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Tech Round-Up: Tools for Going
From Good to Great

September 26, 2017

Grant Lee

Tech Round-Up: Tools for Going
From Good to Great

From organizing tasks to coordinating social media, the team here at Hershey Cause Communications takes advantage of a vast array of resources and technologies – while also helping our clients adopt relevant tools in their own day-to-day. As an intern, I get to see and experience this firsthand, but I grew curious about what tech resources really make a difference in their lives. So I recently sat down with a few of my colleagues to see how they’re keeping up with the ever-evolving landscape of technology, better understand what applications they are using to make our work more effective and efficient, and gather some tips that you might want to try. I also learned about their favorite apps outside of the office; from getting good deals to creative inspiration to interacting with the world around us. Here are some highlights from those conversations.

Jessica Truex

For many nonprofits, the thought of adopting new technologies can be daunting – especially due to the upfront costs and time required to become proficient. Jessica, our project manager, believes that investing the effort into researching and training in the appropriate applications for the specific needs of an organization pays off in the long-run. For example, Raiser’s Edge, one of the nonprofit sector’s most popular and comprehensive fundraising tools, might require 18+ hours of training to become proficient; but it can save hundreds of hours of writing thank you notes, keeping track of funder information, and managing various campaigns.

In the mornings, Jessica checks What the Forecast?!! to give her a heads-up on the weather and a little laugh to start her day.

Jennifer Archie

As our Operations Director, Jennifer makes sure office operations run like a well-oiled machine, so that we can focus our attention on helping our clients use communications for good. One of the primary tools Jennifer relies on is a database suite called QuickBase, which helps the entire team manage our time, stay organized, and assess our efforts. Similar to the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) or project management software you may be using in your own organization, our database allows our team to be more synchronized, productive, and adaptable to the needs of our organization – and to the clients we serve.

When she’s not leading operations, Jennifer likes to take advantage of an ensemble of applications that help her get great deals on food and drinks like Cartwheel and OpenTable. After a heavily discounted dinner out, Jennifer enjoys chatting with her best-friends and husband by sending video messages using Marco Polo.

Jenna Schweitzer

Jenna is our Senior Designer here at Hershey Cause, so she utilizes a variety of programs to create compelling designs and presentations. The Adobe Suite is her bread-and-butter where she takes advantage of the powerful and interconnected tools at her disposal. While they can all ultimately can produce similar results, picking the right tool for the job allows her to work efficiently and effectively. So she uses Illustrator for logos, Experience Design for website layouts, and InDesign for printed materials. She also prefers to work in Keynote over Powerpoint, citing that Keynote’s interface is more intuitive, the styles are crisper, and the program offers her more freedom to craft the overall aesthetic of the presentation she’s creating.

Jenna is always looking for creative inspiration, so she browses DesignInspiration.net and Instagram for designers like the crazy Mr. Doodle!

Vanessa Schnaidt

Our Group Account Director, Vanessa, oversees our accounts and often helps clients assess what tech tools are right for them. When nonprofits are looking to incorporate new resources into their work, Vanessa encourages them to do their research to make sure the specific platform aligns with their organization’s goals and needs, while also being clear on what features and functionality are a “must-have” versus a “nice-to-have.” Her advice to anyone looking at adopting new technologies: these tools are meant to assist your organization’s efforts and support your larger goals, but are never a replacement for communications strategy and building real relationships.

In the evenings, Vanessa enjoys listening to podcasts on the KCRW app. Check out a couple of her favorites: Good Food or Art Talk.

Chris Alves

Chris leads branding, marketing, and campaign projects for our clients, so tools that support innovative thinking and creative solutions are key for him. Chris complements his use of the Adobe Suite with various smaller programs to streamline his tasks. Especially when working with others outside of the office, he uses Google Drive to share design assets and takes advantage of it’s built in version control. He can quickly and easily create website mockups using the online platform InVision or the Mac-based Sketch. FontExplorer Pro helps him manage the many different fonts used by our clients while making sure his computer doesn’t slow down.

Chris is sort of a hippie really enjoys nature, so in his spare time he uses PlantNet and iNaturalist to identify the local flora and fauna and share his observations with other naturalists.

Chris Hershey

Our founder Chris is constantly connecting people, causes, and even communities to each other so do-gooders can do better. To do that, Chris complements her natural charisma with her networking tools, LinkedIn and Facebook. She believes having a strong LinkedIn profile is vitally important for those who are networking online, not to mention one of the most important online tools for professional personal branding. And what about when she’s not networking? Well, anyone who knows her, knows that Chris is pretty chill: but she gets some help slowing things down using the Calm and Headspace apps.

Did I mention Chris is the best pokemon trainer in the office? She has a 1454 CP Arcanine on PokemonGo.

POV: Relationships Matter

September 26, 2017

Vanessa Schnaidt

POV: Relationships Matter

With the advent of technology, virtual meetings by way of conference calls, Skype, and even FaceTime have become the norm. No doubt you’ve experienced first hand having meeting after virtual meeting be dominated by spotty WiFi, poor cell connections, lag time, and static, not to mention a lack of any human eye contact, touch, or human kindness. We see it, too, and we’re convinced many meetings do more harm than good as a result.

In the spirit of Hershey Cause Communications’ mission as “evangelists for (good!) communications,” we offer up this “Bingo” card meme to share and serve as a reminder to focus on ways to build real relationships with people. Spread the word!

Invest time in connecting with your colleagues. Use meetings as an opportunity to bring greater authenticity to your work. Prioritize relationships over agendas. And then watch what happens. It’s more fun to have a cup of coffee with someone face to face than to schedule a conference call. Not only will it help your relationships; it will bring more joy to your life and make your work fighting for causes a richer experience. And isn’t that what it’s really all about? (Bingo!)

Tweet this!

Crafting a Dazzling Core Message

July 11, 2017

Vanessa Schnaidt

Crafting a Dazzling Core Message

I share a birthday with America – a coincidence that has inspired a life-long love of fireworks. This year on the 4th of the July, I was mesmerized equally by the pyrotechnic display in the sky and by how utterly captivated everyone sat, “oohing” and “awing” in unison for the 20-minute show. It got me thinking: how can smart communications have that same affect on a group? How can you communicate about your organization in a way that lights up your audience’s eyes and ignites interest in your work?

When we work with nonprofits through our many training programs, we emphasize the importance of developing a core message – a simple statement distinct from your mission that sparks interest and highlights what sets your organization apart. Follow these steps to develop your own core message, so you can talk about your organization in a clear, relatable way that will inspire people to learn more and support you.

1. Start by brainstorming what need or challenge do you address? Think about why you exist in the big picture – why people come to you.

2. Next, jot down what is your organization’s solution or approach? What is different or unique about your work? Avoid programmatic details that get you into the weeds. Instead, think about how, where, and in what ways your organization is addressing those needs or challenges.

3. Now take a moment to reflect on what benefits or results do you create? What is your organization’s impact on individual lives and on the community overall? What has changed because of your cause’s work?

4. Now, summarize the strongest points into your core message. Keep it to one or two sentences, and remember that your core message is not a list of your programs. It doesn’t need to cover every detail of what you do – just enough to paint a picture of your work and entice someone to want to learn more. Also, be careful not to rely on jargon or too many facts and figures in your core message; the goal is to keep it simple, memorable, and relatable.

Once you have a draft of your core message, check it against these five criteria. If your message passes the “DISCO” test, you’ve likely got a winner on your hands.

D – DISTINCT – Does your message capture what’s unique about your organization?
I – INSPIRING – Does your message draw people in? Is this an organization people want to be a part of?
S – SIMPLE – Is your message free of jargon and words only people in your field know? Will another colleague in your organization be able to remember it?
C – COMPELLING – Does your message have an emotional quality to it? Does it make people feel something when they hear it?
O – OWN IT – Does your message feel authentically you? Does it ring true? Would a colleague read it and think, “Yes, this is who we are.”

Ready to get to work? Download our free worksheet to help you get started.

While I will always have a soft spot in my heart for fireworks, there’s plenty of room in there for causes, too. Hopefully one day I’ll have a chance to hear your core message and respond with oohs and awes.

POV: The Power of Pets

July 11, 2017

Nishith Bhatt

POV: The Power of Pets

Now that we’re entering the most sweltering stretch of the summer, we thought it’d be fun to introduce you to some of the furry friends that help us stay cool, calm, and collected in even the busiest of times here at Hershey Cause Communications.

On any given day, if you drop by the office, there’s no telling which of our four-pawed pals you might meet.

Fidel (Chris Alves) – Shelter pup Fidel, not to be mistaken for the famous Cuban dictator, Fidel Castro (although we must admit, his resemblance is striking!), enjoys spontaneous wiggles down grassy hills, all varieties of meaty treats, and the occasional dip in the Pacific Ocean. Most of the time you can find Fidel sprawled out on the most comfortable flooring he can find.

Datsun (Nick Bhatt) – Named after a 1978 280Z beloved by his human, Datsun is a feisty, loving, and very tidy rescue from the Santa Monica pet shelter. He likes to spend summer days grooming himself and basking in the warm sun between games of fetch with his favorite stuffed animals (since he has absolutely no interest whatsoever in any kind of ball or typical dog toy).

Cookie (Katie Hershey Van Horn) – Cookie is a dog trapped in a cat’s body. After all, how many cats do you know that like to play catch? Cookie is a 10 month old rescue from NoKill LA. She can often be found playing in water or lounging in the sun, but her favorite activity of all is climbing.

Roo and Bronco (Beth Babyak) – Roo (left) is top dog in the house. Rescued from a shelter in Arizona, she now spends her days napping and keeping an eye on the household’s 10 chickens. She may be little but she is very fearlessly protective of her house and owners, using her superb leaping skills to keep everyone safe – and entertained! Bronco, AKA Bubba, was rescued from the West LA Animal Shelter and is the friendliest dog you’ll ever meet, despite spending over two years in a shelter. Now in his forever home, he loves to chase lizards around the yard and also loves to hang out in the kitchen as a sous chef – ready to take care of any food that might fall his way.

Rosie (Chris Hershey) – Rosie was an adorable pet shop rescue. The day we found her she looked so forlorn and wasn’t in the best health, physically or emotionally, after another family had taken her home and then returned her. She quickly became a part of our family and for years we could not have had a more loyal, loving friend. Sadly, Rosie recently left us to cross over the rainbow bridge – but we still feel her loving spirit watching over us.

No matter the weather, our pets always remind us of the joy of simple pleasures, of the importance of loyalty, and that it’s never too late for a second (or third, or fourth) chance at a better, happier, more fulfilling life. For all these reasons our pets are an important part of the culture here at Hershey Cause – always have been, always will be.

As a proud member of the board of directors for PetSmart Charities, which has helped over 500,000 pets find forever homes and has provided more than $30,000,000 in funding to animal welfare causes, our founder, R. Christine “Chris” Hershey, is a passionate advocate for animal adoption – and she’d love to tell you why. Drop by our office and say hi – and make a new friend or two!

40 Years of Communications for Good

June 6, 2017

R. Christine Hershey

40 Years of Communications for Good

At Hershey Cause Communications, we’ve built our success on helping causes use the power of communications to amplify their values, their ambitions, and their milestone achievements. This month, I’m excited to share we’ve reached a pretty significant milestone of our own:

We are turning 40.

Now, I’ve turned 40 once before—but I’ll admit I’m excited to do it all over again. Because I remember what turning 40 really means.

For me, it means a full embrace of authenticity. A time to double-down on what’s most important to us, and to recommit to the interests and values that keep us fully charged. It means living in alignment with real values—and with consistency and devotion to service.

At 40, we begin to recognize time is not a limitless currency—but also that our lessons learned have strengthened our resolve. We have developed a skillset for pushing with purpose into the years ahead.

At 40, we’ve shed the edges of what isn’t us to clear the way for more of what is unmistakably us.

We’ve been guiding clients to discover their own authentic selves since the earliest days of our business. For four decades now, activists, advocates, and conscientious leaders have turned to us for powerful communications strategies that give voice to tipping point issues and put non-profit and for-profit interests on equal footing.

These extraordinary collaborations have done far more than draw attention to great causes — they’ve helped turn empathy into currency and currency into life-changing solutions for children, for members of the LGBT community, for educators, for our shared environmental health, and for a more just and empathetic world.

We’re proud of our many successes—and, even today, the memories of some of our favorite clients continue to ripple across conversation in our office, long after their projects have closed.

In 2012, we joined forces with Kaiser Permanente to guide a community benefit campaign for the HBO documentary Weight of the Nation, a film which launched one of the country’s largest public health campaigns on obesity. Our nation-wide screenings and educational events sparked dialogues not only with families and their physicians but also with policymakers whose eyes were opened wider to a life-threatening concern.

In 2000, we published the first edition of our Communications Toolkit, providing expert guidance in communications practices for visionaries throughout the nonprofit world. This toolkit, which aids in everything from goal setting and budgeting a communications plan to raising awareness of (and funds for) extraordinary causes, has been reprinted numerous times and has even helped former Fortune 500 marketing executives develop new skills within the competitive nonprofit arena.

In 2015, we collaborated with AltaSea at the Port of Los Angeles, a public-private partnership that merges science, education, and business interests to generate innovative solutions to global sustainability issues. As AltaSea prepares to break ground this year on its 35-acre campus, work is already underway to expand and deepen public understanding of the ocean, to contribute to the sustenance of ocean-related businesses, and to champion robust engagement in the sciences. We’re thrilled to have helped communicate this pioneering organization’s vision and ingenuity to the City of Los Angeles.

As we reflect on these deeply felt connections, it’s hard not to think of our own trajectory at Hershey Cause — to seek out the thread that connects so much of our work across the public and private sectors, and across foundations and nonprofits. In truth, that thread has always been clear, strong, and simple:

We believe the power of smart communications should be accessible to all.

For 40 years, we’ve staked our reputation, and our revenue, on providing a megaphone for those who too often go unheard, and on providing a toolbox for those who can’t yet craft their message alone. We are a mission-driven organization with a values-driven mindset.

Equity. Empathy. Clarity. Opportunity. Purpose.

In recent years, that mission, and those values, have only grown stronger. As our current political climate drowns out marginalized voices in profound and devastating ways, the demand for clear and powerful storytelling has rarely been more urgent than it is right now.

So although this 40th anniversary seems a natural time to reflect on the past, at Hershey Cause our hearts are already directed towards the next 40 years — a future informed by the urgency of today. My own heart can’t help but quicken at the thought of what impact these next uncertain chapters may have on generations to come, and yet I remain resoundingly optimistic that the future is ours to shape. This is the time for intrepid causes to take bold action.

Although we may not know exactly what the future will demand of us, we can be sure it will lean on the shoulders of fearless and skilled communicators. It will require authentic leaders and strategists, across all industries, who shine a light on the misunderstood, on the invisible, on the underfunded, and on the underestimated. It will be an opportunity for progress and purpose. And we’re ready.

I can’t wait to see what the next 40 years will bring.

— R. Christine Hershey

Tech Tools That You Can Actually Use

April 26, 2017

Hannah Lainer

Tech Tools That You Can Actually Use

We aren’t afraid to admit it; we have a couple technology nerds at Hershey Cause. Some may think “tech” is the buzzword du jour but we at Hershey Cause know that, used strategically, technology has the power to help all organizations communicate more effectively. Several members of our team attended the 2017 Nonprofit Technology Conference (NTC) in Washington, D.C. hosted by the Nonprofit Technology Network (NTEN). We met a ton of cool nonprofit leaders and geeked out on the latest tips and trends in nonprofit tech. Below are our top three tips that anyone (including those who are less tech-savvy) can use to make your organization’s communications go further.

Where to Start?

Whether you are a tech newbie or writing the backend code for your organization’s website, there are a ton of free and affordable resources available to help your organization communicate better. Here are just a few of our favorites.

NTEN – This membership organization provides resources, classes and an online community to any nonprofit professional whose roles touches tech – from web development and digital strategy to fundraising databases. We love that the online community connects members to each other, provides professional development opportunities as well as the latest news and trends on technology use in nonprofits. They also host very cool (and fun!) conferences.

TechSoup – Did you know that your organization might be eligible to receive free or discounted tech tools and trainings? TechSoup provides discounted software, hardware, services, and training to qualifying changemakers. Check out their site to take advantage of all kinds of free resources specifically geared towards nonprofit leaders.

Want more? There are countless other resources available for nonprofits on many different tech topics, including NonprofitReady.org, Foundation Center and the Technology Affinity Group.

Data, Data, Data

Think data analytics isn’t, or doesn’t need to be, for you? Think again. Even a basic understanding of some topline data trends can mean a huge difference for your organization. Data analytics can help mission-driven organizations make better decisions about the most effective ways to allocate their precious resources to maximize social impact.

We recommend starting with your organization’s website. Who is coming to your site? Which pages to people go to first? How long do people spend on each page? What do they click on? Google Analytics is a free and easy analytics service that tracks and reports on your website traffic and can help you find answers all of these questions. Once you start seeing the trends on your site you can then use this data to optimize content to attract and retain donors and volunteers. Need a basic tutorial? Start here.

All About That Mobile

According to Time, Americans are on their phone 8 billion times per day. Okay, so maybe that number is a bit misleading – it’s actually an aggregate of all of the times all Americans look at their phone on a daily basis, but you get the point. Phones are often the first and preferred way your audiences are learning about your cause. If your organization hasn’t optimized its web presence for mobile you could be frustrating your members, donors or volunteers. Your web developer can help you decide if it makes sense to optimize just the well-trafficked pages of your site, create a separate mobile version of your site or build a responsive design that resizes and rearranges content for smartphone users.

Make the mobile experience even more user friendly by presenting your content in short, bite-sized pieces, using bullet points, creating mobile-friendly emails and ensuring your site’s navigation is simple and intuitive. Some causes may also want to explore developing a text to donate campaign and building mobile apps. Mobile optimization is an important step in keeping your stakeholders engaged and educated and shouldn’t be overlooked.

We had a blast at the NTEN conference and are eager to pass on even more of the lessons we learned to our clients. Especially as the political and funding landscape continues to evolve, we know that technology can be a strategic tool in helping nonprofits communicate with their audiences more effectively.

Communications Starts at the Top

April 26, 2017

Nishith Bhatt

Communications Starts at the Top

Next month, our agency will celebrate an incredible 40 years of furthering “communications for good.” That phrase has been our tagline for many years – and it encapsulates the work we’re proud to do every day.

Those three words aren’t just sloganeering. Our founder, R. Christine “Chris” Hershey, has long been a proponent of doing good for communications – as an evangelist for the impact of smart, strategic messaging on an organization’s success, irrespective of the industry it serves. Central to Chris’s worldview is the idea that — whether its efforts are proactive or reactive, internal or external — communications belongs right at the top of any organization, alongside leaders in business strategy, in finance and in human resources.

Every day, we see the need for just this sort of prioritization. When a passenger was recently removed from a United Airlines flight, the company’s organizational structure proved unprepared to allow the CEO to receive direct and timely advice from his in-house communications and PR professionals.

This gap between leadership and communications swiftly worsened an already costly circumstance for United Airlines, as it has for so many other organizations and causes.

Because it is relied upon both for the maximization of opportunities and for the prevention (or, at least, mitigation) of crises, strategic communication is a critical investment for any organizational effort.

If empowered with unhindered access to decision-makers, an experienced communications professional helps leaders “see around corners” to more fully understand the downstream effects, perceptions and consequences of their important decisions. That’s the sort of value that can sink or save a bold agenda.

Who knows — it might even have rescued United from appearing so divided.

Spring Into Action with Communications Goal Setting

March 21, 2017

Beth Babyak

Spring Into Action with Communications Goal Setting

There is something about spring that makes us want to do some organizing and get things in order. Whether it’s cleaning out your closet to make room for those new spring clothes at home or upping your organization’s social media presence at work, planning is the first step. Before you start to think about strategies you first need to decide what your goals are. What is it that you or your cause wants to accomplish? Once you decide on some goals, the next step is to see if you can make them SMART goals:

S – Specific Outcome

M – Measurable/Quantifiable

A – Accountable/Achievable

R – Results-Oriented/Realistic

T – Time-Dated

For example, you might have a goal of saving money for the future – but if you had to make this a SMART goal you might decide you want to save $100 per month for the next 12 months. Because you took the time to properly define your goal and you have something specific to measure you will be able to better track your progress. The same thinking can be applied to your cause. Maybe you have a goal of bringing more volunteers into your organization (great idea!). The SMART version of this goal may be to increase your volunteer pool by 10% in the next six months. Now you have a concrete goal to work towards.

Not only does making your goals SMART help you to better measure your progress it also makes it easier to decide which strategies are best to achieve your goal. A strategy is what you will do to achieve your goal. If you want to reach more volunteers for example, one strategy may be to ask each of your current volunteers to spread the word that you are looking for new volunteers. Another strategy could be to share more stories about the great work the volunteers are doing. And because you set a timeframe for your goal, you can also determine how aggressive you need to be and how many resources you may need to devote to these strategies.

So take some time this spring to either dust off any of the goals you set for your cause last year and evaluate them with fresh eyes, or brainstorm some new goals for 2017 and beyond. And don’t forget to make them SMART!

Celebrating Enterprising Women

March 21, 2017

R. Christine Hershey

Celebrating Enterprising Women

When I founded Hershey Cause Communications in 1977 I didn’t see it as an act of personal bravery; I saw it as an act of necessity. I had worked at a few places where it seemed my opportunities were limited. I saw men rise much faster than their female peers, and while I could never prove it, I always had the inkling that these male peers were also making more money than my female coworkers and me. The glass ceiling in existing agencies seemed impenetrable at the time, so ultimately, I decided my best shot was to start my own agency.

1977, the year I started Hershey Cause Communications, was also the year that the first National Women’s Conference was held. This conference was the first meeting of its kind in the United States since the 1848 Women’s Rights Convention in Seneca Falls, New York. Recently, while looking back at the platform that was debated at the National Women’s Conference, I was disheartened to see that many of the issues that women are fighting for today are the same ones we were fighting for 40 years ago.

We have a long way to go to reach full equality of the sexes, but I have hope. I am proud of the agency I started and want to make the road a little smoother for those who have come after me. That’s why I became a Los Angeles County Small Business Commissioner. I have the pleasure of advocating for greater opportunity for women in business. A big part of that advocacy involves sharing what works.

I have found that there are several traits that most women in business have that will help vastly improve many of the societal issues we are struggling with today.

In my experience, most woman-owned businesses have these characteristics in common:

Values driven — We understand we need to measure more than dollars – that people, profit and planet all matter.
Play well with others — We network, connect and advocate. We recognize that different organizations provide different values to our business and us.
Celebrate diversity — Most successful women business owners create organizations that are characterized by inclusiveness and diversity, team orientation, consultation, coaching and individual development, and inspire others to move toward a goal. We know diversity makes us stronger.
Greater than themselves — Many women business owners understand we live in a “global village” on a fragile planet, that all of us need to think ahead.

This year Hershey Cause Communications celebrates its 40th anniversary, and this month in particular is a time for reflection on the past and the progress women in business have made. It is equally important that we look to the future – and make sure that women in every field are thriving and being recognized or the impact they are making in the world.

Why We’re Working on A Day Without A Woman

March 8, 2017

Hannah Lainer

Why We’re Working on A Day Without A Woman

Today is personal for us here at Hershey Cause Communications. In addition to being International Women’s Day, March 8th has been designated as A Day Without a Woman by the organizers of the historic Women’s March that took place in dozens of cities across the country in January. Today is meant to build on that momentum and recognize the value of all women from all backgrounds.

We have the rare privilege of working at a woman-owned business that has a majority female staff. For nearly 40 years Hershey Cause has been breaking glass ceilings and fighting on the front lines for pay equity, gender equality and LGBTQ rights. But we know that not everyone is as lucky.

The beauty of A Day Without A Woman is it gives us the choice to express ourselves and our desire for equality in our own unique ways. There is a wide spectrum of ways to observe – from refraining from work, refusal to do unpaid labor (dishes, laundry, cooking – historically “women’s work” at home) to supporting woman-owned businesses to wearing red. Not everyone is in a position to take a day off of work but we can all do our part to send the message that women deserve equal pay and adequate family leave. The spectrum of expression is as wide and diverse as the women the make up the U.S.

Businesses and nonprofits can get in on the action too. Even more important than the symbol of standing with women, organizations and corporations should take today to assess their own employment policies. Does your company ensure equal pay for equal work? Do you pay your employees living wages? Does your office provide paid family leave? Ensuring that your organization has equitable employment policies cements your long-term commitment to economic justice and equality.

At Hershey Cause we’re supporting the day by choosing to continue the work we do everyday to advance issues ranging from social justice, racial equality, health care, domestic abuse prevention, LGBT rights and immigration reform. We are also wearing red, and supporting other local woman-owned businesses. We stand in solidarity with those across the county who are demanding justice and equality for women.

The rich history behind International Women’s Day and the exciting momentum of A Day Without A Woman makes today the perfect day to make a statement. Let us know what you are doing to mark the day – we’d love to hear from you.

This is What Democracy Looks Like

February 14, 2017

Nishith Bhatt

This is What Democracy Looks Like

It’s hard to miss, and hard not to celebrate, the levels of energy and engagement in our participatory democracy we’re seeing today. People aren’t just taking to social media to make their voices heard; they’re joining their neighbors and going to marches and meetings and rallies in cities and towns across the country. Folks who’d never thought about running for political office are thinking about it now.

It’s thrilling, and encouraging, to see due attention paid to responsible and responsive government. But engagement – and impact on people’s lives – doesn’t, of course, stop at government. Civil society, the non-governmental organizations and institutions that also drive the will of citizens and residents, responds to communities’ needs on the ground and helps people every day in every corner of the nation, in a way government often cannot.

As an agency that is both a nonprofit devoted to capacity building in the social sector, and as a business whose mission is to amplify nonprofits’ and foundations’ impact, we know that the role of civil society in preserving rights and in building more just, inclusive and healthy communities is more important than it has ever been. That’s why we do what we do, and it’s why we so deeply admire and respect what you do, as a member of this utterly indispensable “third sector.” Every day we share your indispensable work defending the vulnerable and advancing principles like fairness, inclusivity and prosperity for all.

Indeed, as many are saying at events across the country, this is what democracy looks like.

Laws of Attraction: Bringing New Donors to Your Cause

February 12, 2017

Beth Babyak

Laws of Attraction: Bringing New Donors to Your Cause

Valentine’s Day: love it or hate it, this time of year sparks conversations about how to attract that special someone. The same can be said for nonprofits all year round – how do you attract the right supporters and, most importantly, donors to your cause? Our Cause Clarity video “How to Attract New Donors” is a great place to start. Here are a few highlights.

As with any successful long-term relationship, often finding the right partner and acquiring new donors both take time. With so many causes and so much clutter in today’s fast paced world, it takes discipline and creativity to reach new people so they can hear about, become interested in and donate to your cause. An important first step for your nonprofit is to identity the types of donors you want to reach. After all, if you don’t know who you are looking for, it’s hard to find them. Once you can organize your ideal prospective donors into your top two to three priority groups, make a list of the characteristics or interests they share. The more you can understand what they care about and what motivates them, the easier it will be to figure out the best strategies to reach them in an authentic and meaningful way.

While attracting new donors to your cause is always a priority, it’s also important to maintain the relationships you have carefully developed with your current donors. With many worthwhile causes out there to compete with, and new ones popping up every day, you need to consistently connect with your current donors to keep them engaged. Just like a healthy and thriving personal relationship, you need to work at it to keep it going. Carve out standing times to touch base with your donors. Update them with relevant stories about the impact of the work they are supporting.

When reaching out, tailor your communications to the preferences of each of your donor groups (not everyone likes roses and chocolate). Regular email updates can be very effective, and including photos and video can make a powerful statement. Social media posts are a fast way to reach people. Mailed letters may also be appropriate for some of your donors who may not always be online. And don’t forget to invite your donors to any in-person events so they can see the work up-close and personal.

Ever been set up by a friend? Don’t be afraid to tap into your professional networks for a little assistance expanding your donor base. From a simple “like” or “share” to making an introduction, think about ways to equip your board, supporters and even current donors to be ambassadors of your great work.

And with any important relationship, don’t forget to say thank you. Acknowledging partners and supporters is always a crucial step in ensuring healthy, long-lasting relationships. And that’s something everyone can love this time of year.

Why We March — A Reflection from Our Founder

January 20, 2017

Hannah Lainer

Why We March — A Reflection from Our Founder

R. Christine Hershey, the founder of Hershey Cause Communications, is known as a pioneer in the world of cause communications and cause marketing, and as a champion for people and organizations whose work is focused on the social good. But at her core, Chris is an activist, someone who has never been afraid to fight for change by speaking truth to power, and she’s never shied away from a confrontation when equality and justice were on the line. Below is a dispatch she sent us on the go, as she travels to DC to once more jump into the fray by joining the hundreds of thousands who will march in the Nation’s Capitol this Saturday in support of the protecting rights of people who have been hurtfully attacked and maligned and whose rights may well be threatened by the incoming administration.

We’re so inspired by Chris’s leadership, and we’re so glad that she, her partner Susi and daughter Katie will be in DC representing us. We’ll be marching here in LA, too, and we hope to see you out in the community!

—
Susi and I have marched our whole lives. Even before we met each other and many times since over our 37 years together. We have marched to celebrate our diversity and renew the spirit of democracy. We have marched to honor the champions of human rights, dignity, and justice who have come before us. And we have marched to show our presence in numbers too great to ignore. Now, we march again so that our progress will not be thwarted by bigotry.

Wherever you are, wherever you call home, we hope you will join us.

Here is a brief history of some of the Marches we’ve participated in:
July 4, 1970
Honor America Day — During a period of contentiousness over the U.S. military involvement in Vietnam, Bob Hope helped to coordinate a rally intended to “show Americans can have a good time together despite their differences.” On July 4, 1970, “Honor America Day” was held in Washington, D.C. The day was intended to be non-partisan but was interpreted by many as a pro-war rally and was marred by anti-war demonstrators.

Summer 1978
California Proposition 6 was an initiative on the California State ballot on November 7, 1978, and was more commonly known as The Briggs Initiative. It was sponsored by John Briggs, a conservative state legislator from Orange County. The failed initiative would have banned gays and lesbians, and possibly anyone who supported gay rights, from working in California’s public schools. The Briggs Initiative was the first failure in a movement that started with the successful campaign headed by Anita Bryant and her organization Save Our Children in Dade County, Florida, to repeal a local gay rights ordinance.

October 11, 1987
The Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights was a large political rally that took place in Washington, D.C., on October 11, 1987. Its success, size, scope, and historical importance have led to it being called, “The Great March”. It marked the first national coverage of ACT UP, with AIDS activists prominent in the main march as well as the civil disobedience actions at the Supreme Court.

April 25, 1993
The March on Washington for Lesbian, Gay, and Bi Equal Rights and Liberation was a large political rally that took place in Washington, D.C., on April 25, 1993. Organizers estimated that 1 million attended the March. The D.C. Police Department put the number at more than 1 million. The National Park Service estimated attendance at 300,000, but their figure attracted so much negative attention that it shortly thereafter stopped issuing attendance estimates for similar events.

November 2002
Protests against Proposition 8 took place in California starting in November 2008. These included prominent protests against the Roman Catholic church and The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS Church), which collaboratively campaigned in favor of California’s Proposition 8 through volunteer and financial support for the measure. The proposition was a voter referendum that amended the state constitution to recognize marriage only as being between one man and one woman, thus banning same-sex marriage, which was legal in the state following a May 2008 California Supreme Court case.

January 21, 2017
The Women’s March in Washington DC
The rhetoric of the past election cycle by the incoming administration has insulted and threatened many of us – immigrants of all statuses, Muslims and those of diverse religious faiths, people who identify as LGBTQIA, Native people, Black and Brown people, people with disabilities, survivors of sexual assault and so many others.
This Saturday in DC, we will be holding all these people in our hearts as we march for hope to prevail over hate.

Click here to watch a FB live interview Chris did about what the march means to her.

Join Our Team! We are Hiring a Senior Account Supervisor

December 22, 2016

Hannah Lainer

Join Our Team! We are Hiring a Senior Account Supervisor

Senior Account Supervisor (SAS) Job Description:

Hershey Cause Communications, one of the first mission-driven strategic communications agencies and a pioneer in the field of cause communications, has an opportunity for an experienced communicator who excels at leading teams. We work nationally but are grounded in Los Angeles’ rich and diverse culture. We have a uniquely “LA” spirit of innovation that helps our clients transform fields like healthcare, education, the environment and domestic violence by providing strategy, insight, planning and implementation across media that build influence and amplify impact.

Are you an action-oriented leader who’s equally decisive and full of energy? Do colleagues describe you as practical and resourceful, yet passionate about finding new solutions? Are you excited to lead teams of people in order to deliver the best possible results on behalf of clients and causes?

We are looking for a Senior Account Supervisor to join the agency’s leadership team. A seasoned communications and marketing professional with exceptional client/account management and people skills, the SAS is responsible for overseeing the agency’s account teams – providing both external communications expertise to clients and internal leadership to staff. The ideal candidate is adaptable, strategic and results-driven.

Critical Job Responsibilities
Client Management and Client Service Delivery (75%)

Responsible for account management and oversight for all client accounts, including the development and implementation of communications strategies and ensuring the profitability of accounts
Guide the direction of all client accounts in conjunction with the Founder/President and Chief Relationship Officer
Build and supervise teams of people necessary to deliver excellence in client service; responsible for ensuring client project goals are achieved and service and quality expectations are exceeded
Hands-on leadership for several client accounts, and oversight of other accounts led by direct reports
Develop project scopes and budgets, and then ensure that these are met
Ongoing monitoring of client accounts, including monthly projections and identifying both priorities and opportunities on behalf of the agency and clients
In partnership with the Operations team, responsible for managing the cost, schedule and performance for client engagements and ensuring the client experience is exceptional
Oversee the strategy implementation and management of a full range of marketing and communications projects and campaigns – including public relations, branding, advertising, digital and social media, event planning, message development, collateral development and more
Provide creative yet practical solutions to client projects, grounded in knowledge and experience communicating to diverse populations

Staff Oversight and Development (15%)

Supervise account team members and contribute to their short and long-term professional development; responsible for managing, developing and cultivating them
Contribute to staff recruitment and hiring/vetting processes; train new account staff

Senior Management Team Engagement (10%)

Participate in agency leadership meetings; monitor and provide recommendations on the agency’s ongoing growth and efficiency
Actively engage in helping to shape the future direction of agency
Advise on ways to grow existing client base
Lead/assist in the preparation and implementation of new business proposals and pitches
Contribute to other agency marketing activities, including content creation and representing the agency at conferences and events

Minimum Requirements
Education and Experience

At least 10+ years of experience in marketing communications, public relations, advertising or related field
Five or more years of agency experience, supervising projects and teams
Degree in marketing, communications, public relations or related field preferred
Strong project management skills required; certificate in project management a plus

Skills and Abilities

Record of achievement in marketing communications, media relations and creative services
Proven expertise in reaching the diverse communities of California
Expertise/industry knowledge in philanthropy, public policy and/or social entrepreneurship
Strong organizational, follow-through and time management skills
Detail-oriented and consistent, yet eager to test new ideas and find ways to make any situation more successful
Affinity for tackling day-to-day client management challenges as they arise
Strong project management skills
Demonstrated success with project planning, project management tools, budget development, resource planning and delivery
Ability to translate client requirements into strategic concepts
Impeccable speaking and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills necessary to build and maintain client relations and direct project members
Proficient with MS Word, Excel and PPT. Must be able to work on a Mac platform

The ideal person for this position also embodies our values: excellence, quality, substance, vision, energy, warmth and authenticity.

How to Apply
If our mission and values align with yours, if your skills and experience match what we’ve outlined above and if you’re serious about having a positive impact on the world by using “Communications for Good,” we’d love to hear from you.

Please send resumes, cover letters and writing samples per the following instructions to Juliet Gifford at careers@causecommunications.com

1) Resume should include work experience, skills, education and salary history
2) Cover letter should include the following:
Why do you want to work at Hershey Cause Communications?
Why this position is attractive and would be satisfying?

What do you bring to this position? How do your skills and experience match the job?

Your desired career path
3) A brief professional writing sample (report, memo, correspondence) that illustrates your ability to describe an issue, articulate a plan and/or delineate next steps or recommendations. This document should be an example of your writing abilities, critical thinking, and mastery of form (i.e. layout, presentation, design, etc.)

A Holiday Message From Hershey Cause Communications

December 20, 2016

Hannah Lainer

A Holiday Message From Hershey Cause Communications

Join Our Team! We are Hiring a Design Director

November 9, 2016

Nishith Bhatt

Join Our Team! We are Hiring a Design Director

Design Director – Hershey Cause Communications

The Design Director is responsible for providing a creative spark and executing quality print and web design. Hershey Cause Communications is a full-service agency, so it’s important that our Design Director have experience with – and mastery of – brand identity development and roll-out, print collateral, website architecture and design and e-newsletter design. The Design Director supervises a full-time Senior Designer and may work with designated Creative Directors, if necessary. A creative professional, the Design Director will have a great eye and a passion for design, and work collaboratively with the Marketing and Account teams.

Critical Job Responsibilities

Creative Production / Account Management

Manage design resources including other designers, vendors, freelancers – including web developers
Coordinate with project manager on developing production schedules, staying one step ahead of workflow and staffing needs
Provide quality control on all design projects
Maintain digital files and paperwork
Production of print mechanicals
Oversee printers’ proofs and handle press checks

Design Skills

Produce consistently brilliant creative within set timeframes
Lead creative projects and manage / oversee design projects from start to finish
Lead and educate the staff in creative processes
Lead and creative direct photo shoots and location scouts if needed
Demonstrate web design and UX/UI savvy; keep up with latest trends and technology
Leverage design to provide solutions to client needs

Internal Marketing

Manage design and updates for internal marketing components including websites and e-newsletters (knowledge of WordPress is a plus)
Coordinate with project manager on design needs for new business proposals and pitches
Assist in the development of Hershey Cause capabilities and collateral materials
Participate in networking opportunities and represent the agency at relevant events and conferences

Minimum Requirements

Education and/or Experience

5+ years agency experience
Experience supervising managing teams
Bachelor’s degree in communication arts, marketing and design or related field

Skills and Abilities

Strong portfolio across a variety of disciplines
Strong communication skills and the ability to build both solid internal and client relationships
Possess understanding of the marriage of words and pictures for a successful design project
Understanding of how a visual brand is executed across all mediums – print to digital
Experience directing complex and large scale projects
Expert in the use of typography, color theory, layout and communication across a wide variety of design deliverables (digital and print)
Demonstrates a critical user-based perspective for all design decisions
Proven ability to express complex ideas through design in innovative, clear and provocative ways
Attention to detail at the highest level with a keen eye for proofreading copy and content; excellent spelling and grammar skills
Very strong organizational skills
Agile, flexible and a solution based thinker
Works well under pressure and multiple deadlines managing overlapping projects and adapting to scheduling modifications
Able to communicate ideas effectively to and between creatives and non-creatives
Social media savvy
Proficient with prominent design applications:
- Adobe Creative Cloud: InDesign, Illustrator, Acrobat, Photoshop
- WordPress
- Mac/OS
- Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, Powerpoint
- Keynote

All team members should strive to consistently exhibit our core values and guiding principles.

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

The following are essential to Hershey Cause Communications as a company, in our work, with our clients, and within and among ourselves:

Consistent Timeless Quality. Best-in-class pros.
Intelligence permeates everything we do. Thoughtful.
Always thinking ahead. First to spot big ideas.
Excited about our work. Passionate about what we do.
A “realness” in ourselves, our work and our clients. Authentic.

CORE VALUES

The following are qualities that we embrace in our team and in our clients:

Positive Energetic

Approachable Passionate

Accountability Authenticity

Collaboration Quality

Vision Clarity

Passion Honest

Diverse Humor

Creative Intelligent

About Hershey Cause Communications

Hershey Cause Communications is a mission-driven strategic marketing and communications agency that creates positive social change on behalf of companies, foundations, nonprofits and the public sector. Based in Los Angeles, the agency also provides communication tools and training to over 20,000 nonprofit organizations in over 25 countries. For more information, visit www.hersheycause.com.

If our mission and values align with yours, if your skills and experience match what we’ve outlined above and if you’re serious about having a positive impact on the world by using “Communications for Good,” we’d love to hear from you.

Please send resumes, cover letters and portfolio per the following instructions to Juliet Gifford at info@causecommunications.com.

Resume should include work experience, skills, education and salary history
Cover letter should include the following:
- Why do you want to work at Hershey Cause Communications?
- Why this position is attractive and would be satisfying?
- What do you bring to this position? How do your skills and experience match the job?
- Your desired career path
- Portfolio of design samples

POV: Come Heal or High Water

November 9, 2016

Nishith Bhatt

POV: Come Heal or High Water

Well, it’s finally over. No matter how you felt about the candidates or whom you supported, we’re pretty sure everyone is glad that the worst, ugliest election cycle in recent memory is behind us.

Now that Election 2016 is history, no doubt there is work to be done on the causes we care about most. But we also think it’s important to stop and think about how much we, as Americans, share. We’ll spare you clichés about everyone wanting a brighter future for their children (which is of course true), but suffice it to say that much more still unites than divides us. And ultimately, we have to find ways to work together, live together and realize our common dreams and ambitions together.

Before we can do that, we need to heal. At HCC we believe strongly that everyone shares a responsibility to bridge the enormous chasms that, truth be told, have always existed in the United States, but that have newly been laid bare through this election. That’s why, in the spirit of healing, we offer five steps we can all take to begin to find commonality, trust and ultimately hope for a better nation and a better world. After all, that really is what we all want.

1) Reach across the aisle. It goes both ways and we can’t solve any persistent problems without all sides doing their part.

2) Practice understanding and tolerance instead of demonizing those who think differently than we do. The country is divided because we have real problems. We need to get out beyond our usual circles and learn why others feel the way they do.

3) Stay constructive and positive. Posting/sharing/supporting ideas that just insult or belittle is never helpful. And rarely if ever has anyone changed his or her views as a result of a Facebook or Twitter post attacking what they believe.

4) Find the commonalities. Families. Pets. Activities. We are so much more alike than we are different.

5) Support the leaders who are bridge builders and are adept at conflict resolution. Better yet, “be the change” — become those kinds of leaders ourselves.

Tweet this!

New Solutions for a Familiar Challenge

November 9, 2016

Vanessa Schnaidt

New Solutions for a Familiar Challenge

As a communications professional, or as someone whose work touches communications, at a purpose-driven organization, do o you ever feel like you’re operating in a nonprofit bubble? You try to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the field, but most of the time it’s a full-time job just keeping up with the day-to-day demands of what’s happening at your organization. Or maybe one of the ongoing challenges you encounter is trying to understand – and then justify to your board – what staffing and communications resources are typical for an organization of your size. Sound familiar?

These are just a few of the scenarios communicators face every day. And the answers to these questions about what’s going on within and outside of your organization are important.

Knowing how you compare to peers can help you think through how to prioritize your own communications activities, identify what gaps may need to be addressed and also spark conversations internally about your organization’s unique needs and opportunities.

That’s why we updated one of our most popular tools to make it even more relevant for today’s nonprofit communicator. The redesigned Communications Effectiveness Quiz (which you’ll find, alongside many other free resources, on our Cause Clarity website) helps you assess your organization’s communications strengths and areas of opportunity. The best part is that you can filter your quiz results based on criteria such as organizational budget, state and staff size – giving you insights into how your organization compares to other nonprofits. It’s a great first step to finding the tools and resources that will help you become an even more strategic and effective communicator.

Here are some ways people who have taken the quiz are using the information in their own work:

• Build a solid case to executive leadership about why next year’s budget should include a Communications Manager

• Explore whether some different communications channels could help you reach and engage your target audiences

• Evaluate which metrics to track as your “key performance indicators”

• Identify an area you want to strengthen, then use the Resource Navigator to find some practical next steps for how to do that

• Tell a friend at another local nonprofit about the quiz, then get together for coffee to discuss where your results align, or don’t; share tips and keep an ongoing dialogue going

Taking the time to reflect on your organization’s communications practices and using these insights to drive strategy will help keep your efforts fresh, connected and poised for impact.

Our New and Improved Cause Clarity Website

October 21, 2016

Beth Babyak

Our New and Improved Cause Clarity Website

We are excited to announce the launch of our new and improved Cause Clarity website, which is home to an array of our free resources for nonprofits. Cause Clarity makes the power of good communications accessible to all. Be sure to check out our newest tool, the Resource Navigator, a “choose your own adventure” type-tool which guides yourself through a range of communications support options to find what is the best fit for your organizational goals.

Here at Hershey Cause we are passionate about supporting the great work being done by nonprofits in Los Angeles and across the country. That is why we started our own nonprofit over fifteen years ago with a mission to provide free resources and tools to help nonprofits improve their internal and external communications and to aid in their capacity-building efforts. We take the best practices we have learned and honed through our consulting work and apply that to the creation of all of our tools.

cc_blogimage

As Hershey Cause nears its 40^th anniversary next year we are excited to announce the launch of our new and improved Cause Clarity website, which is home to an array of our free resources for nonprofits. Cause Clarity makes the power of good communications accessible to all.

One of our newest tools is our Resource Navigator, a “choose your own adventure” type-tool which allows the user to guide themselves through a range of communications support options in order to choose the right resources based on their needs. For example, if the user needs help getting their CEO or Board Members to understand the value of strategic communications, they might refer to one of our articles such as “Communications Starts at the Top.” Or they might be best served by accessing our very popular Bite-Size Courses including our “how-to” videos and companion worksheets on key communications topics such as “How to Create a Core Message,” “HowWrite Your Social Media Plan” and “How to Get Better Media Coverage for Your Cause.” Cause Clarity is also where you can access our award-winning books and resources including our Communications Toolkit.

With the launch of the new site we have also updated and redesigned our Communications Effectiveness Quiz. Designed to help organizations assess their communications strengths and areas for opportunity, users can now filter their quiz results to see how their communications compare to other nonprofits based on criteria such as organizational budget, location and staff size. The quiz is a great opportunity for busy nonprofit leaders and staff to take a few minutes to evaluate their communications as a first step to finding the tools and resources they may need to help them be even more effective communicators.

Let us know what you think!

Your feedback matters to us – after all, these resources exist to help you get results. We welcome your comments, questions and suggestions for other tools you would like to see on our site. You can send all comments to us at info@causecommunications.com.

Happy exploring and remember communications help is just one click away!

POV: Looking Where We Haven’t Looked

October 18, 2016

Nishith Bhatt

POV: Looking Where We Haven’t Looked

Finding solutions to the most daunting problems facing humanity is a hard job. Yet, if you’re receiving this newsletter, chances are it’s exactly the challenge you take on in your work every day.

At Southern California Grantmakers’ Annual Conference last month, we heard a story from Bryonn Bain of UCLA about legendary musician and activist Harry Belafonte. When he would misplace things as a child, Mr. Belafonte’s mother would ask him, “Harry, you’ve looked everywhere, but have you looked where you haven’t looked?” It’s a deceptively simple reminder that, when looking for answers, sometimes we should be looking exactly where we don’t think we need to. When it comes to solving big, pressing problems, this just might mean looking to the people, the places, the communities where we haven’t looked.

The Art and Science of Storytelling

August 3, 2016

Michael Kass

The Art and Science of Storytelling

Michael Kass is a Los Angeles based facilitator, coach, and award-winning storyteller who’s become a good friend of Hershey Cause. As a facilitator and coach, he focuses on helping clients speak with greater confidence and presence as well as reconnecting with the deep passion underlying their work. His work with organizations focuses on fostering culture shift through storytelling and creating powerful, data-supported narratives that create thriving communities. Michael’s work is a natural fit with the work we do to help our clients amplify their impact and achieve their business goals, so we invited him to share some tips that will help you connect with your audiences and move them to action.

Every workshop I lead, whether it’s for CEOs or high schoolers, starts with a question: what is story? We use the word all the time, but rarely take the space to think about what story actually is and the role it plays in leadership and community building.

At base level, story is the basic building block of community. It contains the DNA of a community’s identity, values, and shared purpose. Take a moment to think about all the communities that you are a part of: workplace, family, school, fans of a sports team. Whatever it is, there’s a core mythology, a story, at the center of each.

This isn’t just theoretical: story is actually hardwired into our brain. When we tell a powerful story, an effect called ‘neural coupling’ guarantees that our listeners’ brains will be stimulated in sync with ours. And given random information or data points, our brain will immediately and instinctively create a story based on our past experience and other stories we have heard. Thanks to a cognitive trick called the ‘negativity bias,’ the stories our brain creates will, more often than not, be negative.

If you don’t tell your own story, others will make it up for you, it will probably be negative, and, if that story spreads, it will make a lasting imprint on those who hear it.

Organizations, particularly cause-based organizations, must tell a powerful story that not only connects the dots for its audiences, but also inspires them to volunteer, contribute, and engage. Here is where another bit of neuroscience comes into play. Recent research by Paul Zak of Claremont Graduate University revealed that well-told stories trigger the release of oxytocin in listeners or viewers. Known as the ‘love molecule,’ oxytocin causes a sense of empathy and connection. Zak’s research shows that people who connect with a story are exponentially more likely to respond positively to a call to action related to the story!

Every time you tear up during a Disney movie (don’t pretend that you haven’t) or feel inspired to take action after seeing a documentary or compelling speaker, your body is flooded with oxytocin. On the flip side of this effect, some stories and storytellers may seem to be hitting all the right ‘notes,’ but something doesn’t quite jibe. You may find yourself feeling left cold or even a bit suspicious.

So what is the secret to an impactful story? It must be authentic!

Authenticity has become a bit of a buzzword recently and, as happens when a word enters the buzz-o-sphere, there are suddenly all sorts of ‘recipes’ out there for telling authentic stories. But sharing a truly authentic story isn’t about following a set of steps, it’s about digging deep into the elemental humanity that lives at the core of your narrative, surfacing it, and sharing it with your audience and community. This type of storytelling requires a degree of vulnerability on the part of the storyteller, whether it’s an individual or an organization, that may be uncomfortable or even frightening.

In telling an authentic, vulnerable story, we reveal a bit of who we are. Thanks to the internet and pervasive media, we have never been more saturated in story. As a result, we have become exceptionally discerning consumers of narrative, even at an unconscious level. Only stories that resonate at a deeply human, universal level–in other words, authentic ones that go beyond a recounting of ‘things that happened’ to explore the who and the why behind the events–will distinguish themselves over the ‘noise.’

Focusing on the latest storytelling platform, whether it’s social media, crowd-funding, or video-sharing, will ultimately squander resources if you have not taken the time to find the right stories to share. Modern technology provides an infrastructure that allows for an unprecedented connection throughout the world, but technology itself does not connect. Nor does data. Stories do.

So go forth, build and tell your story. Not about what your organization is or does, but about what it means to you, why you have dedicated your time and effort (and maybe even your life) to it. Once you’ve written it, consider how your story can help further your organization’s mission through diverse communications vehicles including conversations with funders, speaking engagements, video, or social media. Throughout all of it, be brave, maintain your sense of humor (after all, storytelling is fun), and, above all, be human!

To learn more about how Hershey Cause Communications can help you tell your story – including ways we collaborate with Michael Kass, contact Training Director Bethany Babyak at bbabyak@causecommunications.com.

Join our Team! We are Hiring an Account Director

August 2, 2016

Nishith Bhatt

Join our Team! We are Hiring an Account Director

Are you driven to do work that makes the world a better place? Have you honed your communications expertise at an agency and are now ready to work with clients that feed your soul? Are you a natural born connecter – of both ideas and people? Are you the one your clients count on to keep complex projects organized and make sure every deadline is met? Do you frequently end your tweets with #ILoveLA?

Hershey Cause Communications, one of the first mission-driven strategic communications agencies and a pioneer in the field of cause communications, has an exciting opportunity for an experienced and dynamic communicator who wants to change the world for the better. We work nationally but are grounded in Los Angeles’s rich and diverse culture. We have a uniquely “LA” spirit of innovation that helps our clients transform fields like healthcare, education, the environment and domestic violence by providing strategy, insight, planning and implementation across media that build influence and amplify impact.

The Account Director is a key position at Hershey Cause Communications. A seasoned communications and marketing professional with exceptional client/account management and people skills, the Account Director is responsible for leading several of our client accounts, bringing a strategic mindset; top-notch ideas and skills in communications and public relations; and a positive, team-oriented attitude to the job. Like us, the ideal person for this position embodies our values: excellence, quality, substance, vision, energy, warmth and authenticity.

Critical Job Responsibilities

Strategic Marketing and Communications

Manage and lead strategy development of a full range of marketing and communications projects and campaigns including public relations, branding, advertising, digital and social media, event planning, message development, collateral development and more
Oversee the execution of marketing and communications projects
Develop strategies and work plans
Provide creative solutions to client projects, grounded in knowledge and experience communicating to diverse populations

Account Management

Lead account management of clients
Primary point of contact for client, ensuring client project goals are achieved and service and quality expectations are exceeded
Build and supervise teams of people necessary for client accounts and projects
Develop and manage project timelines and production schedules and ensure that projects are delivered on-time
Establish client budgets and monitor job cost accounting, based on supplied reports
- Weekly monitoring of client accounts
- Monthly projections and identifying priorities for the month

In partnership with the Operations team, responsible for managing the cost, schedule and performance for client engagements and ensuring the client experience is exceptional

New Business Development

Generate new business with current client accounts
Lead/assist in the preparation and implementation of new business proposals and pitches
Participate in networking opportunities including trainings and speaking engagements development of white papers, etc.

Agency Marketing and Promotion

Participate in bi-weekly agency marketing meetings
Periodically contribute content for the agency’s blog or newsletter
Provide counsel for and help develop marketing strategy and tactics
Contribute to the agency’s social media presence while at conferences and events

Professional Development and Administration

Supervise account team members and contribute to their short and long-term professional development
Participate in agency meetings
Stay abreast of industry news and trends
Participate in staff recruitment and hiring/vetting processes; train new account staff

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

At least seven years of experience in marketing communications, public relations, advertising or related field
Three to five years of agency experience, supervising projects and teams
Degree in marketing, communications, public relations or related field preferred
Strong project management skills required

Skills and Abilities

Record of achievement in marketing communications, media relations and creative services
Proven expertise in reaching the diverse communities of California
Expertise/industry knowledge in philanthropy, public policy and/or social entrepreneurship
Strong organizational, follow-through and time management skills
Strong project management skills
Demonstrated success with project planning, project management tools, budget development, resource planning and delivery
Ability to translate client requirements into strategic concepts
Impeccable speaking and written communication skills
Excellent interpersonal skills necessary to build and maintain client relations and direct project members
Proficient with MS Word, Excel and PPT. Must be able to work on a Mac platform

Our mission, core values and guiding principles are at the center of everything we do.

Mission

We use communications to make a positive difference in the world

Guiding Principles

The following are essential to Hershey Cause Communications as a company, in our work, with our clients, and within and among ourselves:

Consistent Excellence. Timeless Quality. Best-in-class pros.

Intelligence permeates everything we do. Thoughtful.

Always thinking ahead. Vision. First to spot big ideas.

Energy. Excited about our work. Passionate about what we do.

Warmth. A “realness” in ourselves, our work and our clients. Authentic.

Core Values

The following are qualities that we embrace in our team and in our clients:

Positive Energetic

Approachable Passionate

Accountability Authenticity

Collaboration Quality

Vision Clarity

Passion Honest

Diverse Humor

Creative Intelligent

Please send resumes, cover letters and writing samples per the following instructions to Juliet Gifford at careers@causecommunications.com

1) Resume should include work experience, skills, education and salary history

2) Cover letter should include the following:

Why do you want to work at Hershey Cause Communications?
Why this position is attractive and would be satisfying?
What do you bring to this position? How do your skills and experience match the job?
Your desired career path

3) A brief professional writing sample (report, memo, correspondence) that illustrates your ability to describe an issue and/or delineate next steps or recommendations. This document should be an example of your writing abilities, critical thinking, and mastery of form (i.e. layout, presentation, design, etc.)

Join our Team! We are Hiring an Account Manager

August 2, 2016

Nishith Bhatt

Join our Team! We are Hiring an Account Manager

The Account Manager is a key implementer at Hershey Cause Communications. This professional works as part of a humming account servicing machine, providing day-to-day account support and developing the award-winning strategic communications materials Hershey Cause Communications has come to be known for over the past 39 years. Like us, the ideal person for this position embodies our values: excellence, quality, substance, vision, energy, warmth and authenticity.

Critical Job Responsibilities

Strategic Marketing and Communications

Provide strategic ideas and input for the development of marketing and communications projects, campaigns and plans for clients
Develop and practice integrated communications skills on behalf of clients including public relations, branding, advertising, media buys, web/online and interactive development, event planning, collateral development and more
Present new opportunities/strategies to senior staff to further develop the work of clients and/or potential new business opportunities
Manage the implementation of research work, development of media lists, etc.
Write positioning papers/memos for clients, proposals and copy for collateral materials
Create and pitch media stories
Outreach to potential community and business partners for strategic alliances with clients
Prepare monthly qualitative client progress reports

Account Management

Provide day-to-day account project management and support for several client projects
Work on multiple account teams, seeking opportunities to exceed client expectations and strengthen client relationships
Interact with clients in presentations, meetings and as backup support to account leads
Monitor production timelines and schedules to ensure assigned projects are on deadline and budget

New Business Development

Assist in the preparation and implementation of new business proposals and pitches
Attend new business meetings when appropriate
Maintain solid client relationships for the purpose of generating new business opportunities
Participate in networking opportunities including trainings, speaking engagements and development of white papers, etc.

Agency Marketing and Promotion

Create newsletter, web and other promotional content to present HCC’s capabilities in the most favorable light and showcase our award-winning offerings for current and prospective clients
Create and implement social media strategy to promote the agency to external audiences
Draft award submissions and seek out/fulfill other opportunities to recognize our client work
Draft conference submissions to highlight our work among our peers and develop our leadership role in the communications space locally and nationally

Minimum Requirements

Education and Experience

Five or more years of experience in marketing communications, public relations, advertising or related field
Degree in marketing, communications, public relations or related field preferred
Agency experience strongly preferred
Strong project management skills required

Skills and Abilities

Strong reading and writing skills, able to proofread and edit highly visible documents
Solid knowledge of marketing communications, media relations and creative services
Comfortable speaking over the phone and in person, able to interact comfortably with a range of clients
Online and/or interactive experience preferred
Strong organizational skills
Proficient with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint. Must be able to work on a Mac platform

Our mission, core values and guiding principles are at the center of everything we do.

Mission

We use communications to make a positive difference in the world

Guiding Principles

The following are essential to Hershey Cause Communications as a company, in our work, with our clients, and within and among ourselves:

Consistent Excellence. Timeless Quality. Best-in-class pros.

Intelligence permeates everything we do. Thoughtful.

Always thinking ahead. Vision. First to spot big ideas.

Energy. Excited about our work. Passionate about what we do.

Warmth. A “realness” in ourselves, our work and our clients. Authentic.

Core Values

The following are qualities that we embrace in our team and in our clients:

Positive Energetic

Approachable Passionate

Accountability Authenticity

Collaboration Quality

Vision Clarity

Passion Honest

Diverse Humor

Creative Intelligent

Please send resumes, cover letters and writing samples per the following instructions to Juliet Gifford at careers@causecommunications.com.

1) Resume should include work experience, skills, education and salary history

2) Cover letter should include the following:

Why do you want to work at Hershey Cause Communications?
Why this position is attractive and would be satisfying?
What do you bring to this position? How do your skills and experience match the job?
Your desired career path

POV: What’s Not in a Name?

July 28, 2016

Nishith Bhatt

POV: What’s Not in a Name?

Top 5 Things You Can Do Now To Communicate Better

May 27, 2016

Beth Babyak

Top 5 Things You Can Do Now To Communicate Better

It’s graduation season and we are proud to announce that another group of passionate and dedicated nonprofit organizations has successfully completed our Communicating for Results! Training Program, which provides nonprofits with the knowledge and tools they need to advance their communications skills. Through a combination of in-person group trainings and one-on-one coaching sessions that take place over eight months, our tailored curriculum builds capacity in the nonprofit sector and helps organizations take their communications to the next level. With their training funded by the Dwight Stuart Youth Fund, our recent cohort of Los Angeles area nonprofits learned best practices in strategic communications and developed their own customized strategic communications plans.

The 2016 graduating class of the Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Communicating for Results! training program.

The 2016 graduating class of the Dwight Stuart Youth Fund Communicating for Results! training program.We love to see those light bulb moments when the participants realize how they could communicate even better with their audiences – whether it’s with donors, board members, volunteers or clients. Here we share the top five pieces of advice our trainees find most valuable.

Take the time to create a core message. Your core message is not the same as your mission statement. It should allow the listener to emotionally connect to you and the work your organization is doing. An effective core message should also be easy to remember, free from jargon so everyone in your organization can use it and a conversation starter about your organization. Watch our Cause Clarity Core Message video to learn more.

Remember that everyone is a communicator in your organization – from the person answering your phones, to your volunteers and your board members. Make sure they all have a consistent and updated core message that they can use when they communicate both internally and externally.

Be a strategic thinker. Many people spend a lot of time focusing on communications “tactics” – such as social media, e-newsletters and events. However, every tactic should tie back to a larger strategic goal and strategy. Ask yourself these questions: Why are we spending time and resources on this tactic? What is the goal of this tactic? Who are we trying to reach? If you can answer these questions that means you are already on your way to thinking strategically about your communications.

Measure and evaluate your communications efforts. How can you determine if the communications work you are doing is working if you don’t take the time to evaluate your results? If you are sending out e-newsletters for example – do you regularly review how many are actually opened or clicked through? If the open rates are low, maybe you need to adjust the subject lines you’re using or re-evaluate your content. Or maybe this tactic is not worth the valuable staff time it takes to send them out, and perhaps you should be focusing your communications resources in other areas. Remember, not all your communications can be measured in numbers. Try sending short surveys to people who attend your events or receive your materials – ask for comments and feedback to help aid your evaluation efforts.

Create a master communications calendar. When you can map out all your communications efforts into one timeline or calendar you can start to see where there may be overlap. You may decide to adjust the timing to send out information or donation requests to ensure you are not overwhelming your audience, but rather keeping them updated at regular intervals. A calendar can also allow you to be more efficient with your resources as you will be better able to determine where your staff’s time should be dedicated.

For more information about how your organization can participate in one of our trainings or how you can fund trainings for your grantees to improve their communications effectiveness please contact Beth Babyak at bbbayak@causecommunications.com or 310-656-1001 ext. 101.

Bringing Together Leading Minds to Move the Conversation about Domestic Violence

May 25, 2016

Hannah Lainer

Bringing Together Leading Minds to Move the Conversation about Domestic Violence

On April 14, the conversation about domestic violence changed. The Sojourner Center Institute Inaugural Research Symposium took place that day in Phoenix, Arizona, convening nearly 200 brilliant minds that explored new solutions to end the public health crisis that is domestic violence. National experts presented on topics ranging from children’s traumatized brains to media’s role in reporting on the issue, and lively breakout sessions ensured all participants had the opportunity to offer their perspectives from their valuable work on the ground.

Some of the most fascinating and actionable points that emerged from the Symposium were about breaking down silos between agencies and services, especially in the public sector. There was abundant evidence presented that most public social service agencies and first responders are not aligned with the reality that domestic violence and child abuse are often connected and part of the same problem. Multiple experts agreed at the gathering that the way in which the public sector responds to incidents of child abuse and domestic violence needs to be reimagined and redesigned based on the understanding of family violence as a systemic and cyclical issue.

In her keynote address, Sojourner Center CEO Dr. Maria Garay-Serratos spoke about the connections between domestic violence and so many other issues that plague our society, such as homelessness, bullying and unequal educational opportunities. By expanding the conversation beyond its usual parameters, Sojourner Center, invited speakers and Symposium participants offered not only eye-opening and little-known information but also new solutions that practitioners, funders and academics could all apply to their work moving forward.

It was an event that fits squarely into HCC’s sweet spot.

We first worked with the client to identify an opportunity to position them as leaders in their field;
Then we conceived a vision of a Symposium that would achieve strategic organizational goals;
We created a plan to make that vision a reality;
And we executed that plan with acute attention to detail while maintaining strategic oversight for maximum impact.

Hershey Cause worked with the client to create a Symposium that positioned Sojourner Center as a thought leader in the national field of domestic violence and developed a program that shifted the narrative away from stereotypes and misconceptions to explore new approaches to services and systems. We produced and managed all strategic, tactical and logistical aspects of the two-day event, including speaker outreach and coaching, securing partners and sponsors, designing all materials and managing marketing and media relations.

The Symposium convened more than 150 people from across the country and exceeded the goal in terms of information conveyed, connections made and even money raised. In a post-event survey, 99.9% of the respondents said the overall Symposium event was “excellent” or “good” and one participant commented that they had never been to an event that stimulated such “engaging and passionate” discussion around the topic of domestic violence. We all look forward to the next one!

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Photos from the Sojourner Center Institute Inaugural Research Symposium by Ben Arnold, courtesy of Sojourner Center.

Rancho Rising 2020 Celebrates Key Milestone

May 11, 2016

Hannah Lainer

Rancho Rising 2020 Celebrates Key Milestone

One of the great pleasures of our work at Hershey Cause is to witness progress and positive change for our clients over time. Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center in Downey, a longstanding client and nationally ranked rehabilitation hospital, is undergoing a five-year renovation project that HCC coined Rancho Rising 2020 at the project’s outset. The needed seismic safety and facility updates will uphold Rancho Los Amigos’ future as a gem of Los Angeles County’s healthcare system.

The hospital’s leadership and staff, along with LA County Supervisor Don Knabe, recently celebrated a key milestone of the project with a “topping out” ceremony to mark the symbolic completion of the structural phase of the new Outpatient Building, one of the featured new buildings in the project. Rancho Los Amigos currently services 71,000 outpatient visits each year for people with a life-changing illness, injury or disability.

Supervisor Knabe and Rancho staff signed the final steel beam of the Outpatient Building, which was lifted and put into place during the ceremony. HCC invited select members of the media to attend the event and capture the historic moment. You can read more about the topping out ceremony in The Downey Patriot and view a photo essay in The Long Beach Press-Telegram.

And below is a video created by LA County Public Works, who is overseeing the work associated with Rancho Rising 2020.

“This is one of our crown jewels – a jewel that needed polishing,” said Supervisor Knabe. “I’m very excited about this.”

So are we!

Planning Ahead for Strategic Content

March 18, 2016

Hannah Lainer

Planning Ahead for Strategic Content

At Hershey Cause, we always tell our clients that their content is strongest when it’s thoughtful, strategic and aligned with their organizational and communications goals. And, let’s face it, it’s hard to be thoughtful or strategic when you’re writing an eleventh-hour press release, are stumped for social media content on the eve of your event or are scrambling to get folks on board with your cause’s awareness month. Here are three ideas that will help you plan ahead for what’s important – and not just urgent – so you can meet your strategic communications goals.

1) Plan Ahead – You can simplify the process of creating and curating content by thinking and planning several months or even a year ahead. 2016 is still relatively young, so make the most of it. Is there an “awareness month” for your cause, like Domestic Violence Awareness Month (October) or National ALS Awareness Month (May)? Media like to report on issues that are timely, so scheduling your organization’s news pitches during a month that is nationally recognized will provide a useful hook.

2) Build Around Your Events – Consider other major events happening in your organization this year. Are you hosting or partnering on large events during the year? You probably have major events mapped out, but make sure your corresponding social media and external communications content is also prepared and mapped out in advance of events. Don’t forget to include any fundraising efforts you have planned.

3) Get it in the Calendar – Set aside some time to think through the communications strategies and tactics you’ve decided to implement this year, from news releases to blog posts to social media content. A good way to do this is by building an editorial calendar. Here are a few articles and tools that will walk you through the process of building an editorial calendar for your organization:

Using these tools, it’s possible to stay in control of your content and make sure you’re communicating what you want, proactively, rather than just reacting.

Op-Ed by OneLegacy CEO Emphasizes Importance of Organ Donation

January 6, 2016

Ashley Traywick

Op-Ed by OneLegacy CEO Emphasizes Importance of Organ Donation

Earned media can play a valuable role in an organization’s communications strategy. Hershey Cause Communications has a strong record of success helping clients with their earned media efforts, including assistance placing op-eds. Op-eds can help an organization expand its reach and have its voice heard by key audience groups. Our client OneLegacy, the organ procurement organization serving the greater Los Angeles area, has a float in the Rose Parade each year. With the parade approaching they wanted people to know the life-saving reasons behind the choice to produce the float, and leverage the Rose Parade coverage to talk about the importance of organ donation. We are proud to have helped them place the op-ed in the Los Angeles News Group, which reaches nearly 2.4 million people each week in print and online. This consortium of newspapers was a perfect fit as they cover OneLegacy’s target market of the greater LA area. A brief excerpt of their poignant article is below – and you can read the full op-ed here.

Volunteers decorated the Donate Life float with organic material in the days leading up to the parade.

“Thanks to a heroic organ donor, Mason Sommers got to marry the love of his life. He survived his first cardiac arrest at 16. A few years later, after suffering a second cardiac arrest, it was discovered he had a heart defect. With medication, Mason was able to manage his condition for 30 years, until age 50 when he was put on a pacemaker and slowly began to suffer from progressive heart failure. In the fall of 2009 he was told he needed a new heart. After months on the waiting list, a donor match was found and he received the transplant necessary to save his life. Last June, the U.S. Supreme Court approved marriage equality. “I lived to see the day,” Sommers told me. A few months later, he could finally exchange vows with his partner of 19 years….

One of the best parts of my job is the ability to share the stories of hope and celebration that are present in each life-giving donation and successful transplantation, and there is no bigger opportunity to do so than on Jan. 1.

On New Year’s Day, millions of Americans will see Mason Sommers riding the Donate Life float at the Tournament of Roses Parade, as one of 96 recipients and donors whose stories are honored this year. Donate Life America, a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing organ, eye and tissue donations, participates in the parade to spotlight the heroism of donors and to celebrate the journeys of new life, health and hope that donations make possible. But its most important goal is to inspire more Americans to register as donors.”

OneLegacy CEO Tom Mone addresses volunteers decorating the float. Photo by Chris Chavira.

Floragraph images of honorees were placed on the float to honor those who have donated organs.

The Donate Life float travels down Colorado Boulevard during the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade. Photo by Scott Weersing.

January Landmark Reveal

January 5, 2016

Hannah Lainer

January Landmark Reveal

Every month we feature a different LA landmark in our newsletter header. Can you guess this month’s featured landmark?

Petersen Automotive Museum!

The redesigned Petersen Automotive Museum is a celebration of the automobile’s history and impact on American life. The museum is a nonprofit educational institution that houses vehicles donated from around the world. Since 1994, the museum has been at the corner of Fairfax Avenue and Wilshire Boulevard, the third most traveled intersection in the city of Los Angeles. It recently underwent an extensive renovation and redesign, and the completed exterior turns heads and evokes “the imagery of speed and the organic curves of a coach-built automobile.”

Reopened in December, current exhibitions include “Alternative Power” and “Made in Italy.” With constantly rotating exhibits, the Petersen is a lesser-known must-see in LA.

Your Best Year Yet: Top Communications Tips to Carry into 2016

January 5, 2016

Hannah Lainer

Your Best Year Yet: Top Communications Tips to Carry into 2016

A new year offers a fresh start – a moment to look back on the lessons learned over the past 12 months and decide what you’ll carry with you into 2016. Now is the perfect time to revisit your communications strategies, and we’ve made it easier than ever by selecting our top tips and ideas from 2015, shared on our blog and in our monthly newsletters throughout the year. Use the list below to strengthen your communications and make this your organization’s best year yet.

If you have any questions about how Hershey Cause can help you implement the ideas above, contact us at info@causecommunications.com.

Congratulations, Chris!

December 11, 2015

Ashley Traywick

Congratulations, Chris!

We are so pleased to announce that our founder, R. Christine Hershey – or “Chris” as most know her – has been named by PR News as one of the Top Women in PR for 2015.

Chris is a long-time advocate for the advancement of social causes through the effective use of strategic communications. She was a primary influencer and early contributor to the field of integrated communications that leverages the intersection of corporate, philanthropic and government sectors to create real and sustainable change. For almost 40 years, she has been a trailblazer and a passionate catalyst for positive social change in California and nationally. Her work has shifted debates on issues ranging from domestic abuse, LGBT rights and health care, to immigration reform, racial equality and social justice. Chris has also been a pioneer as a businesswoman. Hershey Cause Communications is one of the oldest independently owned agencies and one of the first Certified B Corp agencies as well as being a social venture hybrid.

“I’m honored and grateful to be recognized as a Top Woman in PR by PR News,” Chris said. “To me, this award serves as a reminder that I’m privileged to work with a fantastic team here at Hershey Cause, and that I’m most fortunate to be able to support the incredible, life-changing work our clients do. This is as much their award as it is mine.”

PR News’ Top Women in PR Awards celebrate women who have made bold advances in managing crises, developing brand messages, protecting and building brand reputations and creating content for digital platforms for their own organizations or for clients.

‘Tis the Season for Online Giving

November 13, 2015

Ashley Traywick

‘Tis the Season for Online Giving

At Hershey Cause Communications, we’re committed to helping our clients achieve their goals and be more successful. This often includes helping nonprofits meet and exceed their fundraising goals. As development pros know, the holidays are a time when people are in a giving mood, so it can be a great time for causes to make a case for their share of the good cheer that’s in the air. One great way to keep the funds rolling in with relatively minimal input of organizational resources is to leverage web and social media-based tools to capture attention and get financial support for your cause.

Here are some of our favorite tools and programs you can use this season.

AmazonSmile

AmazonSmile is a free program available to 501(c)(3) organizations year round. When shoppers arrive at smile.amazon.com they are asked to choose an organization to support. From there, they shop as usual and 0.5% of all their spending goes to the organization they chose. There is no additional cost to the purchaser, and, once registered, purchasers are reminded to visit smile.amazon.com – and make another contribution to their cause – each time they come back to the site. Payments are made via direct transfer on a quarterly basis to the bank account you provide when registering.

If you want to make AmazonSmile part of your overall fundraising strategy, go to org.amazon.com and click “get started.” All you need is your name or EIN number and a check or bank statement (to verify the account). Then make sure to share the information with your supporters. Amazon makes it easy for you by providing images and links that you can use in email newsletters, on your website or in social media posts. They also have a downloadable banner you can put on your website and sharing widgets to reach your Facebook and Twitter followers. All of this is housed in the “Marketing Tools” section of org.amazon.com.

Once you’re registered you can also apply to be included on the smile.amazon.com homepage as a Spotlight Charity. Simply sign in to org.amazon.com, then click the “Help” link at the top of the page, then under “General Program Information”, select the “Spotlight Charities” link to access the application form.

We’ve signed up. Our nonprofit arm, Cause Communications, provides free tools and resources – including our famous Communications Toolkit and Cause Clarity videos and worksheets – to help increase the communications capacity of the nonprofit sector, if you’d like to support Cause Communications while you shop use our link here or choose “Cause Communications” at smile.amazon.com

Giving Tuesday

Giving Tuesday, otherwise known as #GivingTuesday, is the Tuesday following Thanksgiving. This year it falls on Tuesday, December 1. The campaign was conceived as a way to shift the focus of the holiday season from shopping-oriented occasions like Black Friday and Cyber Monday, to giving.

Giving Tuesday is huge for donations – $45 million in 2014 – but it does come with a few caveats, especially for smaller orgs. First, that large fundraising haul is divided amongst more than 15,000 nonprofits, which makes the average a much more modest $3,000. Plus, given that the largest portion of that total goes to bigger and more well-known nonprofits, smaller nonprofits likely bring in less than the average.

But Giving Tuesday is a worthy concept and a hot topic of conversation. The exposure that comes with being part of that conversation can be beneficial if it’s part of a broader fundraising and communications strategy (and if you already have an online giving tool established). And who knows – with the right messaging, your cause might just catch fire and knock #GivingTuesday out of the park!

If you’re interested in participating in Giving Tuesday here are some tips to do it right.

Use the weeks leading up to Giving Tuesday to engage with your potential donors, sharing information about your organization’s cause, mission and impact. Show how your organization is making a difference and make it personal with stories of those who have benefitted from your services.

Use a metric that is based on impact, rather than dollars. If people understand what their money is being used for it can make donating feel more fulfilling. Instead of saying we’ve raised $5,000, add that it means 25,000 hot meals for the homeless.

Consider social media to be just one of the tools in your toolbelt. Email, letters, dedicated space on your website and paid advertising are all great ways to communicate with potential donors.

Keep your expectations for donations modest, but use social media and #GivingTuesday to get some attention and drive people to your site. Plan for what they will see once they arrive; make sure the content is informative and compelling. And of course, do your best to collect email addresses because email is a great fundraising tool that you can use later.

Be sure all of your social media posts include a call to action and a link to the donation page on your site.

Know your donors. Did you know 30% of traffic to donation pages on Giving Tuesday comes from Facebook and that 17% of all donations processed by Blackbaud were made on mobile devices? Be sure that your donation page on your site is mobile friendly and that your Facebook page is helping direct people to the giving page on your site. You may even want to consider some paid ads on Facebook, at least for this one day.

Facebook’s Donate Now Button

Did you know that if your Facebook page is set up as a nonprofit organization you can quickly and easily add a “donate now” button? The button is simply a link to your website’s donation page, so you must already have a fundraising system on your website.

Follow these instructions to set it up. At the top of your Facebook page (next to the like button) you should see a call to action button. If you’ve already set one up you might see something like “sign up” or “contact us”; if you haven’t set something up you will see “create call to action.” Use the dropdown menu and choose “edit call to action” if you already have one, then choose “donate now.” Then simply include the link to the donation page on your website and save. Be sure to test the button.

Make sure the donation page on your website is mobile compatible since over 1 billion of Facebook’s active users access it from their mobile device.

Hershey Cause Communications provides clients with strategic counsel on communications, social media strategy, fundraising, capital campaigns and more. If you’re interested in learning more about our services contact Nishith Bhatt at nbhatt@causecommunications.com

HCC Wins Prestigious MarCom Awards

November 13, 2015

Hannah Lainer

HCC Wins Prestigious MarCom Awards

We are proud to announce that Hershey Cause Communications was awarded 4 top awards and 3 honorable mentions from MarCom, an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals.

Of course, we don’t do our work for the awards; we do it for our clients and the vitally important work they do. But when our firm is acknowledged for excellence, it’s validation that our work is moving the needle on some of society’s most important challenges. Awards like these are a reminder that creating a great strategy, and bringing together top-notch talent to implement the right tactics, gets outstanding results for our clients. Congratulations to all involved!

With no further ado, here is the list of awards:

Platinum

Platinum Winners are recognized for their excellence in terms of quality, creativity and resourcefulness. Being a Platinum Winner is a tremendous achievement. Only 16 percent of entries receive this honor.

The California Wellness Foundation Annual Report 2013

California Community Foundation Annual Report 2014

CCF_AR_2014_Cover_HC

Gold

The Gold Award is presented to those entries judged to exceed the high standards of the industry norm. Only 23 percent of entries receive this honor.

The Eisner Foundation Website (Visit our blog post here for more about the design process behind The Eisner Foundation website.)

Placement of the San Jose Mercury News Editorial by Dr. Mark Edelstein of EMQ FamiliesFirst

Honorable Mention

The Eisner Foundation Infographic

Online Placement of Sojourner Center Series on Traumatic Brain Injury and Domestic Violence in The Huffington Post (Read our tips for securing media interest in your organization here.)

Sojourner Center logo:

Here is some more information about MarCom:

MarCom Awards is an international creative competition that recognizes outstanding achievement by marketing and communication professionals. Entries come from corporate marketing and communication departments, advertising agencies, PR firms, design shops, production companies and freelancers. The competition has grown to perhaps the largest of its kind in the world. The competition is so well respected in the industry that national public relations organizations, local ad clubs, and local business communicator chapters are entrants.

MarCom Awards is administered and judged by the Association of Marketing and Communication Professionals. The international organization consists of several thousand creative professionals. AMCP oversees awards and recognition programs, provides judges and sets standards for excellence. As part of its mission, AMCP fosters and supports the efforts of creative professionals who contribute their unique talents to public service and charitable organizations.

This year the competition received about 6,500 entries from throughout the United States, Canada and more than a dozen other countries.

LA Landmark Revealed: November

November 13, 2015

Hannah Lainer

LA Landmark Revealed: November

Doubling Down on Design Thinking: Kristin Moore Joins HCC as Creative Director

October 27, 2015

R. Christine Hershey

Doubling Down on Design Thinking: Kristin Moore Joins HCC as Creative Director

Less than 10 years ago, Bruce Mau introduced the world to “design thinking,” but in reality, Hershey Cause has been leveraging the right side of the brain in all of our communications work from the very beginning. We are always sharpening our commitment to use beautiful creative work to go beyond branding. We encourage our clients to have a bigger-picture conversation instead of looking at the breadth of services we provide as merely a collection of tactics. This is how we’re able to deliver an exceptional combination of services that has an impact greater than the sum of its parts.

Kristin Moore is now Creative Director at HCC.

I am happy to announce that Kristin Moore has joined the Hershey Cause team as our full-time Creative Director. After eight years of success working independently across the nonprofit and corporate sectors, Kristin will expand our capabilities to provide the full spectrum of creative services for current and new clients, partners and audiences.

With her depth of experience and a finely tuned eye, Kristin is skilled at working with a wide array of clients across print and digital media – a combination that is increasingly hard to come by these days. An early adopter who is always on the lookout for the newest technology tools that can add value to a cause, Kristin was working on website design when the Internet was just becoming something to talk about. She has led the award-winning design of the California Wellness Foundation’s annual reports for nearly six years, and her work has been recognized by TIME Magazine’s Green Design 100, PRSA-LA and HOW Magazine, among others. Recently Kristin also contributed to HCC’s work for LA County Arts for All, Women’s Foundation of California, Bright Prospect and First 5 LA.

Kristin shares our passion for developing innovative design ideas at the strategy level, understanding that design should have a seat at the table from the very beginning of all projects. She shares our philosophy of meeting each client where they are and helping them to reach their goals as an organization. Thanks to Kristin’s creative leadership and ability to understand the essence of each organization, no two projects look or feel the same. All of her work is based on the unique objectives and needs of the client.

Kristin will help us to continue to refine and institutionalize the design thinking philosophy that we’ve had all along, so we can continue to help our clients find different solutions to society’s most pressing challenges. She has always valued working with nonprofit and change-oriented clients, and her sunny demeanor keeps us smiling throughout the day. With Kristin, the Hershey Cause team is building on our commitment to use communications through design to lift up our clients and the social sector as a whole.

Client POV: HCC Communications Training Yields Real Results!

October 27, 2015

Neil Spears

Client POV: HCC Communications Training Yields Real Results!

Neil Spears, Executive Director, Greater Los Angeles Region, of PowerMyLearning participated in Cause Communications’ Communicating for Results! coaching program from 2014-2015. Communicating for Results! is made possible by the Dwight Stuart Youth Fund and equips nonprofit organizations in Los Angeles with communications and marketing tools to advance their missions. Neil shares his experience and what his organization gained from the training in this guest blog.

When PowerMyLearning started the Communicating for Results! training, we were known as CFY. And of course the first thing that everyone asked us was, “What does CFY stand for?” We couldn’t even begin to discuss our mission without stumbling over our name.

It was time for some serious communications work, so we signed on for Communicating for Results! and the results have, quite frankly, transformed the way we describe ourselves and inspire others to join our cause.

PowerMyLearning helps all of the key people involved in education—students, their teachers, and their families—use technology to help them do better in school and prepare them for success in life. Our work focuses on low-income communities where access to technology in classrooms and at home lags behind higher-income communities. But we don’t just stop after solving the issue of access. We provide training and skills to students, teachers, and families so that they can use technology effectively for learning.

Prior to Communicating for Results!, that message was jumbled, complicated, and hidden behind a bad name and an incomplete website. During the training, we refined our core messages, learned how to differentiate that message for different audiences, and we even took two huge steps: we changed our name to PowerMyLearning, and we launched a new website.

The cohort model of Communicating for Results! was a major benefit. From the first training, we received feedback and ideas from our nonprofit peers. We also built connections among groups that we never would have interacted with on such a deep level. These connections continue to contribute to our success.

The coaching from Beth Babyak of Hershey Cause Communications was also incredibly valuable. Her personalized and direct feedback as someone who is both a communications expert and also an outsider to our work made her advice particularly essential as we re-branded. We are grateful to the Dwight Stuart Youth Fund for giving us the opportunity to be part of this training program.

If your organization needs a new name, like ours did, or if you are just looking to refine the way that you speak to funders, volunteers, and supporters, Communicating for Results! is an excellent resource that is well worth the time. It has certainly helped us as we continue to power a new generation of learning.

For more information about Communicating for Results! and to learn how to get involved, please contact HCC Chief of Staff, Beth Babyak at bbabyak@causecommunications.com.

ComNet15: Many HCC “Hot Topics” in Practice

October 27, 2015

Vanessa Schnaidt

ComNet15: Many HCC “Hot Topics” in Practice

For nearly 40 years, Hershey Cause has “evangelized” the use of strategic communications by the social sector, starting in the c-suite and spreading across an organization’s activities. Earlier this month I attended the ComNet15 Conference in San Diego, and was inspired to see that several tenets HCC has been on the forefront of promoting over the years are becoming widely accepted “best practice” for nonprofits, foundations and others in the social impact space.

The Communications Network is a membership association for communications professionals in the social sector. It’s a community of people who are dedicated to using innovative and effective communication programs to advance causes, improve lives and deliver social change — and that is never more apparent than at the Network’s annual conference.

Communications starts at the top.

ComNet15’s CEO Roundtable was an opportunity to hear from some of the top leaders in public and private philanthropy and how they take strategic communications seriously. Here are just a few notable quotes from the discussion (full transcript available here):

“When I think about what my role is at the foundation, it’s communication.”

-Judy Belk, California Wellness Foundation

“Our field can be technocratic…there’s another part of you that is a poet and an artist and a storyteller, and what I really want to urge you to do is be that.”

-Grant Oliphant, The Heinz Endowments

“…you can have all the best information and data, who cares? Who uses it? How does it get in the hands of places where people will do something and take an action that is different than they would have taken if they hadn’t?”

-Dr. Sandra Hernandez, California HealthCare Foundation

“…communications is no sport for the short winded…you need to stick with issues if you’re really trying to make social change…”

-Matt James, Next Generation

“When I think about communications and trying to achieve influence from the standpoint of what we can contribute to the conversation, I think, ‘How do you bring all of that together in a strategic and playful way, in a synergistic way, so you really, really grow the network?’”

-Patrick McCarthy, The Annie E. Casey Foundation

HCC has always advanced the message that strategic communications starts at the top, encouraging CEOs and executive directors to incorporate communications into every aspect of operations. It was energizing to hear this philosophy accepted and practiced across these leading organizations.

Messages matter. They can heal or hurt.

“You can’t be risk averse if you’re serious about making a difference,” said keynote speaker and esteemed civil rights activist Clarence B. Jones (who also happens to be the former personal counsel, advisor, draft speech writer and close friend of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.). Foundations have long heard – and many have heeded – the call to be bold in their grantmaking, which is nothing new when it comes to advice about using private wealth for the public good. But what struck me about Dr. Jones’ remarks was how poignant they were when delivered through the lens of a conversation about social justice, and against the backdrop of racial tensions making headlines today. It was a clear and humbling reminder that context matters when delivering a message, and the messenger matters. I’ve never felt a room swell with such support for a call to action before. Thanks to Dr. Jones, I expect we’ll be seeing a whole lot more organizations taking risks to advance their causes in the coming year.

Communications isn’t just for “communicators.”

I remember the very first Communications Network Conference I attended five years ago, where one of the breakout sessions felt more like a therapy session. Savvy, strategic communicators shared that they pined for a seat at the table and wished for better collaboration with programs staff. This year, I saw solutions in action. Marc Moorghen, communications director at the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, not only brought his communications team to the conference, but a member of the programs staff, too. That kind of move underscores that everyone in an organization is a communicator, and that inviting colleagues in other departments to join our table sets the tone for partnership, learning and better results.

Build relationships like you build a sandcastle: barefoot and fearless.

How many times have you shown up at a networking event either scared into shyness by the formality and pressure of this age-old professional ritual, or just plain old resentful because you’d rather be binge-watching Netflix in your pajamas? Neither of those issues were at play for the hundreds of people who attended the conference’s opening night reception. The playful beachside location (yes, people really did take their shoes off), KCRW playlist and spectacular sunset seemed to put everyone at ease and take the “work” out of networking. I relished the opportunity to connect with former colleagues, strike up conversations with complete strangers over the food truck fare and simply take a moment to breathe in the ocean air and feel like myself. No matter where I am for that next networking event, I know that being in the moment and embracing whatever is special about the venue or group will help me create authentic connections and make the most of the opportunity.

ComNet15 is a landmark event for those who believe in the power of communications in the social sector, and we are proud to be part of the vanguard espousing these principles every day of the year.

Beth Babyak Promoted to Chief of Staff

September 30, 2015

R. Christine Hershey

Beth Babyak Promoted to Chief of Staff

As Hershey Cause grows and evolves along with the pioneering field of social impact, I’m always looking for ways to create the best possible work environment that encourages innovations and consistent excellence for our clients, as well as continual growth and learning experiences for our staff. You’ll be hearing regular updates about the uniquely talented team here at Hershey Cause and how our company is growing to serve you better.

Beth Babyak is now Chief of Staff at Hershey Cause.

For many of you who have had the chance to work with Beth Babyak, our Vice President of Operations, it will come as no surprise that her leadership and steady hand here at Hershey Cause have helped guide our agency’s operations and client project management with consistency and rigor.

I’m pleased to announce Beth’s promotion from Vice President to Chief of Staff. Beyond overseeing specific projects, the Chief of Staff is the glue across the agency, from operations to client and project management best practices. In this expanded leadership role, Beth will play an even more active part in leading the teams in overall agency planning, team development and oversight of day-to-day operations. With her knowledge of our institutional history, Beth’s expanded role ensures that as we grow, we don’t lose our unique culture that makes us great.

Beth has a remarkable track record of success over the course of her six years with us, from project management and account leadership to coaching nonprofit staff in our Communicating for Results! training program. She loves problem solving and with a background in film production, Beth’s “producer” lens always manages to fit all of the pieces together with quick thinking and a seasoned eye for detail. For example, Beth played an instrumental role in our campaign for Kaiser Permanente to show screenings of Weight of the Nation across the country, resulting in real impact in multiple communities.

Please join me in congratulating Beth on her new position. Don’t hesitate to reach out to Beth to discuss how Hershey Cause can help your organization achieve its goals through strategic communications.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month – But Getting the Term Right

September 30, 2015

Hannah Lainer

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month – But Getting the Term Right

In 1985, Frank del Olmo of the LA Times wrote an article that forever changed the way many of us refer to the diverse group of Americans often called “Hispanic.” He argued that there is no ethnic group that refers to itself as Hispanic; rather it was a bureaucratic misnomer used to lump together people descending from many countries and cultures across Latin America.

“Corporations and the media picked it up,” wrote del Olmo. “But beyond language and religion–and especially in politics–there is little commonality among U.S. Latinos. When they vote as a bloc, it is in local elections as a Chicano bloc, a Cuban bloc or a Puerto Rican bloc. They have never done it as a ‘Hispanic’ bloc in a national vote.”

This month as we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, I can’t help but think that Frank del Olmo wouldn’t be satisfied with the name. It also got me wondering if sentiments have changed since the seminal article first debuted 30 years ago. We asked some of our esteemed colleagues at nonprofits and foundations across Los Angeles what they think about the term and heard the following responses:

“I am pleased to see the term Latino gaining popularity across the U.S. Even as recent as 10 years ago the more conservative government-created word Hispanic was the go-to in business, especially on the East Coast. While it’s impossible to classify such a diverse group of people from a variety of origins, I’m thrilled the term Latino represents a source of pride in a common heritage.” – Valarie de la Garza, Director of Marketing & Communications at The California Community Foundation

“I do not like Hispanic at all, but I know colleagues of mine use it a ton on the East Coast. I can live with Latino, though it also doesn’t capture my identity. The ‘Latino’ community is extremely diverse. But both of these terms have a Euro-centric definition of people that does not recognize the indigenous ancestry many of us have. I prefer Chicano or Mexican-American.” – Rudy Espinoza, Executive Director at Leadership for Urban Renewal Network

At a time when communities across the country are being questioned about their nationality, identity and loyalty to the U.S., we pay special homage to our compatriots originally from Mexico, Central and South America, Cuba, Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic. Los Angeles, the City of Angels, would not be as beautiful and rich in culture and ideas without you.

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