LEAP: Logo

What does our new logo mean?

Out of all the designs we considered for our new logo, one design stood out in particular.  It has our acronym, LEAP, above three equal signs. The three equal signs are a symbol for "strict equality". Underneath the equal signs is our agency name. When I understood the meaning behind the three equal signs I thought it was clear, and as succinct as anything could be in terms of expressing what we stand for. We substituted the word "Absolute" for "Strict" and will be using the term Absolute Equality as the name for our revamped newsletter.

There was healthy discussion among the board about the meaning and intent of the word "Absolute". For me, Absolute Equality it is a very strong philosophical statement. It does not mean that everything has to be absolutely equal, but rather that we uphold the value of equality for everyone. Not everyone has the opportunities to achieve that equality, but as a society, and an agency, we absolutely must remove the barriers that prevent access to those opportunities.

When we use the word Absolute I think of identified synonyms such as: complete, unconditional, unlimited, unqualified, unrestricted, real, without limit. If it is interpreted as being authoritarian or totalitarian it obviously takes on a different meaning. There are certain inevitable inequalities associated with function in society and actual social institutions, or historical circumstances, that make the abstract ideal meaningless when it is used in an "all or nothing" sense. But that is not the intent. I believe that the interpretation of the general community will be consistent with the thoughts of "leveling the playing field". The ideal of equality is a valuable and necessary standard to hold over social inequalities and power disparities of all kinds, from those in family relations to those in community relations.  It is a message of right relationships in community, not one of expecting equality and opportunity for the sake of equal rights, but wanting it for the sake of justice.

Any comments or suggestions are welcome by contacting me at mhogan@leapinfo.org.

    - Melanie Hogan
       Executive Director

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