, Newseum, McCormick Foundation, American Society of News Editors, First Amendment Center and Gannett Foundation have provided initial funding and resources, and have now been joined by more than 1,000 news organizations, religious groups and educational institutions in support of the First Amendment.
Ellen DeGeneres, John Mellencamp and David Gregory of "Meet the Press" are among the performers, artists and journalists who will show their support for the First Amendment by appearing in the ads.
"The First Amendment is not a dusty document or a footnote to history; it is instead a vibrant part of every American's life every single day. Every time a person expresses a point of view, enjoys the arts, prays or posts a message online, the First Amendment is at work," said Ken Paulson, President of the Newseum and First Amendment Center. "'1 for All' takes these truths directly to the American people to increase awareness and build support for the First Amendment. So many people around the world long for the freedom we enjoy every day. These freedoms make the United States unique and we must never take them for granted."
Recent surveys by the First Amendment Center show that only 1 in 25 Americans can name all five freedoms guaranteed by the First Amendment. Yet, Paulson explains, these rights are the cornerstone of a free democracy: "The First Amendment was used to free the slaves, extend the vote to women and ensure equal protection under the law."
As technology and the way we express ourselves continues to evolve, Paulson emphasized it is important to recognize the role of these rights.
"'1 for All' is an opportunity for those who believe in the importance of free expression to share one overriding message with the American people: It's not a coincidence that the strongest, most dynamic, most creative and most ambitious nation in the history of the planet is also the most free," he said.
For more information on the "1 for All" campaign, or to join their mailing list, visit www.1forall.us.
