The #LoTieneChiquito Campaign

Getting ready for the New Year in Puerto Rico means lots of celebrations in backyards or  outdoor venues; we are in the tropics and don’t need to stay in to celebrate. But many of us decide to be cautious about open air parties for one important reason.

On our densely populated island, everyone lives close to each other and at times this creates a not so favorable place for festivities. During New Year’s Eve,  criminals and other individuals decide to welcome in the new year by shooting live bullets up in the air.

Everything that goes up must come down and the practice is not very well seen by most of the population. The individuals who still think its a good idea to shoot up in the air, don’t think about where they will land.

The Victims

Every year we end up with innocent victims from children to adults. Two years ago while we were enjoying our first official Christmas season as parents, Puerto Rico added an innocent 15 year old named Karla Michelle to the list of deceased because of this senseless act; and the list keeps getting longer. No one was ever caught for this crime.

Lazy Efforts by the Government

A few days ago I saw a lame scripted message by the spouse of Puerto Rico’s Governor. There was clearly no connection with the audience she needs to convince to not shoot in the air.

A New Approach

On the other hand, our friend Angiemille Latorre, launched her campaign which clearly addressed those that think they are macho by shooting up in the air.

The campaign was inspired by this Australian Campaign that brought awareness to people who sped on the road.

“Lo Tiene Chiquito”

The “Lo Tiene Chiquito” campaign attacks the ego and manhood of those who decide to shoot in the air.

Even Though a few conservative individuals see it as a bad manners, the reality is that those who decide to shoot in the air are not the most well mannered individuals.

Mitigating Loss of Life During New Year’s

Once again Angiemille Latorre is asking for our help to spread the word and  do everything possible to avoid these senseless deaths by getting into the minds of those who decide to shoot up in the air.

How can You Help?

1. Being part of the Effort
2. Sharing and asking others to be part of the effort. If you’re outside of the U.S. you can still help by spreading the word.
3. Using your power to connect the effort with different media channels.
4. Finding other influential individuals that can push the message further.