Utah Press Association has joined dozens of other associations, broadcast organizations, online news sites and publications large and small in supporting an exciting First Amendment public awareness campaign: “1 for All.”

The campaign emphasizes ALL of the First Amendment freedoms, not just the one heralded most by the news media, freedom of the press. (To review: The four other freedoms are speech, religion, assembly, and petition.) “1 for All” is a national nonpartisan program designed to build understanding and support for First Amendment freedoms. It provides teaching materials, supports educational events and reminds the public that the First Amendment serves everyone, regardless of faith, race, gender or political leanings. It is truly one amendment for all.

“1 for All” has secured the endorsement of national leaders in religion, government, entertainment and other fields. Their words call attention to power of the First Amendment in so many endeavors and ways of American life.

The program’s founding supporters are the American Society of News Editors, the Freedom Forum’s First Amendment Center and Newseum, John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, and McCormick Foundation.

The campaign is simple. Supporters are asked to:

- Publish, post or broadcast prepared “1 for All” promotional advertisements on Thursday, July 1 (or their publication dates closest to July 1). The ads are available for easy download from the campaign’s website.

- Add their name to the growing list of “1 for All” supporters.

- Use other “1 for All” advertisements after July 1, as space, bandwidth and time allow.

A month before launch “1 for All” has secured the support of several leading news organizations, including Gannett, Community Newspaper Holdings, Inc., and Lee Enterprises. Parade Magazine, with circulation above 30 million, will also participate.

“Despite its pivotal role in making America what it is today, there are no fireworks celebrating the First Amendment,” notes Ken Paulson, president of the Freedom Forum’s Newseum and First Amendment Center and former USA TODAY editor. “The truth is that we don’t do a very good job of standing up for the First Amendment. Its freedoms are truly the cornerstone of democracy and make America the special nation it is. It’s time we said that. Publicly. Passionately. Over and over again.”

For more information about “1 for All,” and how your paper may join the campaign, visit http://1forall.us or contact Brian Cooper, of the Dubuque Telegraph Herald, co-chair of the American Society of News Editors’ First Amendment Committee (bcooper@wcinet.com or 563-588-5662).