Recognize & Rise: Strategic Messaging to Interrupt the Pathways to Violence
In early 2021, the Mental Health Connection of Tarrant County launched Recognize & Rise, a public awareness campaign focused on trauma, adversity, and emotional resilience. By 2023, the campaign’s scope expanded to address one of society’s most urgent issues: mass violence prevention. J.O. Agency was brought in to lead a bold communications effort around a groundbreaking community summit, “Interrupting Pathways to Mass Violence.”
J.O.’s Strategic Vision
- Position Recognize & Rise as a credible, solution-oriented voice on trauma and violence prevention
- Elevate public awareness around the root causes of mass violence
- Drive engagement among civic leaders, nonprofit partners, and the general public
- Establish a strong visual identity and strategic messaging framework for future initiatives
J.O.’s Campaign Planning & Messaging Approach
J.O. developed a multi-pronged strategy rooted in research, partnership alignment and integrated communications to maximize impact for the groundbreaking summit. The team:
- Created visual brand including Interrupting Pathways to Violence logo and supporting materials
- Developed strategic messaging tailored to diverse audiences while reinforcing core mission of eliminating stigma
- Produced media kit and cross-promotion playbook enabling seamless partner collaboration
- Conducted strategic messaging research and audience segmentation
- Designed a custom logo and event branding system
- Developed a full media outreach plan including press releases and curated media list
- Executed email marketing and organic social campaigns
- Created a media kit and cross-promotional assets for partner organizations
- Facilitated ongoing collaboration with United Way and One Safe Place
IMPLEMENTATION
RESULTS & METRICS
- Attended by over 200 community leaders from across Tarrant County
- Event branding achieved consistent visibility across all platforms and partners
- Earned media coverage reached millions across regional outlets
- Strengthened public awareness around trauma-informed care and violence prevention
- Established the foundation for continued collaboration on future campaigns
Impact
The success of Interrupting Pathways to Mass Violence demonstrated the power of strategic communications in shaping public discourse. By blending research-based messaging, striking visual design, and strong media strategy, J.O. helped Recognize & Rise inspire real conversations — and real action — on an issue that affects us all.
