The Campaign Web site loveandforgive.org includes resources and curriculum for anyone to use and offers an online space for visitors to share their personal stories of love and forgiveness. The site also includes materials and best practices for conversation facilitators.

The online curriculum helps to inform an individual’s understanding of what forgiveness is—and what it is not—while educating small groups about how forgiveness can benefit people, relationships, and communities. Conversation participants learn about the health benefits of forgiveness—including measurable reductions in heart rate and other stress indicators. They also learn that forgiving is not the same as excusing or pardoning. This distinction allows many individuals to move beyond a debilitating state of hurt.

Early data suggest that the campaign is having an impact. At least 70 percent of participants in facilitated conversations—from Rochester, New York, to San Diego, California—reported that as a result of their participation in the Campaign for Love & Forgiveness, they would be more likely to

• Forgive themselves for mistakes
• Forgive others who are close to them
• Consider offering forgiveness as a response to a difficult situation
• Talk with friends about forgiveness or being more forgiving
• Choose to forgive someone, rather than being angry at them

The campaign is partnering with public television stations in six cities across the country to organize community activities. Because of their strength in community education and outreach, as well as their media orientation, the stations are enthusiastic advocates and partners in the campaign. Through the campaign, the stations have engaged with local community agencies to serve various constituencies, including at risk youth, refugees, cancer survivors, those in the helping professions (care givers, health-care providers, directors of faith-based communities), and the community at large. Topics being addressed include racism and racial healing, genocide, high homicide rates for at-risk youth, and religious diversity.

KEET/Eureka, California An original theatre production about forgiveness, art exhibits, digital storytelling workshops, TV and radio spots, and campaign conversations spread the message of love and forgiveness in this northern California community.

KPBS/San Diego, California Library-centered discussions, digital storytelling, meditation, and conversations among youth and survivors of torture headline San Diego’s campaign efforts.

Maryland Public Television Full-day events devoted to reaffirming the power of love and forgiveness punctuated Maryland’s campaign efforts that have included supporting local organizations for conversations, activities, and the dedication of a forgiveness garden.

WGVU/Grand Rapids, Michigan Through a series of special events—including “A Season of Forgiveness”—and numerous conversations, love and forgiveness are taking root at Grand Valley State University, local libraries, and elsewhere in the Grand Rapids and Kalamazoo area.

WTVI/Charlotte, North Carolina In addition to conversations and events, a red bench has become an icon, catalyst, and place for Charlotte residents to sit and share stories of love and forgiveness. It also served as inspiration for a locally produced theatrical event.

WXXI/Rochester, New York Videos from young people, conversations, and an exhibition of images and stories of people who found the strength and courage to forgive, called “The F Word,” are the hallmark of Rochester’s efforts.