What’s Your Next Move?
As we approach the general presidential election in November, it is becoming increasingly clear that we are in a moment of profound change. A wide range of political events and social dynamics are converging to challenge the way that nonprofits have conceptualized those they serve and their own work over the last few decades. For example, the very foundation of how we think about racism and the people nonprofits seek to engage have been shaken. The end of a 40 year old precedent of judicial deference to federal agency expertise on a wide range of issues will surely have a profound impact on the work of those pushing for social change. Some of the populations living in the most precarious conditions—for example those without permanent housing—are also finding that what little support existed is crumbling. Not to mention the recent Supreme Court decision upending widely held conceptions of Presidential constraint could change policy and the status quo in ways we can only imagine at this point. Many issues closely linked to progressive causes are likely endangered directly and indirectly by these changes in the legal landscape.
With this unfolding reality, increasingly, nonprofits are recognizing that there are no easy answers to these issues, and no one is coming to save the sector. Bold actions are needed to make the necessary changes to reclaim and expand further protections for our democratic and human rights. But, in an infamously slow-to-evolve industry, this can seem like an insurmountable roadblock.
In this moment of mounting change, external thought partnership can be a valuable approach to identify concrete solutions. Gaining a fresh perspective and expert insight on your organizational positioning, key offerings and resources to draw from can help identify new angles of attack. Identifying these opportunities can rejuvenate organizational communications. And that is just where you want your energy to go right now—communication is the foundational requirement for every aspect of your work, especially in moments of change. From fundraising to programs and internal staff dynamics, effective strategic communications can create consistency and increase trust. It must be a priority for you and your team.
The Wakeman Agency’s Innovation Lab is a unique space to encounter new ideas, and try out different approaches for your organizational communications activities. It is particularly structured to provide strategic communications advisory in contexts that may feel like uncharted territory, or scenarios in which your organization needs to stretch beyond its normal ways of working. The Wakeman Agency’s unique approach allows for interactive collaboration with communications, media, narrative and PR professionals to draw the most out of what you bring to the table, and identify pathways to transformative results. Through working sessions, experimentation, research support, and the benefit of our two decades of experience in communications for social change, your organization can produce a clear communication action plan.
Let’s work together to chart a course to proactively implement the future we want. Together we can rise to the challenge ahead of us.
If you would like to learn more about the Innovation Lab, or simply chat about your communications needs, please reach out to Jennifer Lynn at [email protected].