Saying “hi,” shaking a person’s hand, acts of courtesy, have the strength and the value of basic respect that together help improve our quality of life. Your “hi” does not cost anything to you, but it can mean a lot to the person who is receiving it. We should make a greater effort to make these common courtesies more present in our community. Saying hi, is a sign of respect and education, it is a symbol of civilization and has a distinct meaning for each of us.
I would like to propose a campaign to increase the presence of these types of gestures. This campaign starts from the simple observation of meaningless daily actions which appear to me like they are disappearing, threatened by an apathetic society. With this project we want to give back dignity and value to a simple action that itself speaks of the respect that human beings should have for eachother. Saying hi is a way of interacting with other people and with other cultures in passing. Saying hi is a small, but important first step in bulding a safe community. By reaching out to neighbors and friends and even people you have never spoken to before, you can help build a strong community here at UB!
Your community is not just your friend next door, it is your social web, your neighborhood, your classmates, your school, your employer, your government and you. Look around you, be aware of all the people that make up your community. Look beyond age, culture and circumstances. By connecting with others you can remove the barriers that separate you. By being inclusive of others you can nurture a sense of belonging and responsability in your community.
What saying hi really means:
When saying hi – hello – good morning to people anywhere and anytime you are telling this person that they are important, they matter, they are noticed. Making eye contact and saying a simple “hi” may not always yeild a verbal response. You may just get a shy smile back, but the message is there. You are important to this community.
University of Bridgeport
Monday, July 14, 2025