Social Change Agencies: How to Build Influence and PR
A social change agency is a non profit organization founded to empower citizens to create positive social change for economic growth and prosperity. They do this by engaging communities, organizations, and individuals in local, national, and global issues. It doesn't matter if you want to be part of an environmental advocacy group, a labor union, or a religious organization. It doesn't even matter what you're passionate about. It's just important that we change our habits and behaviors to achieve a better future for all of us.
We often think of the nonprofit world as a small and elitist world, where only very serious and focused individuals engage in philanthropy and public service. This is not true. There are many nonprofit organizations and groups that work with all types of people from all walks of life. The key is to be a trusted advisor to them. If you can help them make wise choices and secure funding for their projects, then you have contributed to making this world a better place.
In the nonprofit world, there are many activities and strategies used to engage members, clients, and consumers. These strategies include fundraising, strategic planning, strategic alliances, volunteer management, events and campaigns, and public relations. A good strategic planning process involves gathering comprehensive information and providing comprehensive information to your constituents, who will be the key partners in implementing your strategies and activities. Your nonprofit must have a plan and be prepared to implement strategies and take advantage of opportunities.
A trusted advisor in the nonprofit world is your nonprofit's strategic planning committee. They should be able to provide the following information to members and consultants: strategic plans, current programs and activities, goals, objectives, and strategy implementation plans. Your committee should review and make recommendations for improving the organization on a regular basis. They should be advocates for your cause to the other nonprofits and stakeholder groups.
The strategic planning committee for nonprofits should meet regularly to discuss issues that are important to members and to all stakeholders. You are the trusted advisor, so it is essential that you get involved in this planning process as often as possible. You should help your members understand what their priorities are and set up regular strategic planning meetings to stay informed of their progress. Your members may need some reassurance that you are working with them and supporting their efforts.
A social change agency may also need to develop relationships with other organizations and with the press. To build these relationships, your strategic planning committee should schedule a meeting with the press and members of the press. Be prepared to answer questions and promote your nonprofit causes. Make sure that the media outlet you choose is a partner in your work. Your trusted advisor should be available to talk to the press about stories that focus on the topics you would like to see covered.
There are many ways to build influence and PR are one of them. A social change agency can take advantage of every opportunity to build contacts and to promote their causes. They should engage in thought leadership training for staff members to ensure that they are well-informed about issues that affect their agency and that they know how to explain those issues in a way that the public will understand. Public relations and strategic planning department should be a key part of your strategic planning team.
Your mission-driven causes may include ending poverty in the developing world, ending child abuse, or creating a healthier community. Your goals and your strategy should be written down, well-organized, and reviewed on a regular basis. Your staff should be well trained and aware of their own jobs. This allows them to provide honest feedback to the management. In short, social change agencies should be a vital part of any organization's success. When they work together, along with the right strategic planning and the right talent, they can make a tremendous difference.