Spring is not the only feeling in the air…this week, happiness is also palpable, thanks to this year’s “Smile Across America” campaign. Atlanta is once again one of the 31 cities included in the campaign that aims to “spread optimism and inspiration through billboards.” Last year’s message here in Atlanta was, “Let Gratitude Wash over you.” This year, Atlanta’s message is: “Believe in Yourself.” The billboard campaign, with more than 46 different, positive messages, begins today in preparation for International Day of Happiness this Sunday, March 20th.
The campaign is designed to boost our nation’s happiness levels and includes cities from coast to coast and everywhere in between. The Joy Team is behind the campaign, with help from their partners, The Natural Life, Clear Channel Outdoor and Lamar Outdoor.
The Joy Team’s founder, Michele McKeag Larsen says, “One positive message can make a huge difference in someone’s day. Our affirmative billboards have inspired people, made them smile, even helped folks through difficult times like dealing with cancer.”
There are a total of 56 messages out there this year, some cities feature several messages, while others stick with just one. Some of the messages out there in this year’s campaign include “Happiness is contagious. Start an epidemic,” “Enjoy the little things” and “Think happy. Be happy.”
The founder/CEO/Creative Director of The Natural Life, Patti Hughes, says “The moment we saw the billboards and heard the story behind The Joy Team, we knew we wanted to be a part of it…we too, believe that words can change the world. One kind word can change someone’s day.”
The groups say they chose billboards as their advertising platform because it works. They cannot be turned off or have their channel changed, and most people cannot help reading something they see, it’s automatic.
The campaign will run for 4 weeks and is estimated that more than 13 million people will see the positive messages in that time. You can see all of the messages and which city it is displayed in by visiting smileacrossamerica.com. The website also includes the messages in PDF form so that you can download and print them to hang in your home or office for a personal reminder to be grateful and strive to make happiness a part of your everyday life. Hopefully next year, Atlanta will be one of the cities chosen to have multiple messages displayed on Atlanta billboards.