Weekday x Non-Violence Project: a peaceful collaboration
For autumn/winter 2018, Weekday will launch a comprehensive collaboration with Non-Violence Project (NVP), a non-profit organization that promotes solving conflicts without violence through educational programs. The partnership consists of two parts: a newly formed network of spokespersons for peace and a collection, available from October 11th, that enables Weekday customers to promote peace in their daily life.
“This collaboration feels very personal and close to our hearts, as violence in some form has affected the communities we live in, our friends and our families. This is a major problem on a global scale and we cannot be silent on such an important issue that affects so many. Our work with the Non-Violence Project helps us start a conversation and hopefully inspires others to be role models for a world without violence.”
– Nadine Schmidt, Head of Marketing Weekday
The new network, dually dubbed Peace Force, is comprised of 9 individuals who in some way or another have been affected by violence (verbal abuse, domestic abuse, cyberbullying, and street/gang violence) and therefore decided to take a stand against it.
The start of their Peace Force work is a campaign with Weekday promoting the initiative, followed by a chance to work closely with the Non-Violence Project to inspire, engage and motivate young people to solve conflicts without violence. Each member has been offered an introduction course/session from NVP, focusing on the importance of a healthy self-esteem and the use of conflict management skills. They also have an opportunity to become certified trainers to schools, sports teams and community centers.
“Since 1993 we have held violence prevention programs around the world, focusing on conflict management, self-esteem building, and non-violence. With Weekday lending us their voice and support, we hope to reach an even broader audience; a young group of aware and active social influencers who can spread our message in new inspiring ways.”
– Blaise Oberson, CEO, The Non-Violence Project Foundation
Along with the goodwill collaboration, a collection inspired by the Non-Violence Project and their work will be launched online and in stores. The main graphic is the “knotted gun” NVP logo, originally created by Swedish artist Carl Fredrik Reuterswärd, as a tribute to John Lennon who was shot and killed in New York City in 1980. European emergency vehicles influenced the use of colour, which is green, orange and black. The idea of using Peace Force as the main message is the same as creation of the network, the want for streets to be overtaken by a Peace Force instead of a police force.
Check out the collection on Weekday.com