As advocates, whether we’re peer to peer, or we’re global orgs, we need the help of larger brands to get our msgs out there. They have the reach – to customers, fans, employees, members, that we don’t have.
It’s why we were so humbled when 3 wks ago (yes it was only 3 wks) we got a call from the Miami Dolphins that they wanted us to be a part of the NFL’s first ever “Recovery Game.” Logo, t-shirts, wristbands…but perhaps more importantly – content: story telling, expertise from docs, etc.
It was a tough decision bc Robin Lehner was on his east coast trip to the Devils, Rangers & then Islanders (where he’d be returning for the 1st time since he left). We had Knights/Islanders jerseys made w both Robin’s 40 & 90 he wore at each team, on them, w the SameHere hashtag on the back. We’d be missing the final game – the biggest one, the isles game, if we took on this Dolphins gig.
But as advocates & orgs, we can’t miss opptys like this to get the brand, awareness, & education out there.
I called my t-shirt printer to get a rushed order once we got the go ahead. I called the guy who I believe is tops in the country in the op!o!d & overdo$e community, our Board member, Dr John Rosa, & we booked flights to Miami for about a 24 hr run.
The Dolphins brought Legend – Mark “Super” Duper to share his testimonial…as well as friends from the Minnesota Wild who had run Recovery games up north, to emcee.
I gotta tell you – the camaraderie was amazing. All these recovery centers coming together – bringing those in their programs to hear a msg of hope & healing (check out the 2nd page for those who came & sponsored)…over 1,000 tickets sold to attend…400+ at the pregame event. This is how we make impact & educate in large numbers.
If these SM companies are gonna suppr&ss our msgs, we gotta have a ground attack…& this is it.
Our msg yesterday – addiction’s not its own “separate group.” We can’t be silo’d. We ALL deal w challenges in life & we ALL turn to vices – yes alcohol & drugs, but also sex, gambling, food, work, cell phones, etc. The mechanisms of the addiction for the next hit – & to avoid dealing w the pain is the SAME.
