Intact Billboard During FGM Trial in Michigan




Help us bring this billboard to Detroit!

Over the past year we have received many requests to host a quality, pro-intact billboard in an ideal location in Detroit during the next year while the FGM trial takes place. While we do not typically feel that the exorbitant costs of billboards in less-traveled areas are worth the payout (especially when traveling billboards cost a mere fraction of the amount and are seen by just as many in large metropolitan areas; or maternity expos at large venues reach thousands of expecting mothers for pennies-to-the-dollar of a billboard), this is one exception.

The FGM case is a landmark one that is sure to receive national media attention, and is an ideal time to draw the connection between all forms of genital cutting. In addition, the trials take place in a Michigan location that is deep in the heart of a cutting culture (see Jonathon Conte's map here). For these reasons, we set out to accept template designs, and a number of ideas and examples were presented. Through various focus groups and public forums, a billboard (its wording, colors, domain, and image) was selected that reflects genital autonomy for all, and stirs people to think about this subject from another perspective in the midst of the FGM trial. Please feel free to message the Saving Our Sons Facebook page with questions or concerns you have.

• The neutral colors of baby's fingers wrapped around an adult's finger represents babies of all sexes, and reinforces the message that all babies deserve protection.

• The tag line 'Say NO to Infant Circumcision' was chosen because it will not be lost on viewers. While we prefer to use the term 'forced genital cutting' or 'genital mutilation' over its euphemism, most in Michigan (and the U.S. at large) agree that female genital cutting/genital mutilation is wrong, and the phrase does not stir the same emotional response in people. The concern is that they would see it in relation to the trial taking place and think, "Yes, cutting girls is wrong..." not making the bridge in thinking to this being about boys and intersex babies too. Because this is a billboard (not a personally held sign or face-to-face interaction), it needs to quickly move people to think and be curious enough to check things out themselves. A professional billboard is needed that will result in the most awareness raised in a positive manner, the most parents empowered with information they've not previously been privy to, and, ultimately, the most babies saved.

• The color of text was chosen because it has been shown in graphics studies to be most quickly read and retained by the human brain, and because it reflects the culturally-stereotypic color for boys.

• The IntactBaby.org domain brings the ubiquitous term intact front and center, and is short and sweet. The website can be formatted to have material on the trial, and its relation to male genital cutting at the forefront while the billboard is in place.

We are not expecting to raise enough for a digital billboard, which costs significantly more, so we are currently opting for a less expensive print billboard, in a prime location, heading into Detroit, as close as funding will take us to the courthouse. This will likely be $8,000 for 1 year. We have been in contact with several billboard hosting businesses for specific quotes and location options, and will update below with progress to goal and specifics as this is determined.

Should we not receive enough funding for a billboard, those who donate will have the option of receiving their donation back as a refund, or have this go toward the SOS Odyssey Traveling Billboards and Rallies that will take place during the trial in Detroit. The SOS Odyssey costs approximately $1,000 per 4-5 cities covered for 3-4 event coordinators heading things up, and reaches between 20-80K commuters per day, depending on location.

Thank you for your generous donation to erect this intact billboard before the trial begins!




Individuals and Businesses Supporting the Intact Billboard in Detroit

★ Michelle and Chris M.
★ Jennifer R.
★ Jennifer and Chris D.

Donors also at YouCaring


Related Graphics














Top 10 Most Read of 2017


We're saying so-long to 2017, and looking ahead with positive aspirations for a fresh, new 2018!

In case you are new to Saving Our Sons, or missed one of these much-appreciated items along the way, the following articles are the Top 10 Most Read at SavingSons.org this past year. It is our hope that you find something empowering or useful while you're here at SOS.






The second most read item at Saving Our Sons this year is a piece put together by our friend and fellow baby-saver, the late Jonathon Conte. His passing in May 2016 was heartbreaking for so many whose lives he touched, yet his influence lives on. Note that U.S. hospitals are not required to keep data on newborn genital cutting, nor are they required to report such things, making current year-to-year rates virtually impossible to know for certain. These are the most recent stats we have from research and computing that is as reliable and valid as it can be, given the circumstances.

#2: U.S. Hospital Circumcision Rates by State


Finally, the number one most read item at Saving Our Sons this year is a look at the method of Gomco circumcision, one of two most common forms of this unnecessary, and forced, surgery on healthy newborn babies in North America today.

#1: Neonatal Circumcision [A Video for Healthcare Professionals]

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Connect locally and join in discussions: 
Pro-intact Discussion Groups

Professionally produced intact materials for sharing:
Etsy.com/shop/SavingOurSons



SOS Odyssey: Florida Intact Rallies



INTACT ODYSSEY:

 • A voyage marked by fortunate changes
 • An intellectual quest

The SOS Odyssey is a national intact rally, with traveling billboards, making stops in cities across the nation. We host positive, proactive, family-friendly events that raise public awareness and open doors, open hearts, and change minds for the future wellbeing of the next generation. We disperse information along the way, and empower local advocates to keep the momentum going long after we've left town.

Join us in Florida this December when we host events in Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Gainesville, and Orlando!

We will have the giant traveling billboards, and signs for everyone to use, and (provided funding needs are met) materials for you to take home and move your intact seed-planting to new heights! Come out with your family for a fun, friendly, positive day of awareness raising. Each location has been chosen with meaningful public exposure and children's participation and safety in mind.

If you live in any of these 4 locations and are willing to host 1-2 responsible, adult men in your home for one night, please message the Saving Our Sons Facebook page or email SavingSons@gmail.com. These gentlemen do not need much except for a safe place to sleep.

If you're unable to join us for the Florida Odyssey, please support this event. Each of the adults heading this tour have taken an unpaid week off work to make this happen, and will be traveling to Florida at their own expense to host. The cost of putting on this Odyssey is $1100, with gas between rally locations, overnights, and materials to give away to attendees and passerbys at each event location. Odyssey hosts will need to cover anything that isn't funded on our own -- please help us if you can. Your gift will go a long way this month, and these are the most cost-effective billboards to reach the widest number of people across the nation at each SOS Odyssey.

Thank you for your support, and we will see many of you in Florida!

♥ To give:

SOS Odyssey Supporters
With sincere gratitude - we cannot make this happen without you!

★ Jeffery S.
★ Amy E.
★ Kayla C.
★ Jessica S.
★ Robert B.
★ Aneesa B.
★ Tracie H.
★ Michael E.
★ Danelle D.
★ Brian B.
★ Elana J.
★ Brittany G.
★ Christy S.
★ Suzanna T.
★ Dawny R.
★ Bracken H.
★ Nicole W.
★ Melissa D.
★ Ryan B.
★ Courtney B.


SOS Odyssey: Florida event page: https://www.facebook.com/events/1961606707428662/

Saturday, December 16: Jacksonville Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/2025815644329009/

Sunday, December 17: Tallahassee Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/533065730388329/

Monday, December 18: Gainesville Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/953764631442103/

Tuesday, December 19: Orlando Event details: https://www.facebook.com/events/165348337402766/

SOS Odyssey: Florida Route



SOS Odyssey: In the News
(coming soon!)


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