Research Mentor(s)
Moscato, Derek
Description
In November 2016, the B Kind Campaign was launched by the Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) to address the growing concerns of many Bellingham residents. These concerns grew in conjunction with the presidential election, during which candidates with opposing ideologies created a rhetoric that caused civil unrest amongst many Americans and impacted local communities. In response to input from community and business leaders, the DBP created the Campaign in under 24 hours. Their public relations efforts focus on showcasing the inclusive atmosphere downtown Bellingham is known for, while creating spaces where people of all identities can feel welcomed. This message is carried out through an urban media conversation, stimulated by the distribution of both virtual and physical materials for local businesses to display, proudly showing their alignment with “representing the values our downtown believes in: safety, inclusion and compassion.” This case study examines emerging best practices in hyper-local civic engagement campaigns and the implications of public versus private space in promoting civil speech.
Document Type
Event
Start Date
17-5-2017 12:00 PM
End Date
17-5-2017 3:00 PM
Department
Journalism
Genre/Form
student projects; posters
Subjects – Topical (LCSH)
Political participation--Washington (State)--Bellingham; Democracy--Washington (State)--Bellingham; Social intergration--Washington (State)--Bellingham; Equality--Washington (State)--Bellingham
Geographic Coverage
Bellingham (Wash.)
Type
Image
Rights
Copying of this document in whole or in part is allowable only for scholarly purposes. It is understood, however, that any copying or publication of this documentation for commercial purposes, or for financial gain, shall not be allowed without the author's written permission.
Language
English
Format
application/pdf
Included in
Best Practices in Civic Engagement: A Case Study of the B Kind Campaign by the Downtown Bellingham Partnership
In November 2016, the B Kind Campaign was launched by the Downtown Bellingham Partnership (DBP) to address the growing concerns of many Bellingham residents. These concerns grew in conjunction with the presidential election, during which candidates with opposing ideologies created a rhetoric that caused civil unrest amongst many Americans and impacted local communities. In response to input from community and business leaders, the DBP created the Campaign in under 24 hours. Their public relations efforts focus on showcasing the inclusive atmosphere downtown Bellingham is known for, while creating spaces where people of all identities can feel welcomed. This message is carried out through an urban media conversation, stimulated by the distribution of both virtual and physical materials for local businesses to display, proudly showing their alignment with “representing the values our downtown believes in: safety, inclusion and compassion.” This case study examines emerging best practices in hyper-local civic engagement campaigns and the implications of public versus private space in promoting civil speech.