Pride and prejudice: A parade of hope

What a wash of love and acceptance, walking in the Pride parade on behalf of Indy PFLAG (June 13). Beth and I were moved by the cheers of those along the route–so many seemed grateful just to see us show up and walk. It was quite a diverse crowd: young people, couples, families.  They waved and cheered and called out (“Yay, PFLAG!!”) We waved, blew kisses and called back “We love you all!”

To some, perhaps, we represent the acceptance their own parents found it hard to muster. Others simply may have appreciated the early units of an awesome parade. Close behind us were the Chicago R.O.T.C. (Righteously Outrageous Twirling Corps), having too much fun spinning faux rifles to the delight of the crowd. Partisans, advocates and enlightened corporations furnished floats and marchers. It added up to high-spirited fun on a  bright morning.

PFLAG comprises the mothers, fathers, siblings, friends and cousins from whom gays may have become estranged in their journeys out. We have the easy task, understanding that all have inherent worth and dignity. Blessings to all who struggle with the civil rights issue of our time.

Seattle notes: Clams, wine and a world premiere

Saturday capped a week of work in Seattle: clams and regional wines al fresco, then a memorable concert by the Seattle Symphony. Benaroya Hall (which opened in 1998) is a jewel with an arching, windowed lobby and an auditorium that does wonders with wood and light. Joshua Roman, formerly the orchestra’s principal cellist, played the world premiere of a concerto by David Stock.

The work isn’t for everyone’s taste, being a 21st-century piece with harmonies that may unsettle more traditional ears. It is lush and resonant, though, with much to offer in the hands of artists like young Roman, conductor James DePreist and the able orchestra. It’s in three movements, played without pause. I listened mostly with eyes closed while savoring the rich textures and tangy angularity, then delighted in Roman’s encore of the prelude from Bach’s first suite for unaccompanied cello.

The Seattle Symphony played well, but I’d give Indy the edge in warmth and precision of strings. Great wind section, though, and DePreist led the program masterfully. The concerto was preceded by Smetana’s Bartered Bride overture and followed by Rachmaninoff’s last work: Symphonic Dances, with signature Rach moments but also hints of jazz (alto sax, for example—how French!).

My evening was a total sensory experience, from the balmy, outdoor dining to the sumptuous design of the ten-year-old Benaroya hall. The music took center stage, though, thanks to deft collaboration by artists who obviously enjoyed the whole enterprise. Mr. Stock was on hand to hear the delayed premiere of his concerto, which was written in 2001 but which, after the original soloist took ill, languished until Joshua Roman made it his own.

Here’s to being sent out of town on business . . .
dh

Somethin’ to Crow About: Very young artists open at ARTBOX

Impressions from a very young artist

Painter Lois Main Templeton has created something extraordinary in the form of her first book for children, “Who Makes The Sun Rise?” Now, talented youngsters in four Indianapolis schools have returned the favor. Their works—paintings by artists as young as three years old—hang alongside Lois’ original paintings in ARTBOX, a cool gallery in the Stutz II building (enter on Senate Ave.—info at www.artboxindy.com).

Templeton and fellow artist Phil O’Malley (who designed “Who Makes The Sun Rise?”) visited four schools and VSA Arts, sharing their book with 225 students and encouraging them to paint their impressions of the story. The results are as varied, kinetic and surprising as the children themselves (see a few examples on my FaceBook page.) Some are vividly expressionist in style; some show what to O’Malley’s expert eye is an uncannily intuitive sense of color. Framed and presented on the walls of the ARTBOX, these works hold their own with those of the pros. Take a look and see for yourself.

Friday, May 8 offers an opportunity to obtain these originals. A silent auction at ARTBOX, from 6-9 p.m., will benefit VSA Arts and the participating schools: St. Mary’s Child Center, St. Philip Neri, Holy Cross, and IPS School 15. In addition, Templeton will auction a single print of each of her original paintings from the book, donating all proceeds.

With a clear link between literacy, creative expression and academic achievement, Templeton and O’Malley have accomplished something very significant in their work with these students. The display of their creations in a professional gallery not only gives the youngsters and their families a point of pride, but allows the community to savor the unbridled joy of their creations. Save the refrigerator for family notes and shopping lists; this art belongs in frames, on walls.

See www.artboxindy.com for info on the show and auction and a video of the collaboration in process.

dh

Give me the daily paper, please!

Give me the daily paper, please !

The Indianapolis Star ran–at least, in its online version–an alarming story about declining circulation among newspapers generally and the Star in particular. Here’s the lead:

INDIANAPOLIS — Most large U.S. newspapers, including The Indianapolis Star, posted declines in circulation for the six months ending March 31 as readers continued to migrate to the Internet for news and information and as publishers took steps to shed unprofitable circulation.

None of this surprised me, but I felt moved to comment as follows:

While recognizing that people’s needs and preferences change, as well as the impact that economics and technology have on traditional media, I can’t imagine life without the daily paper. Not online updates; the get-it-in-the-driveway, fold-under-your-arm, read-circle-and-clip kind of publication that plays an irreplaceable role in our society. I’ve been reading the Star since I delivered it (inside your storm door and I won’t walk on your lawn, for two cents a day, thank you) in the early 60s.

The Star was hideously conservative then (remember the daily Joe Crow feature? Dr Crane’s column “The Worry Clinic”?) As our paper struggles like every other, I hope they keep trying to deliver the product, keep trying to hold public officials accountable, keep turning up the untold story. Checking facts. Applying standards of journalism. Some of that rigor is missing in our Wild, Wild West of blogs and tweets.

It’s fascinating to watch the drama unfold as newspapers fight to stay alive.

Sometimes you have to walk away

Sometimes you have to walk away from a sweet deal.

The profession of public relations has our own PR problem, battling perceptions of porous integrity and fungible ethics. Too often, people see us as committing puffery or hype, spin-doctoring on our clients’ behalf.

The PRSA Code of Ethics illuminates a very different sort of practice. Among other provisions, the Code spells out clearly our responsibility to:

- “. . . adhere to the highest standards of accuracy and truth”
- “Be honest and accurate in all communications.”
- “Act promptly to correct erroneous communications for which the practitioner is responsible.”

Recently, a flap over celebrities who were expected to appear at a casino opening—but didn’t—has underscored the supreme importance of truthful communications. After promoting the event based on information the client provided, the PR counsel resigned when it became evident the celebrities never officially committed to appear. Many of us have had to turn down an assignment that would have conflicted with provisions of the Code, or to resign a job that compromised professional ethics.

In our line of work, integrity is the most essential quality we can bring to serving our clients and the public. A well-honed sense of professional responsibility is as fundamental to the practice of PR as flying skills to a pilot. Acting on that sense may cost us a client now and then but is unquestionably the right thing to do in every situation.

To sum up: High-profile client—valuable. Professional integrity—priceless.

(See a discussion of PR issues on the Hoosier Chapter PRSA blog: http://hoosierprsablog.typepad.com/blog/)

Report from Capitol Hill

Dan Henkel, Howdy Bell, Rep. Dan Burton

After a day of briefings on Tuesday, we visited Congress March 4 and returned home very tired but feeling that we’d helped the cause.

Howdy and I made eleven stops at offices of Indiana’s Senate and House delegation, in five buildings–in just over five hours! Some were conversations with staffers such as the legislative assistants who deal with health issues (some of whom I’d met in previous Eyes on Capitol Hill events.) When we had no scheduled meeting, we dropped off PBA and PBI packets.

We were always warmly received, though schedules are tight and ever-changing and staff are juggling so many matters at once. Sen. Bayh’s staff were especially welcoming

(thanks, Sarah and Christen–and Jessica, with the fleet feet and eagerness to help.)

The most memorable visit was the last one, when we were talking with Rep. Dan Burton’s legislative director, Brian Fauls. Brian has a family history of vision issues, like so many of us, and he and the Congressman have always been supportive of the cause. (Reps. Burton and Carson are the only two Indiana members of the Congressional Vision Caucus.)

We were talking with Brian when a voice called out: “Howdy Bell–is that you?! Com on in!” The Congressman welcomed us into his office, where he and Howdy caught up a bit. Then he said, “Howdy, how can I help” That was our opening to request Mr. Burton’s support for CDC’s Vision Health Initiative and for adding vision data to state Title V Core Performance reporting. He put staff to work researching the issues to see how he can help.

Our third request was that the Congressman invite his Hoosier colleagues to join the Vision Caucus, to which he readily agreed. Perhaps one of them them will become the 100th member.

At the end of our visit, Rep. Burton invited us to take a picture together, expertly shot by his staffer, Blair Gottfried. The background is perfect–some may think it’s a a photo of the Capitol–but that’s the view from Rep. Burton’s office window.

Of course, photos and handshakes don’t mean much without real progress on the issues that affect so many Americans. Let’s hope that the collective efforts of those involved with Eyes on Capitol Hill–and our continuing advocacy–add up to real progress toward the vision that motivates us all.

Thanks to Jen, Andrea, Hugh, Sharon, Rose and all the others who pulled the event off in grand style. Also, a special blessing to the advocates from all the PBA affiliates for sharing their stories so meaningfully.

Keep putting the vision into action . . .

Short stories with lasting impact

So many compelling stories today!

- Al Schubert of VSP Vision Care emphasized the cost-saving potential of preventive health care and the impact of vision exams and treatment. Did you know that five percent of us generate half the cost of health care in the U.S.? Three quarters of the total cost is due to chronic disease. Eye exams provide a “window to wellness” which can provide early indication of disease, making them a very cost-effective tool for disease prevention.

- David Eveleth of Pfizer outlined (in lay language) some exciting work being conducted by the major pharmaceutical firm engaged in researching mechanisms and treatments of vision disease. A molecular biologist, he addressed the realities of bringing new drugs to the market. David advocates within his company for more attention to vision research.

- Several young Congressional staffers and interns attending a reception of the Congressional Vision Caucus told us how they came to Capitol Hill and how exciting it was to have a role in policy research or constituent communications at this pivotal time. We envy their opportunity and wish them fulfilling careers.

The most gripping stories, though, were from the advocates themselves: rank-and-file citizens who have been deeply affected by vision issues:

- The mother who insisted that a friend have her child examined. The diagnosis–retinoblastoma–came just in time to save the child’s life.

- The New York cabbie who delivered a fare and was thanked with a bullet that grazed his eye.

- The youngster whose vision impairment means she will never drive, but who cheerfully advocates for well-marked stairs in school and shares her story with policy makers in hopes of making a difference.

Tomorrow, Howdy and I will visit most of Indiana’s Congressional and senatorial offices, telling our personal stories of vision challenges and urging their support for research, treatment and other measures to benefit their constituents. These are brief meetings amid many distractions, but we hope our elected officials and their staff take note and respond. We’ll follow up to develop ongoing relationships and remind them that the stakes are high.

Eager to advocate in snowy DC

Monday, March 2, 2009: Mother Nature has socked the Eastern Seaboard with an impressive late-winter storm, bollixing up travel plans from Atlanta to Bangor. Howdy Bell and I landed later than we’d hoped, but that’s a whole lot better than what some participants in Eyes On Capitol Hill (EOCH) are having to deal with. Folks traveling from–or through–areas that were harder hit than the District may not arrive until late this evening.

Tuesday, we have a full day of briefings on vision research, successful local programs and legislative priorities, as well as a primer on what to expect during our lobbying on Wednesday. This will be my third go-round at EOCH (this time serving the staff function for Prevent Blindness Indiana). It’s always invigorating and rewarding to get to know fellow vision advocates from around the country and then to meet with elected leaders or staff and make the case for supporting PBA’s legislative agenda.

We each have a personal story to tell, which lets us speak with conviction. Tuesday’s preparation will give us the overview and context to explain the importance of funding research, access to services and other policy priorities. In many cases, the Members of Congress or their aides have a personal connection as well–most everyone has had a relative with macular degeneration, cataract or glaucoma, for example, or knows someone dealing with the effects of diabetes.

Howdy and I are eager to meet the other participants and arm ourselves for our Wednesday meetings. Look for an update late Tuesday afternoon, after we’ve been pumped, primed and prepared. Thanks for caring about Sight for Life!

dh

Watch this space!

My first entries will concern vision issues. March 2-4, I will be in Washington, DC to advocate on behalf of Prevent Blindness Indiana as part of Prevent Blindness America’s “Eyes on Capitol Hill” event. Joining me will be Mr. Howdy Bell, the legendary broadcaster who has helped cover 41 runnings of the Indianapolis 500.

Howdy and I hope to visit the offices of each of Indiana’s representatives and senators, sharing with them the importance of funding programs for research, treatment and education to help ensure Sight for Life for all Hoosiers.

Watch this space for updates from Foggy Bottom!