# Viral Peace Initiatives The Dalai Lama Handshake Revolution By karl burkart | Published 2008-08-08 | Social Good Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shake-hands-with-the-dalai-lama-and-the-world References: [avaaz.org](http://www.avaaz.org/en/handshake/?cl=113879717&v=2002) There are so many mixed feelings about the Beijing Olympics. China's record on human rights issues has been deplorable, but the spirit of [international camaraderie that the Olympics brings](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/champions-clubhouse) to the world fosters global awareness and reminds us that we're all one race, one race that needs to get along. So, instead of launching the [massive protest](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/pocket-protests) that many expected, the Dalai Lama came up with a far better idea. Let's at least shake hands on the fact that we *need* to talk. This started the "handshake" revolution that swept the streets of London as people wearing "Give Real Talks a Hand" t-shirts walked through the city shaking hands with people and inviting them to sign a petition to Chinese leaders to begin international talks on Tibet, Darfur, and Burma. Now almost 2 million people have signed the petition. You can sign up by visiting [AVAAZ.org](http://www.avaaz.org/en/handshake/?cl=113879717&v=2002). ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 2.3/10 - Popularity: 2% | Activity: 60% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Millennial - Top markets: North America, Europe ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Social Good](https://www.trendhunter.com/socialgood) > [Activism](https://www.trendhunter.com/activism) ## Key Themes ### What's Driving This Trend - **Handshake Revolution:** Developing campaigns that foster global awareness and encourage peaceful dialogue through simple yet powerful gestures. - **Petition Power:** Creating online petitions that drive international dialogue and put pressure on leaders to engage in diplomatic conversation. - **Awareness Apparel:** Designing and distributing t-shirts and other clothing items that promote global awareness and encourage people to take action. ### Who This Affects Most - **Activism:** Utilizing innovative communication strategies and technologies to drive social movements and effect significant change. - **Apparel:** Incorporating social and political messaging into clothing designs to promote awareness and inspire action. - **Online Activism Platforms:** Developing web-based platforms that allow for the creation and distribution of online petitions and other social campaigns. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Hug-Inspired Olympics Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cocacolas-summer-olympics-campaign.md) - [Young Leaders-Focused Initiatives](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/global-campus.md) - [connection-promoting new year installations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/cultural-exchange.md) - [Friendship-Focused Election Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-friendship-bus.md) - [Whimsical Uplifting Soda Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/its-magic-when-the-world-comes-together.md) - [Prolonged Activism Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/stay-in-the-fight.md) - [Kindness-Promoting Marketing Campaigns](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/1-million-acts-of-kindness.md) - [Inclusive Sports Torches](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paris-2024-olympics-torch.md) - [Social Movement Medals](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-openness-medal.md)