emily sajewski
Campaign#Love Thy Neighbor
(No Exceptions)
Objective
The Friends Committee on National Legislation (FCNL) is a nonpartisan Quaker lobby that lobbies on legislative issues ranging from climate change to mass incarceration to peacebuilding. In 2016 a highly divisive political
climate was troubling to FCNL's network. The community turned to FCNL for a hopeful response.
Creation
Taking initiative, I created #LoveThyNeighbor (No Exceptions). The campaign was interactive, allowing friends and strangers to celebrate one another. The message was nonpartisan, fit FCNL's Quaker brand, and resonated with many audiences. It quickly became popular in constituent and congressional circles.
Gaining Momentum
We utilized social media and our network to spread the campaign. Quaker communities quickly embraced #LoveThyNeighbor (No Exceptions), hanging banners outside their meeting houses.
Carrying the Message
Seattle community Quakers took the message of #LoveThyNeighbor (No Exceptions) to the local Islamic center to show their support after a number of mosques in the area had been threatened. Read about the event in the Seattle Globalist.
Evolving for the Times
After the 2016 election, #LoveThyNeighbor (No Exceptions) morphed to signs held at rallies, pins worn on jackets, and placards placed in front yards. FCNL connected the message to their legislative asks, calling on members of Congress to vote with compassion. Photographs of #LoveThyNeighbor (No Exceptions) signs often worked their way into media coverage. Today FCNL continues to nurture the campaign.
