Back in the fall, when the Ad Council started talking about the role we could play in educating the American public and building confidence around the COVID-19 vaccines , we knew our call to action would be to direct people toward the facts. But we weren’t sure if we would need to build a standalone website or if we would simply refer people to a trusted source like the CDC.

This article was originally published by Ad Age.

Steven HT Wong is the cofounder and co-CEO of Ready State, the marketing and communications committee chair at the 1990 Institute, and a valued Ad Council partner, most notably for his work on our “Fight the Virus. Fight the Bias,” which directly addresses the rise in anti-Asian racism during the COVID-19 pandemic. Read on to learn more about Steven’s work, his thoughts on what brands should be doing to combat the rise in anti-Asian racism, and his advice for creating a meaningful life and career.

Hate crimes against the Asian American and Pacific Islander community have increased exponentially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Yesterday, Stop AAPI Hate released a report that documented 3,795 reports of anti-Asian hate incidents from March 2020 to February 2021, and last night in Atlanta, a shooter took the lives of eight people, most of whom were women of AAPI descent. If you or your organization is looking for actionable ways to support the AAPI community and stand firmly against hate, read on:

Through the technology they use, the partnerships they develop and the creative approach they take to telling new stories, advertisers have the unique ability to propel culture forward.

Just because Black History Month is drawing to a close doesn’t mean education about Black history should. We thought we’d take this moment to round up some valuable partners, resources and collaborators that may inspire you or your organization to elevate Black voices through your work. Let’s commit to making every month Black History Month.

Moments before Elvis Presley sang “Hound Dog” on The Ed Sullivan Show on October 28, 1956, he made a different kind of history backstage, where he got his polio vaccine in front of reporters. He had been recruited for this PR effort for a simple, brilliant reason—children were getting the vaccine, but teenagers and young adults weren’t. Who would they listen to? Well, they were listening to Elvis.

As America gears up for a Super Bowl unlike any in history, many brands have already released the ads they’ll run during the big game on Sunday. Though many spots exist in a parallel existence free of COVID-19, some meet our moment more directly. Here are a few of our favorites, including one that won’t run on Sunday. (You’ll understand what we mean in a minute.)

With their unique barriers to vaccination, nearly half (45%) of young adults in America do not feel that they know enough to guide their decision about getting a COVID-19 vaccine

The campaign partners with TikTok and Instagram stars Bryce Xavier, Dani Donovan, GegetheJing, Joyce Wert, Liya Hizkias and Shahem, musical group lovelytheband, musicians Alaina Castillo, Daya, Elle Winter, Jensen McRae and Kat Cunning, mental health experts and more to encourage mental health conversations this May

When your child can’t find the words, help them find the lyrics. Today, the national Sound It Out campaign launches with a new album and resources to help parents and caregivers have meaningful conversations about emotional wellbeing with their middle schoolers. The songs will be available across all major streaming platforms and can be heard on the campaign website at SoundItOutTogether.org, which also offers free expert-vetted resources to guide conversations.

Communications Industry Leaders Commit Their Support to Advancing Social Good through Communications