The past two years have highlighted the relevance and value of communications across every sector, with comms leaders playing a pivotal role in connecting with internal and external audiences, against the backdrop of a world of uncertainty due to rapidly changing global events. However, the approach to comms that drives action is one that takes a strategic approach that goes beyond traditional media relations efforts focused on “awareness” and just getting an organization’s “name in lights.” Having a communications agency or internal team available to take the big picture ideas and concepts and translate them into stories and narratives that resonate with various audiences is an imperative.
We have always been focused on the exploration of ideas and insights that can propel our clients in the direction of their goals. These days, we are thinking a lot about the power inherent in language and how it touches so many areas of nonprofit communications. Below are five things every organization should have on their radar now.
The Los Angeles Times covered our recent collaboration with the Institute of PR, focused on the use of DEI language in the communications industry. Addressing the use of language is a core service offering for our agency. As part of our Lexicon Project, we invite organizations into the deep exploration of developing and operationalizing language and narratives that translate to effective and culturally competent communications with key audiences.
The Wakeman Agency and the Institute for Public Relations Center for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion launched a report on the current state of diversity-related language in the public relations industry, “The Language of Diversity.” The first-of-its-kind report examines how nearly 400 communications professionals perceive the current language of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) being used in their organizations and its impact on workplace ecosystems.
NEW YORK CITY, NY – Social change agency, The Wakeman Agency announced it has obtained a license from the U.S. Department of the Treasury, granting the agency permission to pursue opening an office in Cuba. This will mark the agency’s first international presence, adding to its New York and Silicon Valley locations.
Public-private partnerships are well established in various industries, but they represent a rare and new frontier in PR. But an endeavoring and ambitious collaboration between a major international corporation and a challenged public school district might be changing that.
Bad things can happen to good organizations, just like they can happen to good people. Unintended consequences from deeply rooted issues, as well as unpredictable life events, can strike nonprofit organizations just like they do everyday individuals.
The Wakeman Agency’s “This Week in Social Change” feature takes a snapshot at high-impact headlines and happenings in the social-change space. We consistently mine the nonprofit and social-change landscape, assessing opportunities to learn from disruption in action, innovation in the works and even eye-opening missteps along the way.
What companies and organizations should know before engaging with PR firms
By Vanessa Wakeman
A few years ago, The Wakeman Agency was asked to bid on a PR campaign for a new hospitality group. We were very excited about this organization because they, at the time, had the potential to become game changers, firing up an industry and changing the way business is done.
Partnering with external PR firm – a viable strategy in effective nonprofits’ toolboxes
Organizational public relations teams – no matter the industry, sector, mission or size – sometimes benefit from external, value-added expertise. Engaging with an outside PR agency bolsters resources, increases bandwidth and offers relief.
External PR firms provide the extra talent and skill that may not merely help to make staff members’ jobs easier, but also render the team and organization more effective and successful.