CommUnity Campaigns

The first CommUnity Campaign was launched in 1994 in response to a series of racist and anti-Semitic events that rocked the Tampa Bay Region. Tampa’s then Mayor, Sandy Freedman, called for the creation of this campaign that would heighten people’s awareness about the value of diversity.

Community Tampa Bay – then NCCJ – was brought in to coordinate the effort. Within months, five Counties (Polk, Pasco, Hernando, Hillsborough and Pinellas) were participating in the campaign under the slogan, “Different People, Common Ground.” Projects ranged from improving the understanding and appreciation of diversity in the area’s schools to creating more peaceful and congenial workplaces and neighborhoods.

The program’s public service announcements and posters, developed by Fahlgren Benito, received many awards, including a mention in the magazine Advertising Age. The program also received national recognition by the League of Cities when it received a “Livability Award.”

Community Tampa Bay has since continued to take action against discrimination and intolerance through other CommUnity Campaigns, all geared toward changing the hearts and minds of the inhabitants of the Tampa Bay community.

Remember these themes?

• CommUNITY: Different People.Common Ground

• Hate Hurts. Love Heals. Where Do You Stand?

• Face The Fear of Different Faces: Are You Up To The Challenge?

• Raise your Standards, not your Fists. You’ve got the Power to… Stop The Violence. (This campaign was a partnership with the Pinellas County Health Department.)

• Use Your Voice to Eliminate Hate!