AT&T to Leverage Platforms and WarnerMedia PSA to Encourage Volunteerism for Organization Alongside Other Pride Month Celebrations
What’s the news?
AT&T is extending its support to The Trevor Project, the world’s largest organization for suicide prevention and crisis intervention for LGBTQ+ youth, through a two-year $750,000 commitment and WarnerMedia led PSA during Pride Month. The company efforts aim to increase volunteerism and shine a spotlight on the mental health crisis in the community.
Why is this important?
The results from The Trevor Project’s National Survey on LGBTQ+ Youth Mental Health 2021 tell a somber story: 42% of LGBTQ+ youth (ages 13 to 24) seriously considered attempting suicide this year, including half of transgender or nonbinary youth surveyed. And 75% of LGBTQ+ youth said they have experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity at least once in their lifetime.
The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQ+ youth in the U.S. seriously consider suicide each year, and that at least one LGBTQ+ young person attempts suicide every 45 seconds in the U.S. To address the increasing need and volume, The Trevor Project aims to triple its digital volunteer crisis counselors in 2021.
These statistics demonstrate the crucial need for young people to have support in times of crisis and is why AT&T is encouraging employees and others to heed the call to volunteer.
In keeping with its value to “Stand for Equality,” AT&T will continue to support the work of staff and volunteers at The Trevor Project and advocate for others to get involved.
How will we do this?
To show our support for the LGBTQ+ community and commitment to mental health, AT&T will provide funding up to $750,000 across 2021 and 2022, some of which will include consumer engagement opportunities, including:
- Every time a consumer posts on Instagram or Twitter using #TURNUPTHELOVE, AT&T will donate $10 to The Trevor Project, up to $125,000, beginning June 3 at 12:00 AM EST.
- In participating stores, AT&T will donate $500, up to $250,000, to The Trevor Project when new or existing customers mention The Trevor Project and buy a new line on a qualifying installment plan with an eligible Unlimited plan.i
- To encourage volunteerism, AT&T and Warner Media will launch a PSA featuring HBOMax LGBTQ+ talent and representing members of the LGBTQ+ youth at highest risk.
In addition to the work with The Trevor Project, Pride Month will feature a number of celebrations. AT&T has commissioned several original designs from artist Loveis Wise that show the beauty and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and will be installed at select retail stores across the country. We are also celebrating the next generation of LGBTQ+ leaders with a grant program that will provide support to advocates who are working to advance equality and safety for LGBTQ+ youth. The community will select semi-finalists and the winner, chosen by judges, will receive $25,000 to fund their work.ii
Additionally, AT&T is hard at work on the implementation of “988” to streamline access to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. In July 2020, the FCC adopted rules designating this new 3-digit code for Americans in crisis, or concerned friends and family members of those in crisis, to connect with suicide prevention and mental health crisis counselors. AT&T is actively supporting The Trevor Project’s efforts to ensure LGBTQ+ youth receive specialized care. All service providers must implement the 988 code for wireline and wireless calls by July 16, 2022. The existing toll-free number to reach the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline – 1-800-273-TALK – will remain available.
What are people saying?
“At a time when so many are facing mental health challenges, I want to be in service to those in need,” said Gabriela Navarro, Coordinator, Equity and Inclusion Strategies at WarnerMedia. “The staff at The Trevor Project are destigmatizing mental health challenges and providing dignity to the youth. I finish my volunteer shift energized from connecting with the people we help.”
“The Trevor Project is so grateful for AT&T’s generous and longstanding support to help us continue expanding our life-saving services and programs,” said Amit Paley, CEO and Executive Director of The Trevor Project. “Our research shows that more than half of LGBTQ+ youth report that brands supporting the LGBTQ+ community positively impact how they feel about being LGBTQ+, a protective factor that can help empower youth and decrease suicide risk.”
“There is strength in numbers, and it is necessary to increase equality for all. I am proud to continue our partnership with The Trevor Project, especially during such a difficult period for many youth,” said Corey Anthony, AT&T Chief Diversity and Development Officer. “When our employees and communities are engaged as volunteers and everyone can contribute as well, we can really make a difference in the lives of millions of LGBTQ+ people.”
To learn more about how to get involved with The Trevor Project, please visit thetrevorproject.org.
For more information on how AT&T is standing up for equality, visit the AT&T Stand for Equality website.
