How downloading a free poster could help create a more perfect union during inauguration week

If you’re in the market for something new to hang on the wall of your bland cubicle or fancy home office, you’re in luck. Matt Olin of CreativeMornings/Charlotte and Sam White of the #25KindDays campaign created a free poster for Americans during this inauguration week.

The point of this labor of love, Olin wrote in an email, is to push “something positive and powerful into the world (that) will embolden us and everyone else.” The poster, which features “directives to a more perfect union,” can be found and downloaded here.

The poster’s hand-lettered design is awash with shades of red, blue and gold, and features directives like “maintain a sense of humor” and “educate yourself, then own your opinion.”

“In writing the actual directives, Sam and I found inspiration in our own experiences as engaged citizens,” Olin said.

Those experiences have come from Olin’s involvement in CreativeMornings/Charlotte and White’s recent travels around the U.S.

“It has become increasingly clear that the world needs more love in the simple places like communities and families,” Olin said. “These directives serve as a mindset and set of actions that can further individual commitment to fostering change.”

The directives on the poster are short and bold. I like it. I just downloaded one for my own cubicle at C5 HQ.

Aside from hanging the poster within their line of sight, poster recipients can suggest an organization that aligns with the directives for other people to connect with. On the list so far are organizations including SHARE Charlotte, Americans for Immigrant Justice and CreativeMornings.

“They represent ways that the directives can be brought to life in the real world,” Olin wrote. “Of course, we want the poster to help citizens feel inspired and empowered. But we also wanted to give people ways to activate their newfound energy and perspective. Let’s keep learning, keep growing, keep connecting, keep engaging.”

Photos: Diedra Laird/Charlotte Observer, and Matt Olin and Sam White

This story was originally published January 17, 2017 at 9:00 PM with the headline "How downloading a free poster could help create a more perfect union during inauguration week."