Holocaust & Humanity Center to Launch City-Wide Upstander Project

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Haile Foundation, AGAR partner with HHC to expand mural campaign to neighborhoods throughout Cincinnati

CINCINNATI (November 16, 2020) – Through generous funding from the Carol Ann and Ralph V. Haile, Jr./U.S. Bank Foundation and creative support from partner, the AGAR agency, the Holocaust & Humanity Center is proud to launch its newest initiative, the Cincy Upstander Project.

The CINCY UPSTANDER PROJECT aims to inspire our community to become upstanders through a city-wide art campaign, monthly programs, museum tours, giveaways, and training opportunities.

“Our mission of ensuring the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today is at the core of the Upstander Project’s goal,” said Sarah L. Weiss, CEO of the Holocaust & Humanity Center. “Every person can activate their strengths to become upstanders – to make a difference in their own unique way. We need that in this moment.”

HHC, AGAR, and the Haile Foundation will celebrate the project launch on November 17, at 12 p.m., with a digital program called, “CINCY UPSTANDER PROJECT: WHAT IT MEANS TO BE AN UPSTANDER TODAY.”

Beginning this week, AGAR will install inspirational, interactive murals in neighborhoods throughout the tri-state region, including Over-the-Rhine, Walnut Hills, and Avondale. The murals feature local upstanders who use their character strengths to better their communities and the world. Some featured upstanders include: local Holocaust survivor Edith Carter, interfaith and Muslim leader Shakila Ahmad, and arts advocate Kick Lee. 

The mural campaign is part of a larger initiative to inspire a movement of upstanders throughout our city, state, and country. Upstanders are individuals who stand up for others and their rights. They fight against injustice and unfairness, and they use their character strengths to inspire action and become the best of humanity today.

Community members can engage with the Upstander Project in several ways:

Learn from the museum.

The museum at Union Terminal incorporates media, artifacts, art, and interactive exhibitions to share this history and its lessons. It also includes the Humanity Gallery where visitors explore moments, meeting individuals who activated their character strengths to become upstanders and bring change to our community and world. Prepare for YOUR VISIT TODAY.

Engage with us through a program.

Every month, HHC will feature upstanders who are making a difference in their community. From veterans issues to homelessness, these individuals use their character strengths to tackle complex issues. Look out for UPCOMING EVENTS HERe, and sign up to receive WEEKLY UPDATES on programming.

  • Cincy Upstander Project: What It Means to Be an Upstander Today
    Tuesday, November 17, 2020 | 12:00 p.m. | LEARN MORE HERE
  • Cincy Upstander Project: What We Can Do to Address Housing Insecurity During COVID-19
    Tuesday, December 15, 2020 | 12:00 p.m. | LEARN MORE HERE

Take the character strengths survey.

In this unique time, take the VIA Character Strengths survey to determine what your top character strengths are and how you can leverage them to address challenges and make a difference. Click HERE TO TAKE THE SURVEY.

Show you’re an upstander.

When you donate $25 to the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center, you will receive a special “Upstander” Mask to wear in public spaces. Donate today and the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center will ship the mask to you. You can also pick up your mask when you visit the Holocaust & Humanity Center’s Museum at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal. Get YOURS HERE.

Show you’re an upstander out in the community by wearing your #cincyupstander shirt. When you purchase one of the shirts from CincyShirts Upstander Collection, a portion of the proceeds go back to the Holocaust & Humanity Center. Browse THE COLLECTION HERE.

Nominate an upstander.

Do you know someone who embodies the spirit of an upstander? NOMINATE THEM to be featured as the Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Upstander of the Week. We’ll share their story on social media. Their actions can inspire someone else to give back, help others, and become an upstander by activating their character strengths.

Find us out in the community.

With creative support from AGAR, HHC is launching its mural campaign throughout the tri-state region. From West Chester to Over-the-Rhine, you’ll find compelling, interactive designs that help you understand what it means to be an upstander. Tag yourself on social media using #cincyupstander or #upstander project, and you’ll be entered to win giveaways from the museum and community partners. Stay tuned for a map of locations and giveaway opportunities.

Book a training opportunity.

Are you looking for way for your organization, company or school to engage with HHC’s mission? HHC staff can provide personalized digital programs, in-person museum experiences, and even upstander training opportunities for you. Contact us via [email protected]

Learn more about the Cincy Upstander Project: HTTPS://WWW.HOLOCAUSTANDHUMANITY.ORG/UPSTANDER-PROJECT/

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ABOUT THE NANCY & DAVID WOLF HOLOCAUST & HUMANITY CENTER

The Nancy & David Wolf Holocaust & Humanity Center exists to ensure the lessons of the Holocaust inspire action today. Located at Cincinnati’s historic Union Terminal, HHC educates more than 200,000 community members through its educational initiatives, innovative digital and in-person programs, virtual tours and partnerships. For more information, visit WWW.HOLOCAUSTANDHUMANITY.ORG