North Dakota has joined the ranks of states participating in the Society of American Florists’ 2017 Petal It Forward , officially making the effort nationwide, with events planned in all 50 states plus Washington, D.C., and Canada. Florists in 273 cities are hosting 299 local Petal It Forward events on October 11.

“We are ecstatic by the outpouring of support and enthusiasm by industry members who are supporting Petal It Forward and bringing it to their communities,” said SAF’s Vice President of Marketing Jennifer Sparks. “This is a great opportunity for the floral industry to come together for a common goal to promote flower power in a big way. There will be a lot of smiles going around as the country experiences the powerful emotions of giving and receiving flowers.”

During this nationwide “random acts of kindness” flower giveaway, consumers receive two bouquets — one to keep and one to share — to demonstrate the Rutgers University research that shows flowers make people happy and are encouraged to post on social media about their experience using the hashtag #petalitforward. The campaign’s goal is to raise consumer awareness of flower power through news coverage and social media posts.

SAF continues to update the list of local Petal It Forward events. “We want to know where every single local event is happening so we can tell the media — and, so florists can tell their local media that they are part of an effort happening nationwide,” Sparks said. “The more florists participating on October 11, the better chance of news coverage and social media posts promoting flower power.” To get your event listed, complete the Petal It Forward Participation Form at safnow.org/PIFform. See where events are happening at aboutflowers.com/PIF2017.

In addition to reaching out to traditional news media, SAF is coordinating a Petal It Forward “Thunderclap” and urges industry members to support it to help amply the message on social media.

“Whether you are conducting a Petal It Forward event locally or not, please take a minute to join in this virtual event when our industry will educate the world about the power of flowers,” Sparks said, noting that celebrities, corporations and other causes use the Thunderclap platform to raise awareness for a range of issues. “Thunderclap is a social media tool that allows a single message to be mass-shared, flash mob-style. It’s a massive scheduled social post.”

To see the pre-written message and participate in the Petal It Forward Thunderclap, go to www.thunderclap.it/projects/62279-petalitforward. “Click the red ‘support with Facebook/Twitter’ buttons to have the Petal It Forward message automatically shared on your social media accounts on Oct. 11 at 11 a.m. EDT,” Sparks said. “It’s that easy.”

The one-time message that will be posted on participants’ Facebook and Twitter feeds shares SAF’s Petal It Forward video and reads: “Happiness blooms across America today, as the power of flowers creates smiles! Follow the fun: #petalitforward http://thndr.me/25x0fA.”

“With your help through the Petal It Forward Thunderclap, we can reach tens of thousands of people with the message about how giving and receives flowers enhances emotional well-being,” Sparks said. “Please take a minute to lend your support to help amply this positive floral message to consumers. Collectively, we can reach many

In addition, Sparks urges members to follow, like and share #petalitforward posts, as well as SAF’s consumer efforts on Instagram @About_Flowers, Twitter @FlowerFactor, and Facebook @AboutFlowers.

“We encourage all social media content be tagged #petalitforward, because it helps to spread the positive flower message,” Sparks said, “and helps us measure the success of the campaign.”

With one week until October 11, Sparks said it’s not too late to plan a Petal It Forward event. “Even handing out 20-50 bouquets or single stems can make an impact, and it’s a nice way to get your feet wet in participating in this nationwide event,” she added.

Members have access to step-by-step Petal It Forward logistics advice, suggested social media posts, media talking points and more at safnow.org/pif.

The first Petal It Forward campaign in 2015 garnered participation from industry members in 44 cities in 27 states, and SAF’s anchor event in New York City generated 213 million consumer impressions through traditional media coverage and social media. The 2016 campaign included 262 events in 234 cities in all 50 states plus the District of Columbia, generating more 328 million consumer impressions.