Strategic Communications Planning

Strategic communications is more than just getting your name in the news. A strategic approach integrates all of your organizational functions, from fundraising and development to membership outreach to coalition building.

Of course, not every nonprofit has the capacity or desire to create a full-blown strategic communications plan. But key staff at every organization should at least be familiar with the fundamentals of such a program, namely, how to:

• Articulate your vision and values
• Establish goals
• Identify target audiences
• Research an issue, develop messages and create materials
• Create a workplan
• Implement your plan

Emily Whitfield Communications is available to work with organizations at any level of strategic communications planning, from creation to implementation.

Recommended reading: Strategic Communications for Nonprofits: A Step-by-Step Guide to Working with the Media (September 2008, Jossey-Bass).