Values

Perhaps some of you have heard of the Foundation for a Better Life. If not, let me be the first to say that this non-profit organization is unlike any I have ever heard of before. The Foundation for a Better Life only has one goal and that is to “encourage others to do good.”

This company really interests me because, in a world where most of the media industry aims to secure a profit, it seems this organization truly wants to simply promote positive values. The organization displays its message using only billboards. So far there are 68 values and 49 billboards which promote one value. Each billboard showcases one value that is thought to be beneficial to society. Each billboard also features an image that corresponds with the value. The smallest, least noticeable aspect on the billboard is the organization’s name and website address. In fact, while driving by it, it is hard to see “Foundation for a Better Life.”

The images on the billboards are pictures that represent the value. For example, Michael J. Fox is featured on the billboard with the value of optimism, stating he is “determined to outfox Parkinson’s.” Under “Optimism” the phrase “Pass it on” is legible. The pictures on the billboards range from well-known figures such as Kermit the Frog or Gandhi to inspiring events such as the successful Hudson River plane landing and September 11, 2001, when 3 New York firefighters raised an American flag at Ground Zero.

It is very interesting, yet strange, that this company puts its message before trying to gain corporate awareness and power. If you do end up looking at the website, there is hardly any information about the organization besides information relating to promoting values and, therefore, a better life. The foundation does not even ask for public donations; it is privately funded.