
You may have noticed men painting one fingernail and wondered what it means. This trend, which began in Australia, is associated with the Polished Man campaign, a fundraising initiative that aims to raise awareness about violence against women and children. The single painted fingernail represents 1 in 5 children who will be victims of sexual violence, challenging men to take a stand against this abuse. As a result, spotting men with a painted fingernail has become increasingly common, with many embracing this simple yet powerful act of advocacy.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Founder | Elliot Costello |
| Reason | To raise awareness about violence against children |
| Organisation | Polished Man |
| Statistics | 1 in 5 children face sexual violence |
| Fundraising | Over $513,000 in donations from 61,000 people |
| Celebrity Supporters | Chris Hemsworth, Michael Klim, Zac Efron |
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What You'll Learn

The Polished Man campaign
The single painted nail on a hand of five nails represents the 1 in 5 children who will tragically be victims of physical and/or sexual violence at some point in their lives. The campaign aims to raise awareness about child abuse and to challenge violent behavior and language, both locally and globally. According to the Polished Man website:
> Being a Polished Man means challenging violent behavior and language, both locally and globally.
The campaign encourages men to set fundraising goals as they raise awareness with their single painted nails. Funds raised go toward creating trauma recovery and prevention programs through donations to organizations like the New York Center for Children and World Vision. Celebrities such as Chris Hemsworth have also supported the campaign, painting one nail in support of the cause.
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Raising awareness about violence against children
Painting one fingernail is a symbol of the Polished Man project, a nonprofit organization and fundraising campaign that aims to raise awareness about violence against children. The single painted nail on a hand of five represents the statistic that 1 in 5 children will be a victim of physical, sexual, or emotional violence. The project was founded by Elliot Costello, who was inspired by a young girl he met while travelling in Cambodia with a group called Hagar International.
The issue of violence against children is a major health and social concern, with global estimates indicating that one billion children have experienced some form of violence in the past year alone. This includes physical, sexual, and emotional violence, as well as neglect. To address this issue, the World Health Organization (WHO) has published practical guidance and resources for partners, government ministries, and practitioners to take action. Their INSPIRE handbook outlines seven strategies for ending violence against children, which have been successful in reducing violence by 20-50% in well-designed local programmes.
Additionally, other organizations like Prevent Child Abuse America (PCA America) are dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect. They promote programs and resources that enable children, families, and communities to thrive, such as parenting skill training programs and support groups. PCA America also works with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to translate public health science into action and promote health equity to prevent adverse childhood experiences.
Everyone has a role in preventing child abuse and creating safe, stable, and nurturing relationships and environments for children. This includes parents and caregivers, as well as friends, family, and other trusted adults who can support and mentor children. By challenging violent behavior and language, both locally and globally, we can work towards ending violence against children and ensuring their well-being and safety.
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Raising funds for charities
Painting one fingernail is a symbol of the Polished Man project, a fundraising campaign that challenges men to paint one fingernail to represent the 1 in 5 children who experience violence globally. The project aims to raise awareness about child abuse and sexual violence against children and encourages men to be the voice of change to end this abuse. The painted nail represents the 1 in 5 children who will tragically be a victim of sexual violence at some point in their lives.
Now, let's shift our focus to the topic of raising funds for charities.
Fundraising for Charities
Fundraising for charities is a crucial process that involves seeking contributions from individuals, companies, and foundations to support various causes. Here are some strategies and ideas to effectively raise funds for charities:
Identify the Cause and Set Clear Goals:
Clearly understand the mission and specific cause that the charity supports. Set measurable and time-bound fundraising goals. For example, raising $10,000 in six months for a new community program.
Develop a Comprehensive Fundraising Plan:
Create a plan that outlines the strategies, tactics, and timelines for your fundraising efforts. Identify the target audience, determine the required resources, and establish a budget. Decide on the types of fundraising activities you will undertake, such as events, campaigns, or sponsorship drives.
Utilize Multiple Fundraising Strategies:
Diversify your fundraising approaches to attract a wide range of donors and maximize your impact. Here are some common strategies:
- Events: Organize fundraising events such as galas, charity auctions, walkathons, or concerts. These events can engage donors and offer them a memorable experience.
- Individual Donations: Focus on building a loyal base of regular donors. Utilize marketing materials and reach out to supporters through email, social media, or direct mail to seek donations.
- Corporate Partnerships: Form partnerships with companies that align with your cause. They may provide donations, sponsor events, or offer in-kind contributions.
- Grants and Foundations: Apply for grants from government agencies, private foundations, or corporate grant programs. These often require a more formal application process but can provide significant funding.
- Crowdfunding: Launch online crowdfunding campaigns to reach a large number of potential donors. Utilize social media and other digital platforms to spread awareness and encourage small or large donations from a diverse group of people.
Engage Volunteers and Build a Community:
Volunteers are essential to the success of fundraising endeavors. Recruit and train volunteers who are passionate about your cause. They can assist with event planning and execution, administrative tasks, outreach, and more. Building a community of supporters will help create a network of advocates for your charity.
Utilize Digital Platforms and Social Media:
Take advantage of online tools and social media platforms to spread awareness, engage donors, and accept donations. Create a user-friendly website with a donation button and regular updates. Utilize social media to share impact stories, campaign progress, and ways to get involved.
Stewardship and Donor Recognition:
Cultivate relationships with donors by expressing gratitude and recognizing their contributions. Send personalized thank-you notes, provide updates on the impact of their donations, and offer opportunities for further involvement. Strong donor relationships can lead to long-term support and larger donations.
Fundraising for charities requires dedication, creativity, and a deep understanding of your target audience. By implementing these strategies and adapting them to your specific context, you can effectively raise funds and make a positive impact on the lives of those your charity serves.
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Challenging violent behaviour and language
Painting one fingernail is a symbol of the Polished Man project, a nonprofit organisation and fundraising campaign that challenges men to paint one fingernail to represent the 1 in 5 children who experience violence and sexual abuse globally. The single nail on a hand of five nails represents the 1 in 5 children who will tragically be victims of sexual violence at some point in their lives. The project aims to raise awareness about child abuse and end violence against women and children.
Violent and challenging behaviour in children can be due to various factors, including neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism, ADHD, and PDA. It is important to note that this behaviour is not a result of poor parenting. With the right intervention and support, children can develop more effective and less dangerous ways of communicating, turning their behaviours around completely. However, progress may be slow, and there may be setbacks along the way. During a violent meltdown, a child is experiencing overwhelming distress, and their "fight or flight" mechanism has been activated, making them feel their survival is at risk.
Childhood trauma, including institutional deprivation and childhood abuse, can also contribute to challenging violent behaviour. Corporal punishment, the most common form of violence against children, normalises violence and paves the way for other forms of violence. Initiatives like the Non-Violent Childhood Action Plan on the Prevention of Violence against Children aim to address this by focusing on early identification and prevention of violence.
To challenge violent behaviour and language, it is crucial to recognise that children who exhibit such behaviour are often experiencing distress and feeling their survival is threatened. Instead of solely focusing on quick fixes, support should be provided to help them develop healthier coping mechanisms and communication strategies. Additionally, addressing institutional factors and societal norms that contribute to violence, such as corporal punishment, is essential to creating a non-violent environment for children.
The Polished Man project is one way to raise awareness and spark conversations about the reality of violence against children, with the hope of inspiring ideas and actions to end it. By challenging violent behaviour and language, both locally and globally, the project aims to bring about a positive change to protect innocent children from abuse.
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Remembering a young girl named Thea
Painting one fingernail is a trend that began in Australia but spread globally. It was started by a man named Elliot Costello, founder of the Polished Man Project, a fundraising campaign that challenges men to paint one fingernail to represent the 1-in-5 children who experience violence globally.
The idea for the project came about when Elliot travelled to Cambodia with a group called Hagar International. There, he met a young girl named Thea, who made a profound impression on him. Elliot and Thea spent a lot of time together, and they even painted their nails together. Thea shared with Elliot that she had been experiencing constant sexual abuse. In that moment, Elliot promised Thea that he would always keep one nail painted in her memory and to remember her pain.
Thea's courage in sharing her story inspired Elliot to realise that this personal gesture could become a powerful catalyst for change. He founded the Polished Man Project to raise awareness and funds to end violence against children, with the single painted nail representing the 1 in 5 children who will be victims of sexual violence. The project has since gained widespread support, with many men, including celebrities, painting one nail and sharing their support on social media.
Thea's bravery in sharing her story with Elliot and the impact it had on him demonstrates the power of individual stories to inspire change. By sharing her experience, Thea not only touched Elliot's life but also became an integral part of a global movement to protect and empower children. Her story serves as a reminder that speaking up about abuse can lead to healing, awareness, and the potential for transformative action.
The Polished Man Project has not only raised awareness about the prevalence of violence against children but has also generated significant funds. As of 2016, the project had received over $513,000 in donations from 61,000 people, with funds going towards trauma recovery and prevention programs for children. This impact would not have been possible without Thea's initial courage in sharing her story, which inspired Elliot to turn his personal promise to her into a global movement for change.
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Frequently asked questions
Painting one fingernail is meant to raise awareness about violence against women and children. The campaign, called Polished Man, also raises funds for organisations working to end sexual violence against children.
The trend began in Australia when a man named Elliot Costello met a young Cambodian girl named Thea while travelling to underprivileged parts of the world. The two bonded over painting nails, and Thea eventually shared that she had been dealing with constant sexual abuse. In remembrance of her and her struggle, Elliot promised to keep one of his nails painted and founded the Polished Man campaign to raise awareness about the many children facing sexual abuse.
You can participate in the Polished Man campaign by painting one fingernail and sharing your support on social media using hashtags such as #PolishedMan and #nailedit. Individuals are also encouraged to donate to organisations working to end sexual violence against children, such as YGAP, Hagar International, The Australian Childhood Foundation, The New York Center for Children, and World Vision Australia.











































