Proskauer is proud to represent Rockefeller Philanthropy Advisors d/b/a UNITE, a non-profit collaborative started by Special Olympics Chairman Tim Shriver, as pro bono counsel in connection with the planning and production of "The Call to Unite," a 24-hour livestreaming event beginning on Friday, May 1 at 8 p.m. EDT. Mr. Shriver is leading the event, which will feature Oprah Winfrey, Presidents William J. Clinton and George W. Bush, Deepak Chopra, and a multitude of other guests.
Given the challenges facing people across the globe from the Covid-19 pandemic, Mr. Shriver sought a way to come together and create a much-needed "bear hug" for humanity. The Call to Unite will be a 24/7 livestreaming event that encourages people to huddle around the screen to watch spiritual, cultural, and civic leaders, and performers, and to join them in unity and solidarity to face the pandemic together. The organizers of this event hope to recalibrate viewers' moods and encourage them to engage with their communities and make donations to help those in need.
The Call to Unite will stream on unite.us and on the platforms of its supporting partners including Facebook, YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, and SiriusXM Stars channel 109. Spotify will provide segments from the event on demand during the 24 hour-period immediately following the event.
During the 24-hour event, participants will be "offering a prayer, teaching a practice, performing a song, sharing a memory, or otherwise presenting a gift to the world." Mr. Shriver will convene the event, while global leaders will join citizens of the world and help to "navigate the emotional journey of the event through distinct stages, ending in a joyful anticipation of the day when we will all gather together again." Other notable participants will include Julia Roberts, Jennifer Garner, Maria Shriver, Aloe Blac, Quincy Jones, Yo-Yo Ma, Rob Lowe, Martin Sheen, among many others.
Viewers can participate in the event by using the hashtag #answerthecall and are encouraged to connect to the global conversation by sharing videos and posts, reaching out to loved ones, volunteering, and giving through GiveDirectly and Points of Light, as well as other select charities. We urge everyone to "answer the Call to Unite" in order to build momentum for global unity during this trying time.
The Proskauer team, assembled and lead by TMT Co-Chair and Sports Partner Robert E. Freeman, assisted UNITE on a pro bono basis in many area and across multiple practice groups, including TMT, Privacy & Data Security, Entertainment & Media, and Litigation. Our work included the preparation of talent releases and digital distribution agreements, counseling with respect to general IP issues, including music clearances and fair use, and development of Terms of Use and Privacy Policies for the call.org.
Like many other people throughout the world, our lawyers and professional staff have been working remotely and continue to serve our clients and communities, while at the same time processing the daily media reports, staying connected to one another, navigating the ups and down of our emotions during this health crisis, all while striving to stay safe and healthy. This opportunity to do behind-the-scenes legal work for The Call to Unite is rewarding and fed our need to do something to help others – really, the universal sentiment during these times.
So, along with what we are sure will be many millions of viewers, we are excited to join "THE CALL TO UNITE" on May 1st!
Originally published by Proskauer, April 2020
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