ALEXANDRIA, Va. — News coverage of people spreading kindness has evolved into an ongoing feel-good story on traditional and social media channels across the country. Whether it's paying for a fellow commuter's toll or leaving a waiter a generous tip, "pay it forward" actions are all the rage.
The Society of American Florists (SAF) is taking part in this feel-good trend through its Petal It Forward campaign. On Wednesday, October 7, SAF will randomly present two flower bouquets each to people throughout New York City, and is encouraging floral industry members to do the same in their local communities. Recipients will be asked to "Petal It Forward" by giving one of their bouquets to someone in their life — or even a stranger — who could use a smile.
The campaign leverages study findings that flowers have an immediate impact on happiness and a long-term positive effect on moods. It also reinforces what people say is the best reason to receive flowers: "Just Because."
Bouquet recipients will be encouraged to share how they Petal It Forward by posting a picture on social media using #PetalItForward and tagging @About_Flowers on Instagram.
They'll also be reminded that they can continue to spread happiness throughout the year by visiting their local florist.
The campaign aims to generate media coverage (through social and traditional media outlets) highlighting the benefits of flowers — the positive impact flowers have in our work productivity and emotional well being — and positioning SAF's consumer websites (aboutflowers.com and aboutflowersblog.com) and social media channels as viable resources for consumers.
Help SAF take the flower message viral by sharing SAF's Petal It Forward posts from Instagram.com/about_flowers, Twitter.com/FlowerFactor and Facebook.com/AboutFlowers.
Want to Petal It Forward in your community and help take the campaign nationwide? SAF provides members with how-to steps and advice at safnow.org/PetalItForward.
The Society of American Florists is the leading organization representing all segments of the floral industry. SAF is proud to provide marketing, business and government services to its members, including growers, wholesalers, retailers, suppliers, importers, educators, designers and allied organizations. The association was chartered by an act of Congress in 1884.
Source: Society of American Florists