Promoting a non profit idea in a non-tacky way
June 9, 2020 7:14 PM
I just launched a non profit with a social justice mission. I've been planning it for a few years. It just happens to closely align to the recent social justice marches over the death of George Floyd.
Many celebrities have expressed their support of social justice missions like the one my non profit addresses. Is it tacky for me to tag those celebrities on FB, Instagram or Twitter? Or should I just let word of it spread through more traditional channels like word of mouth, social media, press releases; that kind of thing?
Many celebrities have expressed their support of social justice missions like the one my non profit addresses. Is it tacky for me to tag those celebrities on FB, Instagram or Twitter? Or should I just let word of it spread through more traditional channels like word of mouth, social media, press releases; that kind of thing?
(Also, celebrity engagement is a LOT of work, and it's not always worth it - really depends on your specific mission and MO)
posted by lunasol at 7:38 PM on June 9, 2020
posted by lunasol at 7:38 PM on June 9, 2020
There's some good stuff out there on storytelling for non profits. What is your mission? What are you doing? Who is your audience? How are you plugging into the existing ecosystem of community organizations (local and national) that are working on those issues?
It's exciting to launch your own organization, but make sure you aren't ignoring or duplicating existing efforts. For example, if you are serving a specific group of people (undocumented youth? formerly incarcerated people?) look to the organizations that have been doing the work (United We Dream and Critical Resistance in this example) and see how your group will add to the movement. I have found that in terms of building up a social media account, I enjoy it when I am amplifying and promoting other people's awesomeness (retweets, recommendations, "check out @someone's phenomenal documentary") instead of tooting my own horn. So definitely find fellow travelers and treat them as colleagues instead of competitors!
There's a lot of flash-in-the-pan organizations, so while I get the urge to promote promote promote right now, you will have more effective outreach once you have a track record. In the meantime, build up your social media presence on the platforms you feel the most comfortable with.
posted by spamandkimchi at 7:55 PM on June 9, 2020
It's exciting to launch your own organization, but make sure you aren't ignoring or duplicating existing efforts. For example, if you are serving a specific group of people (undocumented youth? formerly incarcerated people?) look to the organizations that have been doing the work (United We Dream and Critical Resistance in this example) and see how your group will add to the movement. I have found that in terms of building up a social media account, I enjoy it when I am amplifying and promoting other people's awesomeness (retweets, recommendations, "check out @someone's phenomenal documentary") instead of tooting my own horn. So definitely find fellow travelers and treat them as colleagues instead of competitors!
There's a lot of flash-in-the-pan organizations, so while I get the urge to promote promote promote right now, you will have more effective outreach once you have a track record. In the meantime, build up your social media presence on the platforms you feel the most comfortable with.
posted by spamandkimchi at 7:55 PM on June 9, 2020
One thing I've noted about people who believe deeply in their project is that they don't really care what others think. They do everything they possibly can to get their message out. Tacky, not tacky, who cares? They never get embarrassed, pushback doesn't bother them, they shrug off criticism. Some approaches work, some don't. But so what? Failure itself is inconceivable.
I'm not that sort of person myself. But I admire it (while wincing at the audacity) in those who are.
posted by mono blanco at 5:54 AM on June 10, 2020
I'm not that sort of person myself. But I admire it (while wincing at the audacity) in those who are.
posted by mono blanco at 5:54 AM on June 10, 2020
Oh, one other thing - celebrities (or anyone but you and your organizational partners, really) is going to care about the launch of your organization. Sorry to be blunt but it's just the truth. What they might care about is the work you do. Whether that's events, or educational materials, or videos you create, or whatever it is. So don't ask people to join or promote your organization (at least not at first), ask them to be a part of or share the work you do. (I should also say, I'm a digital comms consultant with 20+ years experience working with progressive advocacy organizations - this is a common pitfall and it's advice I would give a potential client.)
posted by lunasol at 9:27 AM on June 10, 2020
posted by lunasol at 9:27 AM on June 10, 2020
Oops, I lost the syntax in that first sentence, what I really meant to say that only you and your close partners will care about the launch of your org - other people will care more about the work you do than the fact that your org exists.
posted by lunasol at 9:48 AM on June 10, 2020
posted by lunasol at 9:48 AM on June 10, 2020
I was once on the board of a foundation with a little money to give away. One organization made their pitch by sending a video produced and narrated by Ron Howard. You know, these film guys really know how to sell a story. But in the end, it worked against them because it was obvious they had the connections to get way more money than we had to give. (I'm sure RH did it for free.)
With more normal projects, we looked for community involvement which could be either wide or deep.
posted by SemiSalt at 10:43 AM on June 10, 2020
With more normal projects, we looked for community involvement which could be either wide or deep.
posted by SemiSalt at 10:43 AM on June 10, 2020
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posted by lunasol at 7:37 PM on June 9, 2020