I hope this message finds you well.
In response to the urgent need for dialogue, education and action around gun safety in schools, the Butterfly Art Collective was established to combine art with evidence-based education, advocacy, and grassroots organizing to foster a sense of urgency, agency, and commitment toward creating safer communities.
My name is Cheryl Najafi, Founder of the Butterfly Art Collective. Our initiative involves the creation of 25 pairs of 5-foot soft resin butterflies, each uniquely inspired by the resilience of the communities affected by the 25 deadliest mass shootings in the United States. One butterfly from each pair will be donated to the place impacted by the atrocity while its mate will join a traveling fine art exhibition, ultimately landing in New York City where 100% of the proceeds are donated to our charity partners who are making a difference in this space.
Dear [Name],
We are dedicated to transforming stories of tragedy into a powerful campaign that transcends art—creating a movement that empowers the next generation by showing children they possess real agency now, beyond the passive clicks of social media and well before they turn 18.
By fostering civic involvement today, we’re cultivating active civic leaders for tomorrow. Rather than waiting for voting age, we’re nurturing engaged citizens who understand their power to create change in the present moment.
When children experience the impact of their voices on issues like school safety, they develop the confidence, skills, and commitment to remain civically engaged throughout their lives.
[This early civic engagement nurtures the same kind of visionary leadership and community advocacy that has defined your tenure as Mayor—where smart actions today create profound change for tomorrow.]
The Ask
[During a week this upcoming Fall season, we hope to coordinate with celebrated Filmmaker and Philanthropist Mike Tollin during his trip back to the East Coast for his biannual retreat. We’d like to extend his nonprofit PACE’s efforts in Baltimore from this summer, by introducing our collaborative social justice platform through a three-part activation:]
[Ask 1]
[Ask 2]
[Ask 3]
Would someone from your office be available for a brief conversation about how this collaboration might align with [your vision for Baltimore’s youth and community development? ]
For further information and a visual display of this initiative, click the button below to download our deck.
Thank you for considering this opportunity. I look forward to the possibility of working with you and your office.
Warmest regards,
Cheryl Najafi
CC@ButterflyArtCo.com
602.561.7001
