TextLess Live More is a non-profit organization set up in honor of Merritt Levitan. Always smiling, always with friends, she lived in the realest way possible.
Its goal is not only to prevent texting and driving, but also to encourage us to disconnect from the virtual world and reattach ourselves to the real world. Merritt Levitan was a vibrant, resilient, strong, steady and authentic person. She never failed to be completely attached to what was happening right in front of her. These days, to spend a substantial amount time with one person with no distr
actions, just talking, is a lost art. But with Merritt, it was easy. She embodied life in its truest form. In this way, Merritt inspired us to start this campaign in her name. The campaign is called TextLess Live More, and its goal is not only to stop us from texting and driving, but to also help us focus less on the virtual world and more on the real one. That way, we can begin to reattach ourselves to the real world, and learn to live as Merritt did. Texting and driving is unacceptable. We know that, but can we help it? We pass every day connected to our phones. If we are so in the habit of texting, how can it not be instinctual to pick up our phones when we're in the car? Although this TextLess Live More campaign is designed to prevent texting and driving, we want this movement to be bigger than that: our goal is to decrease excessive phone-use, and encourage people to focus on the interactions taking place right in front of them. Through this campaign, we encourage everyone to put down their phones to honor Merritt’s way of living. She is always present, today and onward. On “TextLess” days, all who want to pledge will turn off their phones for the entire academic day. The phone is to remain untouched for the day—no gaming, no texting, no checking the time. If you are taking the pledge, please wear a blue TextLess Live More bracelet to show your support and participation.
