Why Songs for Freedom?

Slavery still exists!

Restavek Freedom believes that the restavek system, a form of modern day slavery that affects up to 300,000 of Haiti’s poorest and most vulnerable children, can be abolished in this generation.

In this culturally accepted practice, children of poor rural families are generally sent to stay with and work as unpaid domestic servants forless poor, urban families. They hope that in return for the child’s labor,the host family will provide the child with food, shelter and the opportunity to attend school. However, children in restavek often live a life of broken promises, abused and subjected to long hours of labor.

This form of child slavery is happening today in Haiti, a country that is a neighbor to the US and is the poorest country in the western hemisphere. Haiti is ranked in the top ten on the Global Slavery Index. Give here to help our innovative singing competition reach tens of thousands in Haiti to create a Haiti without restavek!


A MOVEMENT HAS BEGUN!

There is reason to hope. A movement is spreading throughout Haiti to end the system of restavek.

Restavek Freedom created a dynamic music competition called “Songs for Freedom” in which contestants are invited to submit original songs about restavek and perform them in regional competitions.

Our inaugural competition in 2013-2014 was heralded as “Haiti Idol” by NPR and featured on CNN andBBC. Artist Chris Tomlin performed at the grand finale to more than 20,000 people shouting out, “Aba sistymrestavek,” which means, “Down with the restaveksystem.” Songs for Freedom is raising the national consciousness of Haiti’s citizens.

“Music can change the world because it can change people” – Bono

Music is a vital part of Haitian culture, but many young adults lack opportunities to showcase their talents. Partnering with churches and communities across the entire country of Haiti, Restavek Freedom is able to tap into Haitian’s love for music while awakening the youth on the issue of restavek. More than 80,000 people were reached and engaged through our inaugural competition, and we anticipate growing that number significantly in our 2016-2017season with your help.

We need help publicizing the events, funding the competition, and identifying celebrity judges toparticipate. To get involved, contact Nick Lyndon at [email protected] or 513.475.3710

“Music has a way of entering your heart and mind without asking permission. It turns sorrow into joy. And builds hope out of ashes.” – Justin Dillon, Slavery Footprint

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Sponsors will enjoy a range of benefits from their investment in Restavek Freedom’s mission through our Songs for Freedom Events:

  • Audience: Our First Season reached more than 80,000 Haitians in all 10 departments of Haiti. We anticipate increasing that percentage by 50%, reaching as many as 120,000 with this season of Songs for Freedom.
  • Media/Web Presence: Sponsors will receive significant exposure through our website, social media and email. Our Facebook has 8,700 fans, our emails are sent to 5,000 people, and our website receives more than 1,000 visits each month.

Presenting Sponsor: $300,000

  • Prominent logo display at each Songs For Freedom event, including all regional auditions and finale.
  • Name and logo on all advertising materials for the event
  • Prominent mention from stage at each Regional Finale and Grand Finale.
  • Feature article in Annual Report and printed Newsletter
  • Feature article in eNews
  • 10 social media promotions throughout competition
  • Continuous display of logo/link on Restavek Freedom homepage on banner slider
  • Use of Restavek Freedom logo on your website

Finale Sponsor: $150,000

  • Prominent logo display at Grand Finale.
  • Name and logo on all advertising materials for the Finale
  • Prominent mention from stage at Grand Finale.
  • Feature article in eNews5 social media promotions throughout competition
  • 3-month display of logo/link on Restavek Freedom homepage on banner slider
  • Use of Restavek Freedom logo on your website

Regional Sponsor: $15,000

  • Prominent logo display at one Regional Event.
  • Prominent mention from stage at Regional Finale.
  • Feature article in eNews2 social media promotions throughout competition
  • 1-month display of logo/link on Restavek Freedom homepage on banner slider
  • Use of Restavek Freedom logo on your website

SONGS FOR FREEDOM CALENDAR

South: First Round- Jan 23, 2016, Second Round- Feb 13, 2016, Finale- Mar 6, 2016

South East: First Round- Apr 2, 2016, Second Round- April 17, 2016, Finale- May 1, 2016

Nippes: First Round- May 21, 2016, Second Round- Jun 4, 2016, Finale- Jun 19, 2016

Grande Anse: First Round- Jul 9, 2016, Second Round- July 17, 2016, Finale- July 31, 2016

North: First Round- Aug 13, 2016, Second Round- Aug 21, 2016, Finale- Sep 4, 2016

Artibonite: First Round- Sep 7, 2016, Second Round- Sep 25, 2016, Finale- Oct 9, 2016

North East: First Round- Oct 22, 2016, Second Round- Oct 29, 2016, Finale- Nov 13, 2016

Centre: First Round- Nov 19, 2016, Second Round- Nov 26, 2016, Finale- Dec 11, 2016

North West: First Round- Dec 17, 2016, Second Round- Dec 24, 2016, Finale- Jan 8, 2017

West: First Round- Jan 28-29, Feb 4-5, 2017, Second Round- Feb 18-19, 2017, Finale- March 5, 2107

Grand Finale: July 23, 2017