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When It's White: The Symbolism of This Pure Color in Charity Awareness Issues

We already know that white stands for purity, innocence, hope, and peace. Many of the charitable organizations that incorporate these things into their organization use white ribbons and pins to raise awareness for their particular cause. Following, is a few of the organizations and causes that rely on the color white to bring their message across.

Supporters of the National Right to Life organization often wear a white ribbon to signify the sanctity of human life and to raise awareness of saving lives through abolishing abortion. This group especially needs support because, since donations are not tax deductible due to the nature of the group's work, those who are looking for tax deductible donations may go elsewhere.

The color white, in all its purity makes a powerful statement when you are representing a cause in which you believe. Especially when there is a roomful of people wearing white who have all come together to support a common cause. White is also famous for Student Sexual Assault, a cause every college and university should promote awareness of. Wearing a white ribbon in this case doesn't mean you are or have been a victim of student sexual assault; it just means that you support the cause to provide a safe learning environment. Not everyone who wears the ribbon or pin sponsored by a particular charity has personal experience regarding the cause; some just want to show their support for the kind of work the organization does.

Even causes and organizations that don't officially adopt white as their color may use it to draw attention to certain things from time to time. As the universal symbol of hope and innocence, white ribbons and pins are often associated with causes regarding children. As a matter of fact, it is often used to raise awareness of Child Exploitation in one form or another.

White ribbons and pins have also been associated with Adoptee Awareness, Retinoblastoma, and Bone Cancer. As you can see, no one group or organization has cornered the market on the color white. Often it is the context in which the ribbon or pin is worn that sends the right message the organization is trying to get across. You may not automatically realize what the white ribbon stands for if you pass someone on the street, but if you see a group of people wearing white ribbons, you'll more than likely have a clue as to what cause they are promoting.

White can stand for peace in a variety of ways. War protestors may wear white ribbons as a symbol of peace and their disdain for the war. Holocaust survivors may wear white ribbons as do other types of survivors. Survivors of childhood sexual abuse or those speaking out against such may wear white ribbons.

Ribbons, and especially those whose color has multiple meanings, can be personalized to reflect the message your group or charitable organization is trying to get across. It could be emblazoned with your organization's logo or just a few words, such as "Save the Children!" You can personalize ribbons with almost anything to get your point across. For example, there are Virginia Tech black ribbons with the date emblazoned on one side and the letters "VT" on the opposite side so that both can be seen when worn on the lapel. Even though black is the official color for mourning, those who wanted their sorrow to be specifically marked had the option of wearing a black ribbon with the added adornment. This not only lets people know they are in mourning, but why.

It's the same principle with white ribbons. You can enhance your portrayal of the cause that you support with simple additions that will set your organization apart from the others.