CALGARY – Sexual health is going viral – in the social media sense of the
word. The Calgary Sexual Health Centre (CSHC) is launching its “#ChangeMaker” campaign
which will aim to create a buzz with social media audiences in an effort to
raise much needed funds. Known for innovative approaches in its work and its 40
year history of pushing for change around sexual health issues, CSHC will be
looking to a few bold supporters to stand up as ChangeMakers – and to help
spread the love.
“We’ve been having
a lot of fun with our social media presence, and we’ve found it’s been a great tool
to support our mission to normalize sexual health,” said Pam Krause, Executive
Director of CSHC. “We get to interact with our followers on everything from sex
ed basics to broader societal issues that drive our work, like consent and
sexual rights. It gives us the ability to connect with our supporters in a
whole new way and to reconnect with the underlying societal issues that have
sparked our passion for over 40 years. ”
With their
#ChangeMaker campaign, CSHC aims to engage supporters in reconnecting with
their own personal reasons for why they choose to support CSHC’s work, and to
share it online. But the organization cautions that standing up as a ChangeMaker
requires bold commitment.
“We are looking
for 100 people – just 100 people – to come forward with a donation of $1000 to
be a ChangeMaker,” Krause explained. “It’s a big ask, but its in support of big
changes on big issues.”
“Our supporters
have always been an audacious bunch. Together we have stood proud on so many
hard-fought issues; reproductive rights, LGBT equality, non-judgmental sexual
education in our schools. This campaign aims to bring public focus back to
these important issues, and to rally our audacious supporters to join us in
making important change.”
In keeping with
their history of incorporating new approaches, the organization’s #ChangeMaker
campaign will include a social media component which aims to inspire Calgarians
to be a ChangeMaker – or to help find a ChangeMaker.
“Share your personal
reason for creating change. Maybe you’re one of the 100 people who can donate
to be a ChangeMaker, or maybe you’re a youth or parent or concerned citizen who
encourages a ChangeMaker to step forward,” said Krause.
“Visit our website,
print a ChangeMaker sign to write down your personal reason, then share a self
pic or video with us on Twitter or our Facebook page. Together, we are using
social media to bring a face to some big social issues and make some big social
changes.”
The organization
is also using the campaign as an opportunity to explore using Vine, a new app that
lets the user record and share short looping videos. Globally, the nonprofit
world has been typically slow to embrace social media in their work, including
Vine. The CSHC hopes the video app will offer a creative and compelling
addition to their social media toolkit.
For
more information about CSHC’s #ChangeMaker campaign, visit www.change-maker.ca or tweet the
organization at @YYCSexualHealth.
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Media contact:
Pam Krause,
Executive Director Office: (403) 283-5580 ext. 314
Calgary Sexual
Health Centre Email: pkrause@calgarysexualhealth.ca
