Operationalizing hope, one city at a time.
About Hopeful Cities
Iconic symbols define brands and evoke powerful emotions, and the concept of a universal symbol for hope can help build cohesion amongst a community during this city-wide initiative. Consider the resonance of symbols like the golden arches of McDonald’s, the Nike swoosh, or the sleek Apple logo. They transcend mere visuals, imprinting lasting impressions that become synonymous with their respective entities, and they bring a feeling and attributes related to the iconic image.
What about ‘Stop, Drop, and Roll’. Or ‘Got Milk’? Or the infamous ‘This is your brain. This is your brain on drugs’. While these public campaigns had powerful messages that everyone remembered, did they have impact? Did they elicit the change we desired? Some maybe yes, some maybe no. Either way, you remembered.
We’ve put a lot of energy into researching and understanding what works. Our aim is to create a universal symbol and brand, and public health campaign and strategy around hope. Something that is bold, powerful, empowering, and unifying.
We want all to be inspired to Shine Hope, and embrace the skills we teach in the programming. We don’t want to just talk about hope, we want all know how to get to hope. We are rebranding the word itself from just a ‘wish’, to a powerful force that transforms lives and even humanity.
Enter the sunflower –the global symbol of hope. The sunflower is an iconic image that is grown around the world, symbolizing our ability to grow from darkness and reach towards the light. It is a universal representation of our ability to Shine Hope, as sunflowers are programmed to follow the light, even in challenging circumstances. They are grown in every country around the world, making them truly universal.
Brands hold immense sway over perceptions and emotions. They create indelible associations so that people remember the idea and internalize the message. McDonald’s conjures thoughts of fast food, Nike elicits a sense of athleticism, and Apple evokes innovation. The repetition of these symbols ingrains them in our minds, wielding significant influence. We aim to replicate this influence with sunflowers and Shine Hope messaging (Stress Skills, Happiness Habits, Inspired Actions, Nourishing Networks, and Eliminating Challenges) so that when all see the sunflower and hear ‘Shine Hope,’ they know how to use the Shine Hope framework to achieve whatever they want in life.
And if they can’t figure it out, they know where to go for support. And they know what to study from their heroes, so they can start modeling healthy behaviors. We want all, no matter what their circumstances, to be equipped to find their way from hopelessness to hope.