Dream. Dare. Do…American Express Launches the #PassionProject

Program Supports Makers, Creators and Mold Breakers

Contest Awards $20,000 Monthly to Support Consumer #PassionProjects

American Express #PassionProject

NEW YORK--()--Today, American Express kicked off a new program designed to enable, inspire and encourage people to pursue their passion projects. The #PassionProject brings together leading experts, how-to advice, personal profiles and a monthly contest to inspire consumers to pursue the projects that are important and meaningful to their lives.

The program reflects the findings of the recent American Express LifeTwist study, revealing that Americans now believe success is no longer rooted in a sense of arrival, but defined primarily by the experiences they accumulate, detours they embrace and passions they pursue throughout their lifetime. American Express has been synonymous with success and the successful for much of its 163-year history, and its products and services have changed over time to reflect consumer attitudes towards achievement.

The LifeTwist study also found that ‘passion projects,’ defined as the pursuit of an interest or hobby, are considered an important ingredient to living a fulfilled and successful life by the vast majority of Americans (75%).

To bring these findings to life, the new program, launching today on YouTube, shines a light on Members of the #PassionProject through profile and how-to “do-torial” videos of people who are making an impact in large and small ways. Each feature is designed to motivate, educate and inspire consumers to pursue their own passion projects.

The first two members of the #PassionProject are:

  • Scott Harrison, founder of charity: water, which brings clean, safe drinking water to people in developing countries. His “do-torial” video inspires and encourages others to get involved and explains five easy steps for turning your birthday into a fundraiser for those in need of safe drinking water.
  • Rebecca Lando, creator of The Working Class Foodies, shares her philosophy on making seasonal, sustainable meals on a budget and shows how easy it is to cook just about anything with five simple tools.

In the coming weeks, American Express will also launch a new Tumblr community to share inspirational stories, advice from psychologists and industry experts, interesting research and videos to encourage consumers to uncover and kick-start their own passion projects.

Win Fuel for Your #PassionProject

Beginning today, and continuing monthly through the end of the year, individuals who have a specific project in mind can share their passion project and vie for one of ten $2,000 awards. The ten monthly winners will be chosen based on the creativity, originality and quality of the passion projects submitted. Projects can be submitted and shared at youtube.com/americanexpress.

About American Express

American Express is a global services company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, foursquare.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/companies/american-express, twitter.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress. Key links to products and services: charge and credit cards, business credit cards, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, business travel, and corporate card.

Contacts

American Express
Melanie Backs, 212-640-2164
Director, Public Affairs
Melanie.l.backs@aexp.com

Release Summary

American Express kicked off a new program designed to enable, inspire and encourage people to pursue their passion projects.

Contacts

American Express
Melanie Backs, 212-640-2164
Director, Public Affairs
Melanie.l.backs@aexp.com