Sponsored by the non-profit Hawaii Community Foundation (HCF) through a lead grant from the Omidyar Ohana Fund, Pillars of Peace Hawaii aims to be a catalyst for understanding the roles of compassion, diversity, and culture in the practice of peace. The visionaries for this initiative, philanthropists Pierre and Pam Omidyar, launched Pillars of Peace Hawaii by extending an invitation to the Dalai Lama, and serving as hosts for his 2012 visit to Oahu.

The communications team not only launched the Pillars of Peace Hawaii initiative and provided visibility for the Dalai Lama’s visit and his message, but also helped the local and global community understand how one can become a living example of peace and aloha.

The program was broad in scope and encompassed everything from strategy and content development to media relations and digital/interactive communications. Media relations played a significant role in ensuring the public – locally and internationally – heard the important messages conveyed during the Dalai Lama’s visit. Social media played a significant role in engaging people in a dialogue, sharing key messages, and providing access to photos and video bringing the experience of the event to those who could not attend.

The inaugural event touched thousands of people and brought an important message of peace and compassion to Hawaii and beyond. From private discussions with leaders, to public talks geared to students and the wider community, Pillars of Peace Hawaii shared insights and inspired others to consider daily practices of peace and aloha.

The team included a core group from various agencies and expanded to nearly 50 people who played an essential role including:

-Developing a master communications strategy and work-back plan.

-Strategizing and coordinating key program elements and logistics with the event management/programming team, HCF and The Omidyar Group leadership.

-Preparing and assisting spokespeople.

-Creating and delivering content for programming (on-stage scripts, slide show presentations, talking points).

-Coordinating with the Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) regarding protocols involved with collecting media and digital assets needs

-Staffing media centers, press bus and traveling motorcade.

-Managing inquiries from media and public.

-Monitoring news coverage.

-Managing production and development of MicroDocumentary videos.

The team faced several challenges including managing embargoed events where reporters were anxious to share the experience, managing a limited number of media seats at each event as well as logistical issues tied to the remote location and frequent changes in DSS security requirements.

Results:

-18,000+ attendees at 8 events over 4 days

-391 media stories

-7 micro documentaries produced and shared

-313 million media impressions

-200,000+ social media impressions

-200,000 website views

-2 live-streamed public events which shared the message of Pillars of Peace beyond the islands

In addition to garnering quantifiable results, the inaugural event was widely recognized as having planted seeds of peace in the hearts and minds of the people of Hawaii. The team was able to share key messages of the initiative through event attendees, spokespeople for the initiative, as well as through media in attendance. Key messages of the initiative were communicated in all media coverage.

The initiative continues to draw global leaders, including Nobel Peace laureates, to Hawaii with the goal of advancing peace in upcoming events.