Music For Dignity

Our Mission

MUSIC FOR DIGNITY

Music for Dignity is an independent music-based initiative founded by San Diego musician Rob Shinno to use original music and the arts to raise awareness and support organizations advancing dignity, due process and civil rights.

Our inaugural release, “Not in Our America,” created with Dark Energy Arcade, is now available along with its music video and charitable campaign.

Music has the ability to connect people emotionally, create understanding across differences and inspire positive action. Music for Dignity was created to turn that inspiration into meaningful support for organizations doing important work every day.

WHY MUSIC FOR DIGNITY

Immigration enforcement has become one of the most difficult and emotional public issues in the country.

People may disagree about immigration policy, but fundamental principles should transcend those disagreements:

Every person deserves to be treated with dignity.

Everyone should have access to due process under the law.

Families and communities should be treated humanely.

Government institutions should operate with transparency and accountability.

Civil liberties should be protected in every generation.

Music for Dignity uses music and storytelling to encourage awareness, compassion and peaceful civic engagement while supporting organizations working to uphold these principles.

OUR FIRST RELEASE

“NOT IN OUR AMERICA”

“Not in Our America” is the inaugural release from Music for Dignity.

Created by Rob Shinno and Dark Energy Arcade, the original song and music video raise awareness about due process, civil rights and humane treatment for people and communities affected by immigration enforcement.

The project was designed to be more than a song.

Rather than simply expressing concern through music, Music for Dignity connects the release to a charitable initiative supporting nonprofit organizations providing legal services, protecting civil rights and assisting affected communities.

WATCH. LISTEN. ACT.

[WATCH THE VIDEO / HEAR THE SONG / SUPPORT THE CAMPAIGN]

A PERSONAL CONNECTION TO HISTORY

For founder Rob Shinno, a third-generation Japanese American, the mission also has a personal connection to history.

During World War II, Japanese Americans were forcibly removed from their homes and incarcerated without due process as a result of fear-driven government policy.

That history is a reminder that civil liberties cannot be taken for granted.

Music for Dignity is rooted in the belief that protecting human dignity, due process and civil rights is an obligation for every generation.

TURNING MUSIC INTO ACTION

The music and video are available at no charge.

Those moved by the message may choose to make a voluntary charitable contribution through the campaign.

The San Diego Chapter of the Japanese American Citizens League (JACL) has approved the initiative and is collecting and administering charitable contributions through its nonprofit infrastructure.

100% of campaign donations support the mission and its approved nonprofit beneficiaries.

This structure keeps charitable contributions separate from music revenue and provides an established nonprofit framework for the campaign.

HOW SUPPORT CAN HELP

Music for Dignity seeks to support nonprofit organizations whose work may include:

Immigration legal services and representation

Protection of civil rights and due process

Humanitarian assistance

Family and community support

Public education

Community outreach

Advocacy for accountability and fair treatment

As beneficiary relationships are finalized, additional organizations and campaign partnerships will be announced.

OUR COMMITMENT

Music for Dignity is committed to:

Transparent fundraising

Responsible stewardship

Respect for nonprofit partners

Accurate and honest communication

Peaceful civic engagement

Due process and the rule of law

Respect for human dignity

Opposition to violence, harassment and dehumanization

Our goal is to create a model in which music can raise awareness while directing meaningful support toward organizations doing constructive work in affected communities.

MORE THAN ONE SONG

“Not in Our America” is the first Music for Dignity release — not the last.

Music for Dignity is being developed as an ongoing platform for original music and artistic projects connected to issues of dignity, civil liberties and human rights.

Future releases may involve additional artists, nonprofit partners and causes aligned with the initiative's mission.

The objective is simple:

Create music that matters.
Help people discover the organizations doing the work.
Turn awareness into action.

CURRENT STATUS

Music for Dignity is now active.

Our inaugural campaign, “Not in Our America,” has launched with:

✓ Original song released
✓ Music video released
✓ Campaign website live
✓ San Diego JACL administering charitable contributions
✓ Media and press materials available
✓ Outreach to media, advocates, artists, public figures and community leaders underway

Additional nonprofit beneficiaries, artistic collaborations and future Music for Dignity releases will be announced as they develop.

MEDIA / PRESS

Journalists, producers, creators and others interested in covering the project can find the press release, video, song and campaign background on our dedicated media page.

[MEDIA / PRESS]
robshinno.com/media-press

CONTACT

Rob Shinno
Founder, Music for Dignity
Dark Energy Arcade | San Diego, California

📧 rob@robshinno.com
📞 619-889-6135
🌐 robshinno.com

For nonprofit partnerships, media inquiries, artistic collaborations or questions about Music for Dignity, please get in touch.