The I am Norm campaign was envisioned during a Spring 2009 summit Working Films co-hosted with Filmmaker Dan Habib and the National Education Association. Our goal for the meeting was to develop an advocacy campaign using the documentary Including Samuel to advance the full social and educational inclusion of people with disabilities. At the summit, we all agreed that youth have to be at the table in devising the strategies needed to engage their peers.
The campaign was ‘born’ when twenty teenage leaders from across the country came together at Imagination Stage in Bethesda, Maryland last January for a National Youth Inclusion Summit. Before coming to the Summit, each teen held an Including Samuel viewing party and discussion in their community.
The I am Norm campaign is now working to:
• Raise awareness about inclusion through a viral video campaign and website. (The campaign is giving away 2 free HD video cameras to the best I am Norm videos submitted. One will go to an individual and one to a class/club. Details are on the website.)
• Provide opportunities for youth and adults to share their ideas about inclusion
• Promote inclusive practices in schools and community organizations
This week the campaign is partnering on outreach with the Inclusive Schools Network on Inclusive Schools Week (December 6-10). There are lots of ways you can get involved in supporting this incredible new, youth-driven campaign for inclusion and disability rights!
Help launch the campaign:
• Watch the 3-minute compilation video at either of these sites for a quick sense of the campaign’s content and personality. I promise you’ll enjoy it!
Website: http://www.iamnorm.org
YouTube Channel: http://www.youtube.com/user/IamNorm2010
• Post the I am Norm website and YouTube video on your Facebook page.
Sample text: Meet Norm! Check out the 3-minute video for the new youth-led, national inclusion campaign: I am Norm! Website: http://www.iamnorm.org
• Put the word out through other social media (MySpace, LinkedIn, Twitter, blogs, etc…)
• Ask organizations you are involved with or know to put information about I am Norm into newsletters and websites.
• Arrange an interview with I am Norm youth and adult organizers for a story in your publication. To do so contactus@iamnorm.org
• Are you a teacher? If so, download the free I am Norm Educational Guide and use it to promote disability awareness and inclusion in your school
Look for Including Samuel and the I Am Norm campaign to be featured as part of Working Films’ Impact Series in 2011!
