'1 for All' campaign for First Amendment launched

1for All, a nonpartisan program to build understanding and support for First Amendment freedoms, officially launches today with publication of advertisements like the one at right. The program offers teaching materials to schools, supports educational events on college campuses, "and reminds the public that the First Amendment serves everyone, regardless of faith, race, gender or political leanings," its website says. "It is truly one amendment for all."

The program is headed by Ken Paulson of the Newseum, who announced it a month ago in a column published here. "For all the poetic flourish of the Declaration of Independence, the most powerful passage in America’s history can be found in the First Amendment to the Constitution," Paulson wrote. "The five freedoms guaranteed there gave Americans the right to speak out against injustice, to report about inequality, to protest and petition, and to draw strength from freedom of faith. . . . Yet despite its pivotal role in making America what it is today, there are no fireworks celebrating the First Amendment. The anniversary of its ratification on Dec. 15 goes largely unnoticed."

There's a better reason for the campaign, and for journalists to support it. "Most Americans have no idea what the First Amendment says," Paulson wrote. "Surveys indicate that only one American in 25 can name the freedoms of the First Amendment and that a majority – when pressed – can come up with only one, typically freedom of speech. It’s Constitutional illiteracy of the highest order."

The campaign offers ads and other messages that are nonpartisan and will remain so, Paulson says: "At a time of deep political polarization, we choose not to take sides. In fact, a shared commitment to freedom of speech, press and faith should unify this nation. . . . We need a little help from our friends: Marketing is expensive and an organization determined not to engage in political advocacy or take a partisan position faces an uphill battle in raising the funds needed to spread the word. So we’re not going to try. Instead, we’re going to provide the ad campaign to news media, First Amendment groups, educational organizations, performing arts groups and anyone else who believes in this cause. We ask that these 1 For All partners use one of the ads on the July 1 launch date and then publish additional ads whenever space allows. 1 For All is not asking for money; we’re asking for media."
For more information about “1 for All,” and how your to join the campaign, visit http://1forall.us/.