The Wakeman Agency

During the historic shifts we are seeing in this powerful moment in human history, our clients have been calling upon us for more and more diversity, equity, and inclusion consulting. There are many considerations to keep in mind when developing or evaluating a DEI initiative. This article is a great place to start. "Despite its popularity, diversity training, by itself, is unlikely to do much to increase your company’s diversity, equity or inclusion... To make a lasting dif...ference, companies must: Measure their current levels of diversity, equity and inclusion. After setting your baseline, look into more comprehensive, ongoing initiatives. If you’re going to include diversity training in your roadmap, consider making it voluntary. Also consider making diversity-promoting behaviors part of employee evaluations. Task company leaders with ideating potential DEI initiatives and best practices." Read more: https://loom.ly/LJZnK_Q

In last week's episode of The Social Change Diaries, Vanessa Wakeman asked Salesforce VP of Philanthropy Rebecca Ferguson how COVID-19 and recent social uprisings have changed how the tech company makes philanthropic giving decisions. You won't want to miss this exclusive insight! Have a listen and comment an idea that you were hearing for the first time: https://www.thewakemanagency.com/rebecca-ferguson/

Dear community, just like so many of you, we have been adjusting to a rapidly changing world. We regret that we haven't had the capacity to stay in touch on socials these past few months. Can you relate? Have your social media routines changed since COVID-19 descended upon us all? Even though we've been on a social media hiatus, we want you to know that The Wakeman Agency has been putting in the work behind-the-scenes. In this moment of crisis and pandemic, we have been working hard on behalf of our clients to help them pivot quickly in how they approach their fundraising events, crisis communications, #DEI practices and more. AND we have been brewing some projects that we can't wait to share with you! You can expect to hear more from us very soon and we look forward to re-engaging you all again!

Communicating during COVID-19 requires a nuanced approach, as organizations aim to strike the delicate balance between their needs and empathy for their audiences. Tone deaf communications will damage relationships far beyond the crisis. You may wonder: How do you communicate to your audience during this crisis? What frequency is appropriate?... How do you engage stakeholders in your cause, during a time of fear and great uncertainty? Click the link below to register. You will have an opportunity to submit your questions in advance of the event. If you have a colleague you think will benefit from this information, please share! #covid19 #nonprofitsofinstagram #nonprofits #foundations #messaging #communications #publicrelations #crisiscommunications https://events.r20.constantcontact.com/register/eventReg

The coronavirus catastrophe shows that we need political protests more than ever. Tens of millions of citizens sit at home awaiting meager checks that may reach them by August. Countless people endure the bewilderment of navigating call centers that often fail to connect them to unemployment benefits. Donations to food banks have fallen while need rises. "As Congress bails out some of the wealthiest businesses while doling out checks that cannot even cover a month’s expenses, the potential for solidarity lies in this common experience," writes @KeeangaYamahtta https://nyti.ms/3cm937T