After quietly launching in Australia last month, the world’s only sustainable social media app WeAre8 today announces the support of high-profile change makers who are uniting in support of the social media platform that is free from hate, is good for the planet, has the ability to put money in people’s wallets, and reconnects people with the true meaning of community.
Empowered by WeAre8’s mission to bring people together in support of people and the planet, local identities joining WeAre8 will bring to the platform a deep connection with their communities, alongside a range of exclusive content, expertise and a shared belief that alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.
L-R: Adam Goodes, Adrian Eagle, Sarah Wilson, Stan Walker & Tsehay Hawkins
Joining the WeAre8 Family is advocate for Indigenous Australians, AFL legend and Australian of the Year Adam Goodes, ARIA Award winning Australian singer-songwriter Adrian Eagle, best-selling author, climate advisor and philanthropist Sarah Wilson, proud Māori artist from Australia and Aotearoa Stan Walker, and 5x World Latin Dance Champion and proud Ethiopian Australian, The Wiggles’ Tsehay Hawkins. Other high-profile Australians putting their support behind WeAre8 will also be announced in the coming weeks.
The Australian identities join the growing UK based WeAre8 family that includes former Manchester United footballer Rio Ferdinand, English broadcaster Clare Balding and English Olympic gold-medallist diver, Tom Daley among many others.
WeAre8 Australia CEO, Lizzie Young said, “Technology and social media have divided us more than ever before. Algorithms control what we see, making our world smaller and more divided. It is not making us happier or more connected.
“WeAre8 is the antithesis of this. We are a platform that makes people feel valued, loved and reconnected with the world. The addition of our local change makers to the platform will help our ambitions to be the platform that unites people in support of the planet. They represent a unique alumni of voices that reflects the Australia of today, one that’s inclusive, authentic and openly wants to use our community to make the world a better place.”
The change maker announcement coincides with WeAre8’s first above the line marketing campaign in Australia, which seeks to encourage Australians to trial a social media platform that is free from hate, is good for the planet, can put money in their wallets and celebrates the good in life.
Luke Robinson, WeAre8 Australia Chief Marketing Officer said, “Creatively, our campaign is about demonstrating to people that they can now turn their idle social media time into action time and make real, tangible social impact.
“We are targeting an audience segment we call ‘Optimistic Change Champions’. They are those within our communities who want to do better for the greater good of the planet and people. It’s an audience segment that is inquisitive about the world, is mind-wide-open and wants to be part of the solution, not the problem.”
WeAre8 see three key audiences within the Optimistic Change Champions; Parents who are worried about the world they are bringing their children into, and the impact social media is having on the next generation; University students who want to take a stand on climate solutions and societal issues, but haven’t had an outlet that aligned with their values; And for Content Creators who want to be valued for the content they are putting on social media.
“Our first brand campaign will come to life across out of home, BVOD, YouTube, digital, audio streaming and radio and really aims to position WeAre8 as the do good, feel good social media platform,” continues Luke.
Adrian Eagle’s uplifting, optimistic and critically acclaimed hip-hop and gospel anthem A.O.K or ‘Acts of Kindness’ also stars in the WeAre8 campaign with a video directed by Cinematographer and Director James Medlam of Clockwork Films.
“A.O.K is about being kind to self and others – with Acts of Kindness”, Adrian explains.
“This is a song I wanted to leave for the next generation to show that there is a remedy to improving your mental health, resilience and position. I needed a reminder to be more kind to myself. Others were kind to me and without those people’s kindness, I wouldn’t have the opportunity to live as I do. ‘We’re gonna be A.O.K’ is intended to be a true reminder of a positive mindset that can help us overcome many of life’s challenges and also a call to arms that if we support one another, we can do amazing things.
“The good vibes in the music I create aligns with everything that WeAre8 are about – ‘it’s all good on WeAre8’ and I’m so happy that my music can help to spread this message.
“To other musicians, artists and creators, jump on WeAre8 and check it out. When we make that commitment in our lives that we need to work in the arts, it means so much when we feel connected and receive support from our community and that’s the other amazing thing that WeAre8 offers.”
Of the video, James Medlam, Director, Clockwork Films said, “When I first heard about the WeAre8 platform, everything they stand for and their focus to bring back the social to social media, I was so excited to be involved. Led by the insanely talented Adrian Eagle, my vision was to showcase what WeAre8 stands for, a place to celebrate everyone, free from hate and a platform that actually gives back to the world.”
Community and connection led to Sarah Wilson’s support of WeAre8. Explaining her decision to become a WeAre8 change maker, Sarah said, “We are all aching for a shake-up of the social media landscape. We feel trapped and duped by the algorithms that stoke snark and sadness, which do not reflect the humans we want to be.
“We want to do, be and connect better! I believe WeAre8 lands just as we have hit saturation point and I am beyond excited to be part of a team ambitiously providing a kinder, better way for us to connect and to be prodded into being more altruistic.
“The psychology that is activated by the inverted way the platform works is genius. All the latest studies, which I follow closely, back the model. The remit of Weare8 is massive but these overwhelmingly “hyperobject” times call for an equally grand alternative path.”
Matching the sunshine yellow of WeAre8’s branding in colour, name and spirit is The Wiggles’ effervescent Yellow Wiggle Tsehay Hawkins, whose name means ‘The Sun’ in Amharic. On why she’s joining the WeAre8 Family, Tsehay said, “The Wiggles’ mission has always been to educate and inspire through music and dance – spreading joy and sharing messages of inclusivity and harmony to families all over the world. I’m so excited to be a creator on such an amazing platform like WeAre8 that puts all these great values at the forefront too. I’m looking forward to meeting and learning from all the different creators in the WeAre8 family as we build a community where positivity is celebrated.”
Award-winning singer, recording artist, actor and activist Stan Walker is another performer who believes strongly in WeAre8’s mission. He explains, “When I first started creating and releasing music in 2009 there were a lot of challenging gatekeepers to navigate, many of whom wanted to dial a creative’s true voice down.
“As my music and song writing evolve, I am always drawn to partners that will walk with me on the same journey and in the same spirit. WeAre8 represents to me an extraordinary opportunity to work with a partner that will help me amplify my “why”, which is this: All our tupuna, our ancestors, fought and died for us not just to exist, but for us to be outrageous, to be incredible, to be world changers! Anything that they did, we will do greater and better. It’s my job as a pāpā, as an uncle, that my ceiling will be our kids’ floor.
“I look forward to partnering with WeAre8 in both Australia (and Aotearoa when they launch there) to help amplify not just my ‘why’, but maximise those who share the passion and belief that we can make tomorrow better than yesterday.”
Rounding out the first five change makers is Adam Goodes who is an advocate for Indigenous Australians, a symbol of resilience and optimism and an inspirational role model who works to create a better Australia for all.
On joining the WeAre8 Advisory Board Adam said, “I am really excited to be sharing my lived experience with the WeAre8 Family. I love the vision of WeAre8 to celebrate what’s good in our world and show our 8Family the power of giving.”
