In an effort to combat hatred, communication senior Carter Branch created MOTIVhATE earlier this year as part of ASU’s 10,000 Solutions Project.
The project encourages people, with the possibility of winning a $10,000 prize, to submit solutions for local and world issues.
In his proposal, Branch said his goal is to create anti-hate awareness and motivate those who have been affected by hatred.
The organization, established in January, is using word of mouth and social media to spread its message. Its Facebook page gained 400 followers in three weeks.
“Keep your eyes and ears open because we will only get louder,” Branch said in an email. “These numbers will increase with a louder voice that has the capability of reaching hundreds of thousands.”
MOTIVhATE addresses all forms of hatred, Branch said.
“We are anti-bullying, anti-discrimination, anti-racism. We support gender equality, sexual preference, being ‘different’ and more,” Branch said on the group’s Facebook page. “We want individuals who connect with our philosophy to be motivated to continue to be themselves, the way they truly are.”
Branch aims to teach free seminars for elementary and middle schools, build teams, and involve University ambassadors and various celebrities.
A public relations firm for the group is in place and two celebrities are soon to assist in launching MOTIVhATE’s cause, Branch said.
Branch posts inspirational quotes and pictures to MOTIVhATE’s Facebook page to encourage followers to use the hate they experience in a positive way.
“Somewhere, someone is looking for exactly what you have to offer. Keep being yourself,” says one post.
One follower, Jennifer Clark of Kentucky, said in reply to a post, “I could tell you a million stories of what people I love go through every day just because of who they are, what color their skin is, and who they love. I'm with you on this!”
Another follower, Thien Pham, said, “I really like his (Branch’s) idea of channeling one’s hate into motivation to something positive. I believe everyone is entitled to be who they want to be and that a person should not be muted by what society thinks is the right way, but allow the person to grow, learn and evolve into something great. Some of the greatest people were labeled different.”
Branch said he is happy with his success thus far and loves the gratification he gets from helping so many different people.
His only regret is, “not starting sooner,” he said.
Reach the reporter at aproven1@asu.edu
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