Buffalo, NY – Mayor Byron W. Brown, in partnership with AT&T, the Police Athletic League of Buffalo and Say Yes Buffalo, today launched #BuffaloPAUSE – Powered by AT&T. #BuffaloPAUSE – Powered by AT&T is an 8 week first-of-its-kind digital challenge aimed at Buffalo teens, who are staying at home during the COVID-19 outbreak. The City of Buffalo is more densely populated than other localities in the area and has the potential to spread the virus more quickly. Mayor Brown is calling on young people, ages 13 to 18, to take part in weekly challenges, posted on his Instagram page, that will help him spread the message among local teens about the importance of staying home and practicing social distancing.
Mayor Brown stated, “Our teens make a positive difference on the screen and the streets and today I’m calling on them to harness the power of technology and take part in #BuffaloPAUSE- Powered by AT&T in an effort to help me send a clear message to our young people that staying home and practicing physical distancing is the best way to slow the spread of COVID-19 and keep our community safe. Young people are critical to slowing the spread because, although they may feel fine, they could be carriers and transmit the virus to vulnerable loved ones.”
He continued, “In partnership with AT&T, Buffalo Police Athletic League and Say Yes Buffalo, I want our young people to know that even though they are physically apart, we can be socially connected through technology in the comfort of our own homes. We are all in this together and we must all do our part to protect our families, friends and community.”
As a participant, Mayor Brown is asking teens to pledge to:
- Stay home as much as possible
- Do not meet friends in groups of any size
- Do not play sports of any kind in public spaces or with anyone who does not live in your home
- Take part in weekly #BuffaloPAUSE - Powered by AT&T, challenges posted on Mayor Brown’s Instagram Page
Each week, beginning the week of Monday, April 20th and continuing through the week of June 8th, a new challenge will be posted on Mayor Brown’s Instagram Page
- Teen participants are asked to make a related Instagram post, showing how they are passing the time in a creative, productive, or fun way
- All participants have until Saturday at 11:59PM to put up their post and #BuffaloPAUSE
- Each week, up to 50 participants will receive a $20 Amazon gift card
To enter, participants must be between the ages of 13 and 18, reside in the City of Buffalo, and have a public profile on Instagram. All entries must take place at home indoors or outdoors following proper social distancing guidelines. Only one submission per person or from a social media account can win each week. If you have been selected, you we will send you a Direct Message (DM) with a link to fill out a form so we can process your gift card.
PAL Director Nekia Kemp stated, “The most important thing City teens can do is stay home to stay safe. #BuffaloPAUSE is a healthy digital challenge for young people, giving them something to do while rewarding them for helping us spread the word about the importance of physical distancing during this pandemic.”
#BuffaloPAUSE was designed to engage teenagers while encouraging them to stay home and practice physical distancing. It’s a partnership between Mayor Brown and the City of Buffalo, AT&T, the Police Athletic League of Buffalo and Say Yes to Education Buffalo.
“AT&T has been keeping people connected for more than 100 years, and it has never been more important than it is now, which is why we are proud to support #BuffaloPAUSE and its critically important message
of social distancing,” said Amy Kramer, President, AT&T New York. “I thank Mayor Brown for his work in promoting the Stay Home, Stay Safe message and AT&T is excited to be part of this innovative digital program to help keep thousands of Buffalo youth engaged, educated, safe and connected in fun and enjoyable ways, while keeping our community safe.”
“The only way we are going to stop the spread of this virus is by doing it together,” said David Rust, Executive Director of Say Yes Buffalo. “Say Yes Buffalo proudly joins Mayor Brown in encouraging our teens to take a #BuffaloPAUSE and practice social distancing. So many resources have been made available for all of us to connect virtually. We encourage every Buffalo teen to share how they’re being a leader in our community and doing their part to stop the spread of COVID-19.”
Tag your post with #BuffaloPAUSE on any social media platform. Winners will be direct messaged a link to complete the Winner’s form. #BuffaloPAUSE is designed and implemented by the Buffalo Police Athletic League. All prizes and awards are funded by AT&T.