Creative Visions Public Relations Campaign

Creative Visions Building a brighter tomorrow for our community today.

Contents Executive Letter .................................................................................................. 2 Meet the Team ....................................................................................................3 Your New Foundation ....................................................................................... 4 Situation Analysis .............................................................................................. 6 SWOT Analysis .................................................................................................. 8 Target Publics ................................................................................................... 13 Key Messages ................................................................................................... 15 Phase 1 ................................................................................................................ 17 Phase 2 ............................................................................................................. 20 Evaluation Methods ........................................................................................22 Budget ............................................................................................................... 25 Timeline ........................................................................................................... 26 Appendix ......................................................................................................... 29

Letter from bluePRint Dear Creative Visions, Before discussing our plan, bluePRint would like to thank everyone at Creative Visions for opening your doors to us over the past few months. We were always met with open arms, and felt immediately welcome in your organization. Our team has been inspired by everyone at Creative Visions and we are so grateful to have had the opportunity to contribute to such an incredible organization.

From the beginning, it was clear you wanted our help to form even stronger community ties and prepare for Ako’s eventual retirement. Through a two-step process, this plan tackles those concerns while also providing a foundation for future success. First, the focus is to build stronger internal and external communications to grow an even greater Creative Visions. Second, there is a detailed execution plan that can be initiated whenever Ako is ready to retire and name a new CEO. While creating this plan, we were mindful of the incredible amount of responsibility that falls on the shoulders of Creative Visions’ staff. For this reason, we built our plan to be as straightforward and effective as possible. We focused on low-cost solutions with high returns that can be easily executed by your team. We outline each step in addition to providing how-to guides for you to reference in the future. These guides will ensure this plan continues to serve your organization in the long-run, whatever that may hold.

Finally, at the core of everything you do at Creative Visions, there is a focus on one idea: empowerment. Your organization’s belief in empowering community members and organizations easily guided us when creating this plan. This plan will help foster the culture of empowerment at Creative Visions even further. We have included several opportunities for current Creative Visions volunteers to take more ownership of the organization’s projects. Dispersing the workload among these volunteers will not only be beneficial for the current Creative Visions staff by reducing your workload, but it will also build confidence and skills for these volunteers so they can continue to embody and spread the Creative Visions message.

From all of us at bluePRint, we thank you for allowing us to work with everyone at Creative Visions over the past few months. We have learned and grown so much, and we believe our plan will contribute to the continued success of Creative Visions.

Sincerely,

Maddy Gildersleeve Account Executive bluePRint

Meet the Team Maddy Gildersleeve

Danella Uzelac

David Pollina

Jordan McEntaffer

Kara Strickler

Lainie Fickau

Meghan Walters

Ryan Brautigam

Shelby Jensen

Sydney Kava

Account Executive

Presentation

Editor

Research

Editor

Secretary

Print Designer

Editor

Website Designer

Video Designer

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Your New Foundation 4 Pillars of Creative Visions Our team at bluePRint is excited for Creative Visions to dive into this robust communications plan. Before you begin reading, we would like to explain the contents of the book.

First, you will find the analysis and specific, strategic recommendations from our agency. These include: •

SWOT Analysis

•

Key Messages

•

Target Publics

•

Strategies, Objectives, Tactics

•

Evaluation Methods

You will then find the appendix. Here you will find a detailed explanation of each recommendation. We have also included labels on the top, right-hand corner of each tactic, marking it based on which of the 4 Pillars of Creative Visions it supports: Educate, Nourish, Empower or Evolve. These labels serve as a guide for you to better understand how each of the recommendations we make directly support who you are at your core.

These four pillars signify: 1. Educate – Creative Visions teaches each of your clients the skills they need to lead greater lives; Creative Visions informs the public about everything you do as an organization.

2. Nourish – Creative Visions feeds and heals each of your clients through Food Security programs and On-Site Healthcare; Creative Visions nourishes itself as an organization by securing additional funding, new volunteers and strong community partnerships.

3. Empower – Creative Visions empowers each of its clients by giving them the tools to be better citizens; Creative Visions also empowers each person that walks through their doors by demonstrating that anyone can make a difference in their community.

4. Evolve – Creative Visions transforms to meet the current needs of their local community while continuing to strive to achieve the organizational mission.

Our plan is focused on giving you the tools and the resources to invest in yourselves as an organization to be better champions and communicators of your brand and mission.

Further the dream of Creative Visions by investing in this plan and taking ownership of your future.

Cheers, bluePRint

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Educate Nurture Empower Evolve 5

Situation Analysis History and Structure Creative Visions Human Development Institute is a nonprofit organization that seeks to end the cycle of poverty and violence in the minority communities of Des Moines. Founded by Ako Abdul-Samad in 1996, Creative Visions’ philosophy has always been about helping individuals rebuild their lives and providing them with the means to become self-sufficient, responsible and productive citizens.

Creative Visions began as an answer to the community’s gang violence, and in the 1990s grew into a prominent nonprofit. It was funded largely by government grants. Just a few years ago, Creative Visions had many popular programs that addressed the needs in minority communities, including General Educational Development (GED) preparation and computer classes. In 2010, the funding from the state government was cut in half, forcing Creative Visions to cut the size of their staff and remove some of the more expensive programs. Today, Creative Visions still offers a food pantry and several meal programs, some support for employment readiness, remedial services for families and more.

Ako, the current Chief Executive Officer (CEO), is a prominent figure in the Des Moines community. Ako is well known for his community involvement, especially for his work as a member of the Iowa House of Representatives and previously as a member of the Des Moines school board. His reputation brings attention and support to Creative Visions. He is joined by two other full-time staff members at Creative Visions. Cynthia Hunafa serves as the organization’s Chief Operating Officer (COO) and Ivette Muhammad acts as the program developer for Creative Visions. Eric Kelly currently works part-time and serves as an Administrative Assistant for Creative Visions. Although each member has a formal title, the organization does not operate with traditional hierarchical roles. Staff members take a servant leadership approach and are willing to do whatever is necessary to ensure that Creative Visions and their clients are taken care of, which can mean anything from coordinating programs to washing dishes. In addition to full-time and part-time staff, there are many dedicated volunteers. Langston Hughes is a passionate volunteer for Creative Visions and will be added on as a full-time staff member when additional funding becomes available. The American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) pays two people to work on the premises. They act as greeters and run the food pantry.

Creative Visions aspires to help as many people as possible, and in some areas, they have had great success. Their Sunday Feed Program attracts hundreds of people each month, and they rescued thousands of pounds of food from area restaurants last year, according to a Facebook post. With that said, the organization is facing increasing competition from other nonprofits, struggling with a lack of resources and trying to determine how to handle Ako’s upcoming retirement. To continue their mission into the future, it will be essential for Creative Visions to identify their strengths as well as areas in need of improvement.

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Current Public Relations Efforts Creative Visions has very few direct public relations efforts. They have a Facebook page and a website, as well as a few printed materials. Word-of-mouth is Creative Visions’ most effective public relations tool but it is difficult to reach new donors and volunteers and educate the community without a high-quality online presence or strong promotions plan. There is room for improvement in Creative Visions’ public relations efforts.

With such a limited staff, Creative Visions has been unable to devote adequate resources to a promotions plan and therefore the main form of promotion has become word-of-mouth. It is common for individuals in Creative Visions’ neighborhood to visit the nonprofit as a client or volunteer. This makes word-of-mouth in the surrounding area crucial to recruiting new clients and volunteers who will advocate for the organization. Creative Visions also builds relationships with local schools and businesses and encourages those groups to promote the nonprofit.

Aside from word-of-mouth, most of Creative Visions’ community outreach is filtered through their Facebook page, and most of it centers around Ako. Our research found that there are 189 posts on Creative Visions’ Facebook page. Eighty-nine of these come from Ako’s personal Facebook and there are 59 images where he is prominently displayed in the photo. From the social media postings alone, people viewing Creative Visions’ Facebook page will see content mostly either from or featuring Ako. Online, Creative Visions uses a Facebook page and website to communicate with the community. Social media is a great tool for nonprofit organizations, but Creative Visions’ Facebook page is saturated with information, making navigation difficult. Ako has also used his personal online platforms to share information about Creative Visions. Many people associate Ako with the organization and the use of personal platforms can confuse community members. Creative Visions has a website, but it is outdated and difficult to navigate. There is a clear section for donations; however, volunteers, potential clients and community partners must navigate through dead links and copy errors to find the information they are looking for.

In the past, the organization has earned several media stories in local newspapers and other publications about their programs and the impact they have made. Many of these stories centered around Ako. Finally, Creative Visions has a limited number of printed materials, including fliers, that feature their programs.

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Strengths Strong Relationships in the Community Creative Visions treats everyone who walks through its doors like family. Clients are incredibly loyal and have endless praise for Creative Visions. In interviews with Creative Visions’ clients, one respondent said that having a place to go when life at home gets rough is why she keeps coming back. Another felt that it was her calling to participate in the programs and to bring others into Creative Visions to help get their lives on the right track and off the streets. They are incredibly grateful for the opportunities and support that Creative Visions has provided. These clients also whole-heartedly believe in the organization’s mission as well as those who operate it. Additionally, our team’s research found that stakeholder groups, ranging from volunteers to donors, understand the mission of Creative Visions even if they don’t quite grasp what the organization does on a day-to-day basis.

Committed Employees All three employees are passionate about their work and the people they serve, accurately reflecting the core values and goals of Creative Visions. Even the two AARP-sponsored employees show great dedication to the organization.

Connected Leader Creative Visions’ close association with founder and CEO Ako is also currently an asset. As a state representative, Ako has a wealth of connections he can work with when it comes time for funding and program support for Creative Visions. He is also well-educated in the workings of government and how best to steer his nonprofit through the legal process. In the past, this has helped Creative Visions solicit government funding and position the nonprofit as a wellrun organization in the mind of other affluent government employees. In addition, Ako is well-known in the community, making it easier for the group to reach out to new community partners and recruit volunteers.

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Weaknesses Outdated Website A website should be an easy-to-use hub of information that potential clients, donors and partners can use. However, Creative Visions’ website is difficult to navigate. Without this hub of reliable information, constituents and members of the local community in need of services will be unable to identify Creative Visions as a resource.

Apathetic Board of Directors Our research highlighted a lack of participation from the organization’s board members. The board lacks motivation and a centralized vision for Creative Visions moving forward. Many of them are only there because of their relationship with Ako and have a limited understanding of what Creative Visions does. Secondary research confirmed that a nonprofit’s board members are essential to the long-term success of an organization, making it even more crucial that Creative Visions rebuilds their approach to their board of directors.

Limited Staff Though Creative Visions’ dedicated staff members are a strength, having so few employees is a weakness that leads to other issues, including inefficient communication. Many staff members have been forced to take on many roles within the organization, spreading them very thin and making it difficult to meet the goals of the organization. With such a small staff, and at this current rate, burnout is also likely. The dedication demonstrated daily by the staff is admirable and inspiring; however, it is not conducive to long-term efficiency.

Lack of Funding Creative Visions lacks sufficient funds to accomplish all its goals. With a change in administration in 2010, Creative Visions saw a 50 percent reduction in funding. This forced the nonprofit to downsize its program offerings and internal staff members. In Creative Visions’ funding prime, it had up to 20 full-time staff members. Over the years, that number has been reduced and currently sits at three full-time staff members. Unfortunately, if Creative Visions is unable to secure more funding, it will not be able to grow to its full potential.

No Distinct Organizational Structure Creative Visions has no internal organizing system information on their donors, volunteers and clients. The staff have no official job duties, instead incorporating an “all hands on deck” approach to management. This makes things more difficult and can be a hindrance to operations. Donors and volunteers are contacted only when needed, and there is no database collecting information on these individuals for future use by the organization. Without a system to collect information and a dedicated person to contact them in the future, people slip through the cracks that could potentially be helpful to the organization.

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Opportunities Growing Need in the Community Emerging community needs provide Creative Visions the opportunity to offer new, specialized programs. This includes meeting the needs of new communities, such as the growing refugee community in Des Moines. Our research also found there are new needs in existing populations that Creative Visions could work to meet. For example, our research indicated a desire for programs that offer physicals and violence prevention programming to high school students in Des Moines. These kinds of programs would allow Creative Visions to grow and continue carrying out its vision while meeting community needs.

Outreach Through Community Partners Existing community partners have many positive things to say about Creative Visions.

Leveraging these existing relationships could help expand support for Creative Visions. By strengthening relationships with current community partners and forming new partnerships, Creative Visions could benefit from increased donations, more volunteers and additional resources.

Restructuring Events Our secondary research identified opportunities to increase funding for Creative Visions. Many nonprofits routinely host events specifically for donors or sponsors to raise money for programs that serve their clientele. This alternate event structure could be an opportunity for Creative Visions to remedy its lack of stable funding. There is also the possibility of increasing Creative Visions’ funds and resources through grant opportunities.

Upcoming Retirement of Ako When Ako begins transitioning away from Creative Visions, the organization will need to start rebranding, which will present an opportunity to redefine Creative Visions as an organization and a brand to the community. During research, it became evident Ako is tied to nearly every aspect of the organization: donor and volunteer relationships, current promotions and community ties.

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Potential Threats Lack of Awareness Our research found many people in the Des Moines community are either unaware that Creative Visions exists or may know of the organization but are unclear on what the group does. And, if people do know about the organization, they commonly closely associate it with Ako and may only support it because of him. Without increasing recognition and understanding of the organization without Ako, Creative Visions will face issues with recruiting new volunteers, securing additional funds and meeting the needs of clients, especially once Ako retires.

Fear of Ako’s Upcoming Retirement Ako’s eventual transition out of a leadership role within the organization could be a great opportunity for Creative Visions to rebrand. That said, it may cause fear and trepidation, especially among donors. Many existing donors support Creative Visions because of their personal relationship with Ako but may be unwilling to continue their support when he decides to step down. For the sake of the organization’s survival, it will be imperative to distance Ako’s association with Creative Visions. This will allow the nonprofit’s mission and services to shine without needing Ako’s reputation to support it.

Further Loss of Funding For Creative Visions, there is always the potential that its current funding could be cut by the government or community partners. This would force Creative Visions to downsize its organization and restructure offerings again. Funding for nonprofit organizations is a constant point of contention in the state and federal-level government. If current or future administrations decide to reduce the funding of Creative Visions, there could be detrimental results for the nonprofit. Similarly, other nonprofits could secure current funding for Creative Visions, taking it away from the organization. Our research proved that many community partners are not familiar with Creative Visions’ offerings. Without that close tie to Creative Visions, these partners can move their funding to an organization they more closely align with and understand.

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SWOT Conclusion Creative Visions is at a crossroads. Their success and longevity as an organization is dependent on how they simultaneously handle the retirement of Ako and build a new presence in the community. In the upcoming months, Creative Visions will need to focus on developing and implementing a strategic communications plan and preparing for Ako’s retirement. There must be an emphasis on solidifying and building awareness of the Creative Visions brand while strengthening the internal operations of the nonprofit. Initial focus must also be placed on maintaining and building donor and volunteer relationships outside of Ako to ensure the organization’s longevity after his retirement. With a carefully constructed public relations plan, Creative Visions can meet their current and future goals and rebuild their ties with the greater Des Moines community.

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Target Publics Clients Over the past 20 years, Creative Visions has positively impacted hundreds of individuals in the community who have sought out their assistance and guidance. While there are many current clients, a majority of former clients have moved on to become better versions of themselves thanks to the work of Creative Visions.

With the current struggle for funding, targeting past clients who have benefited from Creative Visions’ programs could lead to a pool of potential new donors and volunteers. The personal ties that former clients have with Creative Visions gives them unique insight into the mission and vision of the organization. This makes it easier to engage with and encourage them to donate money, time or other resources.

In the future, we recommend creating a communications plan targeting current clients in order to make them feel more engaged with Creative Visions. Currently this is not a priority because Creative Visions needs to strengthen their community ties and funding before focusing on growing their current clientele.

Volunteers Since Creative Visions has a small team of three staff members, volunteers make it possible for them to offer a variety of services that would normally be challenging for three people to do alone. Current volunteers are defined as anyone who has donated his or her time to Creative Visions within the past year. Volunteers come from high schools, such as North High School, service fraternities, such as Alpha Phi Omega and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated at Drake University and various organizations in the Des Moines community. This is an important target because they already have a connection with Creative Visions. Through this established connection, they are more likely to give money and additional time or efforts to the organization. They can also help recruit new volunteers and donors.

Targeting potential future volunteers is also crucial to the success of Creative Visions. To identify potential volunteers, Creative Visions should create additional partnerships with community organizations, churches and schools in the Des Moines area. By branching out to more community groups, Creative Visions could gain enough manpower to effectively run additional programs and events.

Donors Current and potential donors are a critical public with whom Creative Visions should build and maintain strong relationships. A donor is either an individual or an organization offering funding. Any individual could be a donor, providing either a resource Creative Visions needs or offering financial support. Grants can come from any organization with a philanthropic program that aligns with Creative Visions’ current proposed services.

Currently, we do not recommend targeting local businesses or corporations for financial sponsorships. This is a key audience but should be contacted after Creative Visions has first established funding from individual donors and grant opportunities. In the future, Creative Visions can adapt the communications plan to fit this business donor audience.

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Community Partners Community partners are any organizations that collaborate with Creative Visions to connect them to resources, promote their mission, assist clients or expand their clientele.

These mutually beneficial relationships are important for the growth and credibility of the organization. Some of Creative Visions’ most notable community partners include Eat Greater Des Moines, which connects Creative Visions to resources for food rescue programs, and AARP, which pays for their employees’ volunteer hours and directs them to Creative Visions and similar organizations.

Strong relationships with community partners can increase awareness of Creative Visions, create connections with potential volunteers and offer opportunities in the form of donations or programs. Our research found that although Creative Visions’ current community partners think highly of their mission and goals, they’re only aware of a portion of the services that Creative Visions offers. There is a wealth of nonprofits in the area, many of which have the potential to become strong community partners for the benefit of both organizations.

Board of Directors During research conducted in the first semester, it became clear there were several areas of improvement regarding Creative Visions’ relationship with their board of directors. This makes the current members of the board a target public for this plan. A nonprofit’s board of directors should be a source of reliable advocacy for the organization, providing consultative, financial and promotional support. Creative Visions work to forge stronger relationships with and better involve their board of directors will make it easier to recruit volunteers, secure funding and spread the organization’s message throughout the Des Moines community.

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Key Messages Message 1 Created by the community for the community, Creative Visions is dedicated to meeting the ever-changing needs of their clients.

Fact 1:

When Ako set out to begin Creative Visions, he brought together 16 gang members, city officials and corporate businesspeople. This wide-variety of community members met for two hours to discuss the needs of Des Moines and how they could be met. The only requirement during this meeting was everyone had to listen. This conversation expanded to six of the gang members presenting a proposal to corporate sponsors to purchase the building that would become the home of Creative Visions. As Ako stated during his visit with the PR Capstone class in Fall 2017: “In building Creative Visions we had to trust, we had to listen, we had to understand the culture of people, we couldn’t take for granted what the papers were saying or the stereotypes.�

Fact 2:

When Creative Visions was founded, the organization primarily focused on ending gang violence in Des Moines. Creative Visions has now expanded its program offerings beyond gang violence to a Sunday Feed Program, Quilting Sessions, events for free HIV/AIDs testing and an on-site nurse during the week.1 Their original focus on young males has grown to include targeted programming for people of all ages, genders, languages and ethnicities.

Fact 3:

By forming mutually beneficial partnerships with businesses and organizations in the local community, Creative Visions can easily pursue their mission to strengthen Des Moines. These community partners include Eat Greater Des Moines, who provides assistance with their Sunday Feed Program, and Urban Dreams, who often partners with Creative Visions on other programs such as a turkey drive.1 Many of these community partners are comprised of passionate individuals, equally dedicated to ensuring community members receive the support they need.

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Message 2 Creative Visions invests in a brighter future for Des Moines families by working to end the cycle of poverty.

Fact 1:

Creative Visions seeks to empower Des Moines citizens by providing positive environments. One of these opportunities is Capital City Steppers, a step dance group for adults. Capital City Steppers offers a creative outlet that allows its members to express themselves and to represent their community through performances around the state.

They have also provided opportunities for personal and professional growth through the ISU 4U program. ISU 4U encourages elementary students to continue their education all the way to college.

Fact 2:

Every person who walks through Creative Visions’ door is offered assistance through either current programming or a referral to another organization that can better meet their needs. Creative Visions has a list of community partners they are able to send clients to if their needs cannot be met by Creative Visions alone.1

Fact 3:

Creative Visions partners with Eat Greater Des Moines to deliver a united effort in the fight against poverty in Des Moines by providing a Food Pantry, a Sunday Feed Program and on-site meals. The Sunday Feed Program can serve upwards of 200 people at a time.1 The Food Pantry is open during normal operation hours for Creative Visions. Any person seeking assistance may walk into Creative Visions and request a warm meal that is cooked on-site.

Fact 4:

Creative Visions was founded to put an end to gang violence in Des Moines and to empower youth by providing positive environments, educational opportunities, creative outlets and community mentors.

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Page 14, Fall 2017 Drake PR Capstone Research Report

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Phase 1 - Objective 1 Increase donations among community partners and donors by 25% by April 30, 2019.

Evaluation methods can be found on pg. 22.

Strategy 1.1 - Community Relations Use events and informational materials to create and strengthen relationships with community partners and donors.

Tactic 1.1.1: Host a fundraising event and invite community partners, donors and

volunteers at Creative Visions. Designate a Creative Visions volunteer to organize and oversee event execution. (See pg. 31)

Tactic 1.1.2: Distribute an informational packet including brochure and one sheet of

information about Creative Visions to current and potential community partners, donors, and volunteers, highlighting how to donate and volunteer opportunities. (See pg. 39)

Tactic 1.1.3: Electronically distribute the Community Impact Report to current

community partners and donors. (See pg. 43)

Tactic 1.1.4: Create a “Why You Should Donate” flyer to send to past clients.

(See pg. 45)

Tactic 1.1.5: Send “Thank You” letters to individuals who donate to Creative Visions.

(See pg. 47)

Tactic 1.1.6: Hire a part-time staff member whose primary job is to oversee grant

writing and connecting with potential donors. (See pg. 50)

Strategy 1.2 - Digital Media Implement a digital database to organize current affairs.

Tactic 1.2.1: Use an internal database program to organize volunteers, donors,

clients and community partners. (See pg. 51)

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Phase 1 - Objective 2 Increase awareness of Creative Visions’ mission and program offerings among current and potential community partners and volunteers by 40% by April 30, 2019. Evaluation methods can be found on pg. 22.

Strategy 2.1 - Media Relations Reach out to local media outlets to promote the organization along with creating internal standards for brand promotion.

Tactic 2.1.1: Create a public relations toolkit that provides explanations and examples

on how to handle the media. This will include sample press releases, pitch emails, content ideas, a media list, one-sheet of basic Creative Visions information and crisis management guidelines.

(See pg. 53)

Tactic 2.1.2: Create brand guidelines for Creative Visions. (See pg. 59) Tactic 2.1.3: Identify other organizations in the Des Moines community to partner

with to reach new volunteers and donors. (See pg. 64)

Strategy 2.22 - Digital Media Restructure online presence to better communicate the values and mission of Creative Visions.

Tactic 2.2.1: Create a new website focused on simplicity and accessibility.

(See pg. 66)

Tactic 2.2.2: Create a new social media strategy that refreshes Creative Visions’

approach to Facebook. (See pg. 68)

Tactic 2.2.3: Create an explainer video for Creative Visions to replace the current

traditional video on their homepage. (See pg. 80)

Tactic 2.2.4: Designate a volunteer to take photographs and collect waivers at all

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Creative Vision events to use for promotional items. (See pg. 81)

Strategy 2.3 - Community Relations Build relationships with current and new community partners to build a mutually beneficial relationship.

Tactic 2.3.1: Create a quarterly digital newsletter with updates sent to clients,

current volunteers, community partners and donors via email and post it to the Creative Visions’ website and social media platforms.

(See pg. 82)

Tactic 2.3.2: Host an open house at Creative Visions for current volunteers and

their friends as well as community partners. (See pg. 82)

Tactic 2.3.3: Host themed Sunday Feed Programs or other events with community

partners to build community partner loyalty. Designate a Creative Visions’ volunteer to organize and oversee event execution.

(See pg. 88)

Tactic 2.3.4: Post volunteer opportunities on community calendars. (See pg. 92) Tactic 2.3.5: Update and adapt Slogan, Vision and Mission statement. (See pg. 95) Tactic 2.3.6: Establish coherence with specific Iowa and Health Department Codes

to ensure a safe, clean environment for all clients and volunteers.

(See pg. 96)

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Phase 2 - Objective 3 Beginning six months before Ako officially retires, shift perceived association of Creative Visions away from Ako among community partners, volunteers and donors by 50 percent. Evaluation methods can be found on pg. 22.

Strategy 3.1 - Media Relations Reach out to local media to help expand Creative Visions’ reach beyond followers of their Facebook page.

Tactic 3.1.1: Craft, pitch and distribute a story focusing on Ako stepping down.

(See pg. 100)

Strategy 3.2 - Digital Media Create a social campaign around the leadership transition within Creative Visions.

Tactic 3.2.1: Create a hashtag campaign using #ThanksAko for the community to use

on social media and thank Ako for his dedication to the community.

(See pg. 102)

Tactic 3.2.2: Spotlight the staff beyond Ako and the new CEO on social media and the

website to reinforce the idea of Creative Visions’ continuation.

(See pg. 104)

Tactic 3.2.3: Post original content on social media from the new CEO about their transition

and leadership introduction to the community. (See pg. 106)

Strategy 3.3 - Community Relations Acknowledge the tight-knit community within Creative Visions and allow them to witness the transition of power.

Tactic 3.3.1: Host an event honoring Ako and all he has done for Creative Visions.

(See pg. 109)

Tactic 3.3.2: Host a small event with community partners, board members, donors and

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volunteers to celebrate the addition of the new CEO. In addition, outline how the new CEO can build their own relationships with these key publics after Ako’s retirement. (See pg. 114)

Tactic 3.3.3: Craft a “Goodbye” letter from Ako addressing the community that can

then be disseminated by either social media, email and/or print.

(See pg. 117)

Tactic 3.3.4: Craft a “Hello” letter from the new CEO introducing themself to the

community that can then be disseminated by either social media, email and/or print. (See pg. 118)

Tactic 3.3.5: The new CEO will meet with all current members of the board of

directors to understand their current relationship with Creative Visions and identify areas of opportunity for growth. During these meetings, the newly created Board of Directors Expectation Guidelines will also be reviewed. (See pg. 119)

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Evaluation Methods Objective 1 Each of the evaluation methods below will compare data gathered before and after the execution of Objective #1.

Strategy 1.1 - Community Relations Success of community relations will be measured by comparing the number of donations before and after the PR plan is executed. First, count the number of current donors and monetary amount they are currently donating. At the end of the plan, count the latest updated number of donors and how much money they have given to Creative Visions.

Strategy 1.2 - Internal Progress Measurement of success for this strategy will require comparing the number of repeat volunteers and donors before and after the program. This will indicate success because an increase in volunteer and donor participation and retention demonstrates that the efforts to better track and reach those publics internally has been successful. This retention and involvement is important because it reduces Creative Visions’ continued struggle to find volunteers and increase donations.

Objective 2 Each of these strategies will be evaluated separately to gauge if they were successful.

Strategy 2.1 - Media Relations To measure success of this strategy, count the number of earned media stories that occurred from October 1, 2017, through April 30, 2018. If possible, also track the number of impressions earned with those stories. This number will then be directly compared to the number of media coverage opportunities and impressions earned from October 1, 2018, through April 30, 2019. If the number of media stories increases by at least 40 percent, it will be a success.

A piece of media coverage is defined as any positive story in a third-party publication featuring or promoting a staff member, client or Creative Visions as a whole. An impression is a like, share or comment on the story that can be found by looking at the story posted digitally by the news outlet.

Strategy 2.2 -Digital Media Successfully accomplishing this strategy will be measured by website traffic, social media engagement (comments, likes, shares) and video views. Website traffic should be gathered from October 1, 2017, through April 30, 2018. Those traffic numbers will then be directly compared to the traffic after the new website is deployed October 1, 2018, through April 30, 2019. An increase in traffic numbers from the initial count by at least 40 percent will signify success. After the set objective time frame is complete, consistent evaluation of the website should be done by reviewing Google Analytics for numbers on page views, visits, sessions, users and bounce rate (leaving a website immediately after clicking on the link).

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For the social media strategy revamp, success will be measured based on engagement (comments, likes, shares) by social media followers. Numbers for October 1, 2017, through April 30, 2018, will be directly compared to the traffic after the new strategy is implemented during October 1, 2018, through April 30, 2019. If there is a 40 percent increase in social media engagement, this tactic will be considered a success. There will also be a manual tracking system to count how many posts emphasize Ako. It is important to begin tracking how many posts focus on Ako so Creative Visions’ social media presence begins consciously spotlighting the organization as a whole. When Creative Visions in its entirety is highlighted regularly, it will be easier to separate people’s association between Ako and Creative Visions after his retirement.

The new video on the website will be used to explain the organization and promote the mission on social media. Success will be measured on number of views during the Objective #2 time period.

Strategy 2.3 - Community Relations For all tactics requiring hosting new events, success will be based on setting a goal for the number of attendees, keeping track of attendance and comparing that to the original goal. If the goal is met or surpassed, that will qualify as a success. Additionally, we will measure success by setting a goal for volunteer sign up, keeping track of new volunteer sign-up at the event and comparing that to the original goal.

The success of the digital newsletter will be based on the open rate during the Objective #2 time period. Open rate is the amount of digital newsletters sent out that were actually opened by recipients. If the open rate meets or exceeds the industry average of 28 percent 1 , that will signify success.

Success of the community calendars will be measured by the amount of direct inquiries from volunteers. If there is a steady increase throughout the Objective #2 time period in volunteers from the community calendars, that will be a success.

For the PR toolkit, success will be measured by examining if Creative Visions secures three media stories that result in the publications receiving the PR toolkit.

1

Khim, David Ly. “Email Open Rates By Industry: See How You Stack Up.” HubSpot Blog, HubSpot, 9 Feb. 2018, blog. hubspot.com/sales/average-email-open-rate-benchmark.

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Objective 3 Success of Objective #3 will be measured individually by each strategy but also for the objective as a whole. As soon as possible, begin directly inquiring with new volunteers, donors and clients about why and how they heard about Creative Visions. This information will be recorded and analyzed to find out how often Ako is cited. Once Objective #3 begins, six months before Ako retires, stop asking this question. Then, at the conclusion of Ako’s retirement celebration and Objective #3’s time frame, begin directly inquiring again and recording the responses. If Ako is cited 50 percent less than before this objective was completed, it will be a success.

Strategy 3.1 - Community Relations Evaluation of this strategy will be determined by number of media stories earned. The total will be counted three months after Ako’s final retirement date. A successful number of media stories will equal three stories from any third-party publication not associated with Creative Visions.

Strategy 3.2 - Internal Progress Success of this strategy will be measured based on amount of engagement earned during the social media campaign and new social media posts. For the #ThanksAko campaign, having 20 community members share their own posts about Ako will indicate success. Success for the staff spotlighting posts and organic (posts made by Creative Visions) new CEO content will be compared to the average of previous posts. If these posts garner the same level of engagement (comments, likes, shares), the posts will be deemed successful.

Strategy 3.3 - Community Relations For the two events promoting Ako and the new CEO, success will be measured by the number of people who attended. A goal must be set before the event based on previous participation in donor, volunteer and community partner events. During the event, attendees must sign in and then the total number in attendance can be easily compared to previous numbers.

For the one-on-one relationships with community partners, volunteers and donors that the new CEO will also focus on, an informal survey will be conducted six months after the new member officially becomes CEO. This can be sent via email to all current community partners, volunteers and donors to inquire about their current satisfaction levels with Creative Visions and if they are pleased with the progress the organization has made under her guidance.

Groups with concerns can then be flagged based on these responses for follow up.

Success for the letters from Ako and the new CEO will be measured by impact on direct inquiry results. If there is more of an association of Creative Visions with the new CEO and or not Ako, this tactic will be a success.

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Budget Objective 1 = $18,952.10

Tactic 1.1.1:

Host a fundraising event. $5,600.11 *Potential to raise money and make up for cost

Tactic 1.1.2:

Print collateral for Information Packet. $326.00 per year (300 brochures and 400 information sheets)

Tactic 1.1.4:

Print “Why You Should Donate” Flyers. $78.50 for 100 flyers with envelopes and postage

Tactic 1.1.5:

Print “Thank You” letters. $47.49 for 50 flyers with envelopes and postage

Tactic 1.1.6:

Hire a part-time staff member. $12,480.00 per year *Cost can be reduced by hiring a volunteer or intern

Tactic 1.2.1:

Invest in an internal database program. $420.00 per year

Objective 2 = $1,439.32

Tactic 2.2.1:

Website. $168.00

Tactic 2.2.4:

Purchase a camera. $200.00 per camera *Cost can be reduced by not purchasing a camera

Host an Open House and bake sale; Facebook advertising for the Open House. $965.12

Tactic 2.4.7:

Food safety labels, posters, themometers and gloves. $206.20

Tactic 2.3.2:

Objective 3 = $1,744.00

Tactic 3.3.1:

Host a recognition event for Ako’s retirement. $1,272.00

Tactic 3.3.2:

Host a dinner honoring the new CEO stepping up. $372.00

Total = $22,135.42

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Phase 1 Timeline Monthly Activities • Pitch one story to the media each month

• Send Thank You Letters whenever needed

• On the first of each month, update all Community Calendar posts

• Monitor website and social media for updates

• Host Sunday Feed Program with community partner volunteers

• Add and update Sumac contact profiles

Keep a record of: • Most successful events include a description • Programs held • Organization milestones (CV anniversaries, accomplishments, new programs offered, new team members, client success stories, etc.).

• Grants • Donations • Volunteers • Media stories earned

May 2018

June 2018

• Recruit head volunteer to oversee Open House event

• Ensure volunteers have been recruited for Open House event

• Publish Open House flyer in specified outlets

• Purchase Combo Premium Plan for website and migrate bluePRint-created website to current domain; make website live

• Compile comprehensive list of emails and addresses for all current clients, volunteers, donors and community partners • Create an up-to-date, comprehensive list of all current community partners • Print all collateral materials for informational packets • Make any necessary updates to bluePRintcreated website

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• Send informational packets to all community partners • Send “Why You Should Donate” postcard to all past clients • Purchase, install and train on Sumac; input all data collected in May • Print and hang up Food Safety and Hygiene posters

July 2018 • Identify and designate a volunteer to oversee all photography needs - possibly purchase a camera • Send all current donors information packets • Send “Why You Should Donate” postcard to potential donors and volunteers • Complete integration of Sumac into operations

August 2018 • Beginning of the month, recruit a volunteer to oversee Community Partner Sunday Feed Program volunteer days for Q4; ensure volunteer reaches out to all community partners about dates during this month as well

September 2018 • Ensure Sunday Feed Program Community Partner volunteer days are assigned

October 2018 • October 1: Send out first quarterly newsletter for Q3

• Complete Q3 newsletter and upload in MailChimp template

• Begin drafting Q3 newsletter - must compile pictures and write content • August 24: Host Open House event

November 2018 • Gather all financial records from the year, including, grants, donations and where the money was being spent • Have current CEO draft letter to the public to be included at the beginning of the Community Impact Report • Begin drafting Q4 newsletter

February 2019 • Begin drafting Q1 newsletter

December 2018 • December 1: Create content (graphs and pictures) and copy (letters, summaries of the year, writing) to include in the Community Impact Report

January 2019 • January 1: Send out Q4 newsletter • Audit website at beginning of the year for any necessary updates or additions

• December 21: Distribute Community Impact Report via email, website and post a link on social media • Complete Q4 newsletter and upload in MailChimp template

March 2019 • Complete Q1 newsletter and upload in MailChimp template

April 2019 • April 1: Send out Q1 newsletter

• March 9: Host Fundraising Event

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Phase 2 Timeline 6 Months Before • Recruit a volunteer to oversee planning and execution of Ako “Goodbye” event

3 Months Before • Send press release to local media outlets about Ako’s retirement and new CEO

1 Month After • Send “Hello” letter from new CEO • Toward end of month, host new CEO “Hello” event

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5 Months Before • Recruit a volunteer to oversee planning and execution of new CEO “Hello” event

1 Month Before

4 Months Before • Begin individual meetings with members of the board of directors

Month of Retirement

• Launch #ThanksAko Facebook campaign.

• Send Ako “Goodbye” letter

• Send press release to local media outlets about #ThanksAko campaign

• Begin spotlighting other staff members on Facebook • One week before official retirement date, host Ako “Goodbye” event

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Appendix Contents Appendix 1.1.1 .....................................................................................................32 Appendix 1.1.2 ................................................................................................... 40 Appendix 1.1.3 ................................................................................................... 44 Appendix 1.1.4 .................................................................................................. 46 Appendix 1.1.5 ................................................................................................... 48 Appendix 1.1.6 ................................................................................................... 51 Appendix 1.2.1 ....................................................................................................52 Appendix 2.1.1 ...................................................................................................54 Appendix 2.1.2 ................................................................................................. 60 Appendix 2.1.3 ...................................................................................................65 Appendix 2.2.1 ..................................................................................................67 Appendix 2.2.2 ................................................................................................ 69 Appendix 2.2.3 ....................................................................................................81 Appendix 2.2.4 .................................................................................................. 82 Appendix 2.3.1 ...................................................................................................83 Appendix 2.3.2 ..................................................................................................85

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Appendix 2.3.3 .................................................................................................. 89 Appendix 2.3.4 .................................................................................................. 93 Appendix 2.3.5 .................................................................................................. 96 Appendix 2.3.6 ..................................................................................................97 Appendix 3.1.1 .................................................................................................. 101 Appendix 3.2.1 ................................................................................................103 Appendix 3.2.2 ...............................................................................................105 Appendix 3.2.3 ................................................................................................ 107 Appendix 3.3.1 ................................................................................................ 110 Appendix 3.3.2 .................................................................................................115 Appendix 3.3.3 ............................................................................................... 118 Appendix 3.3.4 ................................................................................................ 119 Appendix 3.3.5 ................................................................................................120

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Appendix 1.1.1 Fundraising Event Host a fundraising event and invite community partners, donors and volunteers at Creative Visions. Designate a Creative Visions volunteer to organize and oversee event execution.

Fundraising Gala Plan Creative Visions will host a fundraising event, in the form of a silent auction, to raise money for programs and services throughout the year. The event will be formal and include a sit down dinner. Current donors and board members will be invited and the event will be a great opportunity to reach new potential donors for Creative Visions. Hosting this annual fundraiser will be instrumental in securing additional funds for Creative Visions. It is an opportunity to build better relationships with donors and board members and it will provide donors the opportunity to continue to donate to Creative Visions every year. The event will showcase auction items from local community retailers, which will increase awareness of Creative Visions within the community. In the end, the fundraiser will create positive interactions with donors, board members, and community members, which will make the annual event a continuous success, helping Creative Visions achieve long term goals.

Event Plan Invitees The target audience for this event is current and potential donors, board members and community partners. Donors can be anyone from an individual, organization or a community partner. In order to reach this audience, individual email invitations will be sent to current donors, board members and community partners through Sumac (see page 52). Facebook advertising and digital flyers will also help reach potential donors.

When: For 2019, the event will take place Saturday, March 9 from 6-9 p.m.

Where: The event will take place at a local church or venue of Creative Visions choosing. Some options for the venue are located below.

Hosting Logistics Assign a Volunteer to Oversee Planning Creative Visions is an organization about empowering people. For this reason, bluePRint recommends Creative Visions empowers one of its own volunteers and puts them in charge of organizing and executing this event. Reach out to past and current volunteers and see if anyone would be interested in managing this event. Be clear on event expectations and ensure this volunteer is qualified. Delegating the execution of this event to a volunteer will also lighten the workload for Creative Visions staff members, while still successfully hosting the event.

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The following tasks for executing this event will be overseen by this chosen volunteer.

Four Committees •

There will be four committees made up of approximately three to four volunteers each.

Committees will include: food and entertainment, venue, silent auction and theme and decor.

•

It will be the head volunteer’s job to organize advertising for the event. Advertising will include visiting local parks and cafes to post the flyer on information boards and working with whomever runs Facebook to organize an advertising campaign.

•

The head volunteer will contact current donors, board members and community partners through email and invite them to the fundraising event. This email will include an attachment of the event flyer and will be sent through the database, Sumac.

•

The head volunteer will be responsible for providing a “sign-in” sheet at the door of the venue to collect attendee contact information to put into Sumac. This will provide an easy way to contact donors in the future.

•

The head volunteer will send handwritten thank you letters to all attendees two days after the event is over.

•

If Sumac is not up and running, use MailChimp. MailChimp is an email marketing platform that lets organizations easily send mass emails to advertise events.

Tickets •

Ticket prices:

One seat: $75 Table of eight: $550

•

Tickets will be available on Sumac, the Creative Visions database. A link to Sumac ticketing can be posted on the Creative Visions website for attendees to directly purchase their fundraising tickets. From there, ticket and attendee information is directly recorded into the Sumac database.

•

A total of 150 tickets will be available, therefore, the maximum number of attendees is 150.

Venue •

This will be organized by the venue committee.

•

This event can be held at a local church or event spaces at local schools. Some churches in the area that host events include St. John’s Lutheran Church ELCA and St. Ambrose Cathedral and some local event spaces include Drake University Olmsted Center or a high school gymnasium.

•

Suggestion: if any volunteers have connections with parishes in the community, they should ask if the church could donate their hall to Creative Visions or offer them a lower rate.

•

The fundraiser will need 21 round tables that seat eight people each. One hundred and fifty seats will be needed for attendees and 18 seats for volunteers and staff members. This committee will work with the venue to ensure there is enough seating.

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•

This committee will work with the venue to make sure there are four long rectangular tables available, two for the silent auction and two for the buffet.

•

This committee will be responsible for coordinating seating arrangements and creating place cards to label each chair for a guest and creating place cards with different Creative Visions programs to distinguish each table. For example, John Doe will be seated at the Capital City Steppers table.

Theme/Decor •

This would be the responsibility of the theme and decor committee.

•

Each table can be named after a key Creative Visions program or a notable Drake Neighborhood landmark.

•

This annual fundraiser can have a specific theme that this committee will select. The theme will indicate what kind of decor will be present.

•

This committee will make sure that all advertising informs guests that the event is business casual.

•

Decor recommendations include: •

Centerpieces: flowers or floating candles in a bowl of water are both elegant options.

•

Table and chair coverings.

•

String lights draped from the ceiling or walls.

Entertainment •

This is a responsibility of the food and entertainment committee.

•

After attendees have settled down with their food, the explainer video will be played and the current CEO can make a speech thanking everyone for coming.

•

This is a good event to showcase the Capital City Steppers. There could be a 15 to 20 minute show after the CEO has made their speech.

•

A live band can play after the Capital City Steppers for the remainder of the event. To limit costs, ask local high schools or colleges if one of their bands would be willing to perform.

•

Recommended: Drake University Jazz Band can perform for little to no cost.

Food •

This is the responsibility of the food and entertainment committee.

•

Licensing for providing alcohol is as follows:

•

34

•

https://abd.iowa.gov/licensing/catering-privilege

•

According to this ruling, Creative Visions cannot serve alcohol because attendees are required to pay for a ticket to enter the event.

Due to laws made by the state of Iowa, a license is needed to sell home-cooked foods to

events where attendees are required to purchase tickets. Therefore, catering options may be easiest.

•

The food and entertainment committee is responsible for contacting Hy-Vee catering at least one month prior to the event to place the order detailed in the budget.

•

The food and entertainment committee is also responsible for contacting Hy-Vee the day of the event to assist in setting up the buffet and taking down the buffet.

Silent Auction •

Coordinating the silent auction will be the responsibility of the silent auction committee.

•

For the first silent auction only about 15 to 20 items will be needed. If this event grows in the future, more items can be added to the auction.

•

This committee will compile a list of local retailers. Local retailers can include restaurants, hotels, jewelers, museums, sports teams and boutiques.

•

•

It is this committee’s responsibility to visit local retailers in person and invite them to donate an item to be auctioned off at this year’s fundraising event.

•

•

Deliver a letter to the manager or owner, detailing what kind of items Creative Visions is looking for and ask them to use the contact information at the bottom if they are interested in donating an item.

This committee will be in charge of ordering and making place cards to describe each item, printing off auction ballets and providing a box at the end of the table for silent auction ballets.

•

•

Auctioned items can include certificates, jewelry, tickets to a sporting event, home decor, baskets of small goods, artwork, etc., with a market value of more than $50.

A silent auction bid sheet can be found on page 38. This bid sheet has also been inluded on the flash drive.

This committee will be responsible for contacting guests through email who have received an auctioned item two days after the event is over.

Timeline •

This event will take place Saturday, March 9, 2019, from 6-9 p.m.

September 1, 2018 •

A staff member of Creative Visions should send out an email to all the volunteers and inquire if anyone is willing to step up and volunteer for the fundraising event. This email must explain that one person will be in charge of the whole event, along with four committees with committee heads.

October 1, 2018 •

A head volunteer and committees should be chosen by this date.

•

If there is to be a theme, the theme/decor committee should decide by this date.

35

October 15, 2018 •

The head volunteer should contact donors, board members and community partners with the first email announcing the date and time of the fundraising event.

•

The venue committee should start visiting potential locations for the fundraising event (i.e. churches), making sure they have enough room for the allotted amount of tables needed.

•

Post on Facebook the fundraising flyer and advertise that the tickets are now available for purchase on the website and create a Facebook event.

November 1, 2018 •

The head volunteer should make the event live on Sumac, meaning that tickets are available to be purchased at this time.

•

The venue committee should have secured a location for the fundraising event.

•

The silent auction committee should begin to visit local retailers to ask them to donate an item or gift card to the event.

November 15, 2018 •

The head volunteer should contact donors, board members and community partners again with an email announcing the date and time of the fundraising event and inviting donors to purchase tickets.

•

Post the fundraising flyer on Facebook to advertise that people can purchase tickets on the website.

•

The head volunteer should begin the Facebook advertising campaign and set end date to February 15, 2019, when ticket sales will close.

December 15, 2018 •

The head volunteer should contact donors, board members and community partners again with an email announcing the date and time of the fundraising event and inviting donors to purchase tickets.

•

Post the fundraising flyer on Facebook and advertise that people can purchase tickets on the website.

•

The head volunteer should begin visiting local cafes, libraries, and bakeries to hand out and hang up fundraising flyers.

•

Any decorations that the theme/decor committee has decided on should be ordered by this time.

January 15, 2019 •

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The head volunteer should contact donors, board members and community partners again with an email announcing the date and time of the fundraising event and inviting donors to purchase tickets.

•

Post the fundraising flyer on Facebook and advertise that people can purchase tickets on the website.

•

The silent auction committee should begin posting on Creative Visions Facebook about some cool auction items that will be available.

February 1, 2019 •

The head volunteer should contact donors, board members and community partners again announcing that tickets for the fundraising event will close on February 15, and urging them to buy a ticket (unless they are already sold out).

•

Post the fundraising flyer on Facebook and advertise that tickets for the fundraising event will close on February 15.

•

The head volunteer should visit additional cafes, bakeries and libraries to hand out and hang up fundraiser flyers.

•

The food/entertainment committee should contact Hy-Vee catering to place their order (found in budget) and ask Hy-Vee to arrive around 5 p.m. to set up the buffet.

February 15, 2019 •

The head volunteer should close ticket sales on Sumac.

•

Post a reminder on Facebook that the fundraising event is shortly approaching and Creative Visions appreciated everyone who bought a ticket.

•

The silent auction committee should order place cards, print around 400 auction ballets and acquire a box to place auction ballets in.

March 8, 2019 •

The silent auction committee will visit local retailers and collect items that have been donated to the silent auction.

•

The venue committee should have all the place cards written out with each attendee.

March 9, 2019 •

The venue committee should arrive around 4 p.m. to set up and decorate the area and put place cards for each guest at a specific seat.

•

The silent auction committee should arrive at 5 p.m. to set up the two auction tables with silent auction items, place the auction ballets at both ends of the table and set up a box for the auction ballets.

•

The food/entertainment committee should arrive at 4:45 p.m. to help Hy-Vee set up the buffet area.

•

At approximately 6:30 p.m., guests should be invited to get food from the buffet.

•

Around 7 p.m., Ako or the new CEO should make a speech to the guests, followed by the explainer video and the Capital City Steppers.

37

•

Around 7 p.m. the food/entertainment committee can start playing some music.

•

The food/entertainment committee should begin to take down the buffet at 7:45 p.m.

•

The silent auction committee will announce that the silent auction will close at 8:30 p.m.

March 11, 2019 •

The head volunteer should send out thank you cards to all of those who attended the fundraising event, all the volunteers, the venue and Hy-Vee catering.

•

The winners of the silent auction should be contacted over email if they received an auction item.

Silent Auction Bid Sheet

Letter to Local Retailers

[Organization Name] Silent Auction [Click to select date] [Section Name]

Closing Time: [Time]

[Auction Item]

Item #[No.]

Description:

[Item Description] Value: $[Amount] z Minimum bid: $[Amount] z Minimum bid increase: $[Amount]

Donated by:

[Name or Business]

Name

Address

Phone Number

Bid Amount

$[Amount]

1.

Date Your Name Your Organization’s Name Street City, State ZIP Dear [Donor’s Name], Our very first silent auction for our Creative Visions fundraising event is coming up on March 9, 2019 at [location].

For our silent auction, we rely on donated items to help us keep costs low. That way, more money can go toward helping the community through the programming that Creative Visions offers.

Creative Visions is a not-for-profit organization that enriches the Des Moines community by feeding the hungry and providing educational and wellness programs. Over the last 20 years Creative Visions programs have instilled hope for a better future into hundreds of members of our community.

Will you consider donating an item to our auction? We are specifically looking for baskets of promotional items, including mugs, coffee, candy, chocolate, gift certificates, tickets to sporting or entertainment events, artwork and home decor.

2.

3.

Here are our guidelines for auction items:

4.

5.

6.

7.

●

Market value must be greater than $50

●

Items must be new or gently used

If you are able to provide merchandise or an item that fits these guidelines, please contact Creative Visions at (515) 244-4003 or [insert appropriate email here]. Someone will be in touch with you within two business days to discuss your contribution!

8.

9.

Thank you in advance for your generosity.

10.

Sincerely,

11.

Ako Abdul-Samad, Creative Visions Leader

12.

Guaranteed Purchase Name

Address

Phone Number

Bid Amount

$[Amount]

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Fundraising Event Flyer

Creative Visions

SILENT AUCTION All proceeds go back to enriching our community

Friday, March 9, 2019 6:00 – 9:00 p.m.

Location TBD Des Moines, IA Complete details and tickets available online at CreativeVisionsIowa.com.

Dinner will be provided Business casual attire While tickets last

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Appendix 1.1.2 Informational Packet In order to ensure that community partners and donors are up to date on Creative Visions’ offerings, we have created an information packet which includes a one-page overview of the organization and a new brochure. These materials work together to inform both potential and current partners and donors.

Budget Information Sheet:

$44 for 100 full-color, one-sided glossy pages from OfficeMax (replace quarterly) $174 per year

Brochure:

$25 for 50 full-color, double-sided glossy pages from OfficeMax (replace bimonthly) $150 per year

Total: $326 per year

Utilization Informational Sheet and Brochure Use these to teach media, donors and community partners about Creative Visions. Use either the media or donor/partner cover letter and mail to appropriate people. A PDF of both of these items has been included with the flash drive.

Cover Letter to Community Partners and Donors This written cover letter should be sent (through email or printed) along with the information sheet and the brochure to inform the receiver of why they are being sent the informational packet. A PDF has been included on the flash drive.

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Cover Letter to Community Partners and Donors

Dear Creative Visionary, Thank you for all you do for/with Creative Visions. It is only thanks to your support/partnership that we are able to continue to help strengthen individuals and communities going through hardship.

Together, we have worked to accomplish a lot this year. We provided health care to hundreds of people and fed hundreds more.

At Creative Visions, we always strive to reach out to more people and positively affect the lives of more community members. That said, in our quest to keep expanding, we don’t want to lose sight of those who already know us. That is why we have enclosed an informational sheet and brochure of current offerings.

If you see a program that catches your eye, or have an idea for something we could work together on, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

In the meantime, thank you once again for your support/partnership. It truly means the world to us, and to the hundreds of people our services assist every year.

Here’s to many more years with supporters/partners like you.

Warm wishes,

NAME Community Outreach Coordinator Creative Visions Human Development Institute

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Information Sheet

THE VISION To end the cycle of poverty by empowering members of vulnerable communities to become prosperous citizens.

THE HISTORY Creative Visions Human Development Institute was founded in 1996 in response to demonstrated need from the community. Ako Abdul-Samad saw violence as a response to poor circumstance rather than a circumstance in and of itself. He knew that work needed to be done.

Creative Visions began as a response to issues of drug use, gang violence and crime involving atrisk youth. Today, we have evolved into a community cornerstone which provides food, knowledge, and a place to gather.

THE MISSION Through community-tailored wellness, educational and skill-based programs, we help strengthen individuals and communities going through hardship. We aim to spread a greater sense of hope in our community and empower our clients to be productive and self-sufficient citizens.

THE PROGRAMMING Creative Visions offers several programs to meet a variety of needs. Selected programs include: Food Security: Sunday Feed Program, Our Daily Bread, Food Pantry Cultural Enrichment: Capital City Steppers, Quilting Classes, Guitar Classes On-Site Health Care: Weekly Free Health Screenings, Weekly Free Chiropractor Education Sponsorship: ISU 4U Promise GET INVOLVED Our volunteers run programs, assist with social media, greet guests and so much more. We have a great group of over 25 volunteers, but we are always looking for ways to expand!

PARTNERSHIPS Creative Visions forms partnerships with various organizations, both non- and for-profit. Some of our partners include Urban Dreams, Eat Greater Des Moines and Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau. There is no typical partnership; each one is individually curated based on both parties’ needs. We are always looking for ways to expand our partnership program, so if you have an idea, contact us!

CONTACT To contact Creative Visions with questions about programming, sponsorship or media coverage, call Cynthia Hunafa, Chief Operating Officer, at (515) 244-4003.

Or, feel free to stop by! We will always make time for members of our community.

Creative Visions Human Development Institute is accredited with the Iowa Registry of Nonprofit Accountability. creativevisionsdsm.com

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Brochure Our Mission

Through community-tailored wellness, educational and skill-based programs, we help strengthen individuals and communities going through hardship. We aim to spread a greater sense of hope in our community and empower our clients to be productive and self-sufficient citizens.

Our Vision

To end the cycle of poverty by empowering members of vulnerable communities to become prosperous citizens.

Our History:

Creative Visions lives in the heart of the Drake Neighborhood.

Because of this, we are able to assess and serve the needs of the people right in our community.

Stop by and see us in action.

Over 20 years ago, Ako Abdul-Samad formed Creative Visions to address the issue of gang violence in low-income neighborhoods in Des Moines. Today, it has expanded its services into four categories: Food Security, Cultural Enrichment, On-Site Health Care and Education Sponsorship.

Community Partnerships • • • • • • •

ISU 4U Promise Des Moines Public Schools Urban Dreams Polk County DMARC Food Bank Broadlawns Medical Center And More

Creative Visions is always looking for ways to expand its programming to better serve our community. To partner with Creative Visions, contact Cynthia Hunafa, COO, at 515-254-4003.

1343 13th St. Des Moines, IA 50314 creativevisionsdsm.com 515-254-4003 CreativeVisionsPR@gmail.com

Building a brighter tomorrow for our community today

Our programs are made possible by our generous donors. You, too, can help us achieve our vision.

Donate online at creativevisionsdsm.com.

Food Security

Cultural Enrichment

Walk into Creative Visions any day of the week and be greeted with a smile and a hot meal.

Community Gardens

Sunday Feed Program

In partnership with Lutheran Services of Iowa.

Contact Cynthia Hunafa at 515-254-4003

Served every Sunday 5-7 PM.

Beginner Guitar Lessons - FREE!

Our Daily Bread

Quilting Classes - FREE!

Fresh bread served every day. Join us for free loaves of bread and great company.

Food Pantry

In partnership with Food Bank of Iowa.

Bring ID and proof of address!

Monday-Thursday 9 AM - 7:30 PM Saturday 10 AM - 2 PM

Tuesdays at 4:30 PM

Wednesdays 1-3 PM

Capital City Steppers

Tuesdays at 7:30 PM | Saturdays at 11 AM $5 per class Join us for Steppin’ Lessons! Stepping is a dance technique that uses the dancer’s body to create complex rhythms, and it’s a whole lot of fun.

Capital City Steppers will take you from beginner stepper all the way to expert.

On-Site Health Services

Education Sponsorship

Weekly Walk-in Health Clinic - FREE! Wednesdays Noon - 5 PM Co-sponsored by Broadlawns and Regency Health Services, we provide the following services: • Sports Physicals • Preventative Health Care • Diabetes Screening • Blood Pressure Tests • STD Tests • Pregnancy Tests • Drug Tests

ISU 4U Promise

Weekly Walk-in Chiropractor - FREE!

Wednesdays Noon - 5 PM Our on-site chiropractor is available weekly to help soothe your aches and pains.

A partnership between King and Moulton elementary schools and Iowa State University.

Students who complete 5th grade at one of these elementary schools are eligible for tuition awards at ISU.

Traffic Safety

This program educates youth about traffic safety and the dangers of distracted driving.

It promotes positive peer interaction and mentoring to encourage safe, positive behaviors.

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Appendix 1.1.3 Community Impact Report A Community Impact Report is a piece of informational material that documents the activities, programs and finances of an organization that is released once a year. The information is to be shared with people who are influential to the continuity of the organization including donors, volunteers and community partners. It will provide community partners and volunteers with reassurance that their time is being used to better the community and reassures donors that their contributions are being put to use and making a positive impact.

CREATIVE VISIONS 2018 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT Through community-tailored wellness, educational and skill-based programs, we help strengthen individuals and communities going through hardship. We aim to spread a greater sense of hope in our community and empower our clients to be productive and self-sufficient citizens.

Timeline •

Throughout the year, keep a record of your most successful events, programs and milestones that Creative Visions has accomplished.

•

Throughout the year, keep a record of grants, donations and all financial records.

November 1, 2018 •

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Compile an email list of all community partners, donors, volunteers, clients, and board members to be recipients of the Community Impact Report.

•

Start gathering all financial records from the year, including, grants, donations and where the money was being spent.

November 15, 2018 •

Have Ako or the new CEO write a letter addressing all community members about Creative Visions accomplishments for the beginning of the report.

December 1, 2018 •

Create a graph showcasing the grants and donations Creative Visions received throughout the year (see our Community Impact Report example).

•

Create a graph showcasing where the funds Creative Visions received went throughout the year (see our Community Impact Report example).

•

Create 10-15 bullet points about the greatest accomplishments Creative Visions saw that year.

December 15, 2018 •

Create a paragraph or two about Creative Visions’ plans for the upcoming year.

•

Insert information into the Community Impact Report template provided. This will include the letter from Ako/new CEO, the Vision/Mission statement and current programs, Creative Visions’ 2018 accomplishments, a financial page and a future plan page.

December 21, 2018 •

Send out the Community Impact Report to recipients through email AND post the Community Impact Report on Creative Visions’ website.

•

Post a link to the Community Impact Report on the website and on all social media sites.

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Appendix 1.1.4 Why You Should Donate Flyer As a nonprofit organization, Creative Visions relies on donations to continue providing their services to the community. Providing an easy and informative flyer to key audiences may significantly increase the chance of donations. This postcard will provide information about Creative Visions and the programs offered throughout the year. The postcard will explain why people who have been impacted by Creative Visions or want to help out their community should donate their time or money to the organization. It will also include the steps on how and where to donate.

This flyer will provide past clients and many others with an opportunity to give back to the organization that gives so much to the community. The information can be made easily accessible either through email to specific community partners or past clients or can be printed and available at Creative Visions for visitors.

Timeline •

This postcard should be distributed throughout the year, available at Creative Visions during programs and events and sent in the mail.

•

Always have printed copies available at Creative Visions.

May 2018 •

Compile a home address list (preferred) or email list of past clients and current donors.

June 2018 •

Send out first round of Why You Should Donate postcards to past clients either through home address (preferred) or email.

August 2018 •

Use email list acquired during the fundraising event and open house to send out Why You Should Donate postcards to new potential donors or volunteers that signed up.

•

Set out a small stack of postcards at the fundraising event and Open House event.

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WHY YOU SHOULD GIVE TO

Creative Visions Why Creative Visions?

Creative Visions is a not for profit community organization that enriches the Des Moines community by feeding the hungry and providing multiple educational programs. Over the last 20 years, their programs have instilled hope for a better future into hundreds of members of our community every day.

Reflect on your values For many people, the charity they donate to reflects their own values. Creative Visions values hope, community and prosperity. If these sound like values you hold close to your heart, you should consider donating to our cause.

An opportunity to give back Creative Visions is an opportunity to give back to the community that has offered so much to us. Giving back to Creative Visions is a sign that you have not forgotten where you came from and are grateful for your past.

How to give to Creative Visions To make a donation or view our volunteer opportunities, please visit our website at creativevisionsdsm.com or call our office at (515) 244-4003. Any donations or volunteers are greatly appreciated.

You are the vision.

November 2018 •

Use list of past clients, current donors, potential donors and potential volunteers to send out the postcards before the holidays start.

•

Post the Why You Should Donate postcard on Facebook to reach more potential donors.

February 2019 •

Check how many of Why You Should Donate Flyers are left, order more before fundraising event if you are running low.

March 2019 •

Put out Why You Should Donate Flyers at Creative Visions the week before the fundraising event and at the fundraising event.

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Appendix 1.1.5 Creative Visions Thank You Letters As a nonprofit organization, Creative Visions relies on other individuals or organizations to donate their time, money or other goods and services in order to continue serving the community. Sending a personalized thank you letter to every individual or organization that donates will make the donor feel appreciated and will increase the chances of them donating to Creative Visions again. These small acts of kindness could result in significant increases in donations and volunteers.

When To Write a Thank You Letter to a Donor After an individual or organization has contributed their time, money, services or goods to Creative Visions, this individual or organization should receive a proper “thank you” in the mail or through email to show that Creative Visions appreciates their contribution. Everyone who donates will receive a thank you letter. Donations of under $100 or a small food donation will receive an emailed thank you letter and donations of over $100 or large amounts of food or volunteered time will receive a handwritten thank you letter in the mail.

Why To Write a Thank You Letter to a Donor Showing gratitude to an individual who has willingly donated to the organization will make donors feel appreciated and they may be more likely to donate to Creative Visions in the future.

How to Write a Thank You Letter to a Donor •

Be sure to personalize the beginning of the letter. For example, start with their first name, “Dear Mary,” or “Dear Mr. and Mrs. John Smith.”

•

Start your letter by saying thank you and state what donation they made. For example, “Thank you for your donation of 50 loaves of bread to Creative Visions!”

•

Next, give an example of what their donation will be going toward. If it is money, provide examples of how the money will be used.

•

Next, encourage them to visit Creative Visions and visit the website for information on what Creative Visions will be doing in the future.

•

Finally, thank them again to remind them how appreciative Creative Visions is for their support.

Timeline •

These will be sent out throughout the year, whenever someone donates.

Every Sunday •

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Since Sunday Feed Programs are Creative Visions’ biggest program, have an ample amount of Thank You Letters ready to send out on Monday.

Events •

Have an ample amount of Thank You Letters ready after any events, such as the fundraising event, the Open House event or the community partner Sunday Feed Programs. All volunteers and people who donated money or food should receive a Thank You Letter.

November and December 2018 •

During the Holidays, many more people donate and there are increased food/clothing drives. Have an ample amount of Thank You letters ready during these two months so it will be easy to send them out after an event or donation.

February 2019 •

Have a large stack of Thank You letters ready to go after the fundraising event, which will take place March 9.

Handwritten Thank You Usage This is some example copy for a handwritten note if someone donates over $100 or donates a large amount of food. A designed thank you card has been included with the flash drive.

Message Dear Mr. and Mrs. Jacob Allen, We at Creative Visions would like to thank you for your generous donation of $200. Our organization could not achieve its goals of improving the lives of community members without generous donations such as yours. Donors like you help make our programs possible and help enrich the lives of every client that walks through our door whether they are looking for a life change or help feeding their family.

For information on our current program offerings or volunteer opportunities, make sure to visit our website at CreativeVisionsDSM.com and like us on Facebook for more updates.

Again, thank you! You are the vision.

Best,

[Insert Name]

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Email Thank You Usage This is an example copy for an email message to be sent to donors who gave under $100 or a small amount of food. This example message has been included in a Word document on the flash drive provided.

Message Dear Mary, First, let me just say, thank you on behalf of everyone here at Creative Visions!

Your recent donation of $75 is greatly appreciated at Creative Visions and will help provide food for our Sunday Feed Program, which can feed upwards of 200 people every Sunday!

Let me tell you about some of the programs your donation has helped with at Creative Visions: A group of women from the community gather every week for quilting lessons, and your donation has helped buy product for their quilting sessions.

We host Capital City Steppers, a program for adults in the area. Your donation has helped us provide a space for them to dance and a qualified dance teacher.

During the holidays we host various food and clothing drives for people in the community and deliver the donations to their front doors ourselves. Your donation has helped us feed the hungry and clothe the cold.

We partner with another community organization to teach a class on traffic and car safety. Your donation has helped our community become a safer environment.

Donors like you make our programs possible and help enrich the lives of every client that walks through our door, whether they are looking for a life change or help feeding their family.

We hope you will stay an active member of our community. Please visit our website at www.

CreativeVisionsDSM.com to sign up for our emails and newsletters and like us on Facebook for more updates. Also, watch for invitations to our events, including open houses and Ako’s Birthday Bash!

We value the support of our volunteers and would love for you to experience the joy firsthand of helping people in our community. You can indicate your volunteer interest on our website or look out for opportunities in our newsletters.

Again, thank you! You are the vision.

Best, [Insert Name]

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Appendix 1.1.6 Part-Time Development Coordinator Position A development coordinator is a role that is essential to the progress and promotion of Creative Visions. The person in this position will be able to organize and maintain current volunteers and donor information essential for growth and prosperity. They will promote the mission and values of Creative Visions in order to sustain the organization and build its capabilities. bluePRint has created this position description for a new development coordinator role to assist with hiring. It will allow for recruitment of potential candidates and will be the basis of the job interview.

Role Description: Description: The Development Coordinator will be a part-time position that focuses on building and maintaining volunteer efforts and various sectors of fundraising including, but not limited to donors and grants. The role focuses on organizing current efforts and pursuing future opportunities to create a strong volunteer base and securing funding.

Duties: •

Build and maintain relationships with current donors and volunteers.

•

Research and apply for new fundraising and grant opportunities.

•

Maintain a lead/referral database of funding activities that tracks the efforts made and leads generated.

•

Conduct personalized follow up with each donor lead.

•

Appropriately identify and build relationships with community professionals to maximize referred leads.

•

Play a role in developing and implementing strategies to increase membership, sponsorship and donor revenue.

•

Coordinate the recruitment, training, evaluation and retention of volunteers. Update volunteer needs and information on an ongoing basis.

•

Responsible for accurately reporting monthly volunteer hours, obtaining volunteer documentation and recording activities.

Requirements: •

Experience working at other nonprofits

•

Strong interpersonal communication, problem solving, and organizational skills.

•

Associate’s Degree (Bachelor’s Degree preferred)

•

15-20 hours a week in office

•

Supervisory experience desirable

•

Strong verbal and written communication

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Appendix 1.2.1 Internal Database Recommendation - Sumac bluePRint recommends implementing an internal database system to help with volunteer, donor, grant, client, finance and event management. A glaring challenge for the Creative Visions staff are their limited resources, meaning the team has to be intentional with allocating their time, volunteers and funding. This database will help with more efficient time management by easily monitoring and tracking relationships with key publics and streamlining internal processes. An internal database like this will also make it easier to monitor and track donations and grants, ultimately increasing donor retention through better relationships and helping identify areas of opportunity for new grants. An internal database will also assist the Creative Visions team in executing several other tactics within our PR plan such as quarterly newsletters, the Community Impact Report and any of the annual or celebratory events.

Sumac Sumac is an online, nonprofit-specific software system that organizations can customize to their unique needs. Sumac offers software features with fundraising, memberships, events, finance, outreach, ticketing, case management, volunteer management, course registration and additional customization. Sumac also allows organizations to run reports on all of the data gathered in the system. This will help Creative Visions identify sources of donations and volunteers, monitor grant submissions and track the success of email marketing efforts. With this information, the Creative Visions team will be more empowered to make educated and strategic business decisions when growing program offerings, seeking new funding sources and managing event logistics.

Based on our research of dozens of other nonprofit software systems, we identified Sumac as the best option because of its lower-end price point, customizable features and customer service. We did not want Creative Visions implementing a large-scale software system that would offer too many unnecessary features and ultimately lead to more complications than solutions, making Sumac a great option. We are confident that Creative Visions can implement this software organization-wide with Sumac’s friendly and helpful customer service. In addition, the transition will be well-worth it based on the known long-term payoffs.

Learn more about Sumac at sumac.com.

Recommended Plan The basic, free version of Sumac comes with the following services: •

Contact management

•

Payment processing

•

Custom reporting

•

Email marketing

•

Donation management

•

Event management

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•

Time tracking

•

Invoices and accounting

To harness the full potential of Sumac and ensure Creative Visions has access to all of the necessary software tools, we recommend the Gold Plan option. This plan will come with all of the features associated with the free plan (listed above) and allow for any number of additional services Creative Visions may need. We recommend adding the “Volunteers,” “Grant Management” and “Ticketing” options.

•

Volunteer management will help with recruiting, scheduling, task assignment and follow up thank you letters with all volunteers. This will make it easier for Creative Visions to build strong, long-term relationships with all volunteers.

•

Grant management allows an organization to build structured, step-by-step approaches to earning grants through streamlining the application process and reporting on outcomes.

•

Ticketing helps with payment processing for events, seating assignments, staff task assignments, and more. This will ensure the Creative Visions annual fundraising event and other celebratory events are a success.

With the Gold plan, Creative Visions staff may also add any other “Add-On” features they feel necessary for success. The price point for this plan is also customized to the organizations needs and what “Add-Ons” are included. See our Budget on page 25 for an estimated price.

Future Recommendations Currently, Creative Visions has an online donation portal for community members to donate through Guidestar. In the future, to further integrate Sumac into the Creative Visions daily mission, Creative Visions could move their system of tracking donations to the Donation management feature of Sumac. Streamlining as many processes on one database will make efforts by the entire Creative Visions team easier and more efficient.

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Appendix 2.1.1 Public Relations Toolkit This section is a PR toolkit that you can use to reach out to media and share Creative Visions’ story. It includes a sample press release and pitch email, sample stories that you could pitch, a media list, an informational sheet and brochure about Creative Visions, cover letters for two key publics and a flowchart of best practices in a crisis. Each item is designed to be a template.

That means you can use it now as-is, and edit for future use.

Much like a construction project, you need tools to perform successful public relations. That is why we have created this tactic. By using the tools you find here, you can bolster your media relations in addition to having nice printed material to give donors, partners and clients.

Budget Press releases, emails, media list and crisis plan: $0 Information Sheet:

*This information sheet has been budgeted with the informational packet for Tactic 1.1.2

Utilization Crisis Plan Use this on the rare occasion that you encounter a public relations issue that could reflect poorly on Creative Visions. It will take you through the steps to handle the crisis in the most professional way possible.

The crisis plan is included on the flash drive as a PDF. Press release and pitch email Update the date, headline and content as necessary. Save the news release as a PDF. Copy the text from the sample pitch email and paste into the body of a new email from the Creative Visions PR email address. The subject of the email should be identical to the headline of the release. Attach the PDF of the release to the email. Send to the appropriate people on the enclosed media list.

The press release and pitch email are both included on the flash drive as a PDf and Microsoft Word file.

Informational Sheet Use this to teach media, donors and community partners about Creative Visions. Use the media cover letter (found on page 58), and mail to appropriate people.

The information sheet is included on the flash drive as a PDF and a Microsoft Word file.

Cover Letter to Media This cover letter is designed to be sent (digitally or printed) along with other items to names on the media list in order to break the ice and inform them you have information that they may be interested in.

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The cover letter is included on the flash drive as a PDF and a Microsoft Word file.

Media List A media list is imperative to build positive coverage of Creative Visions. It is important to target specific journalists in order to share Creative Visions programs and projects. This list is focused, manageable and will not only be a starting place for media coverage, but it will be a tool for Creative Visions staff to build a network in the Des Moines area. Creative Visions is doing great work. To best share their work and tell their story, they need media coverage.

This resource can be utilized to build partnerships with local media in a larger effort to build Creative Visions’ media presence. It features journalists and media outlets in the Des Moines metro with a record of covering human interest stories, community events and other relevant material.

This media list is included on the flash drive as an Excel spreadsheet with different sheets corresponding to different mediums such as television, newspapers and radio.

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Volunteer Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INSERT DATE HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION Creative Visions Human Development Institute 1343 13th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50314 Jane/John Doe | COO

P: 515.244.4003 | E: creativevisionspr@gmail.com Creative Visions Seeks Volunteers Hungry for a Challenge DES MOINES, IOWA – INSERT DATE HERE – Creative Visions Human Development Institute (Creative Visions) is seeking dedicated volunteers for their meal programs. Hot meals are served daily at the organization, and a larger meal takes place on Sundays, and are not possible without the help of volunteers. There are openings available for both programs.

“Our meal programs are our most popular service here at Creative Visions,” said Jane/John, Chief Operations Officer (COO) of Creative Visions. “If someone comes in hungry, we will serve them a meal.

Our small staff isn’t always able to take care of everybody. That’s why we depend on our volunteers.”

Volunteer shifts can range from two to four or more hours, depending on individuals’ availability. Hours are flexible, and duties can range from greeting guests to preparing or serving the meals. Creative Visions makes every effort to ensure that volunteers are given tasks that align with their individual skills and interests.

Creative Visions serves 200 hot meals every Sunday and dozens more during the week. They also keep up a fully functional food pantry and offer programs for community and personal development.

More information on programming and volunteers is available on Creative Visions’ website, www.CreativeVisionsDSM.org. Interested volunteers may also contact Jane/John at (515) 254-4003.

### About Creative Visions Creative Visions is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Des Moines, Iowa.

Founded in 1996 by Ako Abdul-Samad, Creative Visions offers a variety of community-tailored wellness, educational and skill-based programs to help strengthen individuals and communities going through hardship.

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Information Sheet

THE VISION To end the cycle of poverty by empowering members of vulnerable communities to become prosperous citizens.

THE HISTORY Creative Visions Human Development Institute was founded in 1996 in response to demonstrated need from the community. Ako Abdul-Samad saw violence as a response to poor circumstance rather than a circumstance in and of itself. He knew that work needed to be done.

Creative Visions began as a response to issues of drug use, gang violence and crime involving atrisk youth. Today, we have evolved into a community cornerstone which provides food, knowledge, and a place to gather.

THE MISSION Through community-tailored wellness, educational and skill-based programs, we help strengthen individuals and communities going through hardship. We aim to spread a greater sense of hope in our community and empower our clients to be productive and self-sufficient citizens.

THE PROGRAMMING Creative Visions offers several programs to meet a variety of needs. Selected programs include: Food Security: Sunday Feed Program, Our Daily Bread, Food Pantry Cultural Enrichment: Capital City Steppers, Quilting Classes, Guitar Classes On-Site Health Care: Weekly Free Health Screenings, Weekly Free Chiropractor Education Sponsorship: ISU 4U Promise GET INVOLVED Our volunteers run programs, assist with social media, greet guests and so much more. We have a great group of over 25 volunteers, but we are always looking for ways to expand!

PARTNERSHIPS Creative Visions forms partnerships with various organizations, both non- and for-profit. Some of our partners include Urban Dreams, Eat Greater Des Moines and Governor’s Traffic Safety Bureau. There is no typical partnership; each one is individually curated based on both parties’ needs. We are always looking for ways to expand our partnership program, so if you have an idea, contact us!

CONTACT To contact Creative Visions with questions about programming, sponsorship or media coverage, call Cynthia Hunafa, Chief Operating Officer, at (515) 244-4003.

Or, feel free to stop by! We will always make time for members of our community.

Creative Visions Human Development Institute is accredited with the Iowa Registry of Nonprofit Accountability. creativevisionsdsm.com

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Cover Letter to Media

To Whom It May Concern, I am writing to you on behalf of Creative Visions Human Development Institute. We are a nonprofit located in the Drake Neighborhood of Des Moines. We focus on human development in a variety of ways: Food Security, Cultural Enrichment, On-Site Health Care and Education Sponsorship. We also provide opportunities through tailored programs that meet our clients’ needs.

For 20 years, we have operated under the assumption that if we do the work, attention will follow. We still believe that this is a powerful tool. That said, we understand that by expanding our outreach, we can increase our exposure to potential partners, donors, and clients. This kind of exposure would enable us to extend our offerings to more people in need.

We understand that nonprofits can’t thrive without the support of their communities, and we hope that you can be instrumental in the future of Creative Visions.

Enclosed, you will find an informational sheet about the vision of our organization, our mission and history, as well as a brochure with information about our current programs.

Please use them as you see fit - let people know about us. If you decide you want to step up your involvement, contact us! We would be happy to talk about all the potential you have here.

Sincerely,

NAME Community Outreach Coordinator Creative Visions Human Development Institute 515-254-4003

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Crisis Plan Flowchart

How to deal with a crisis Step 1: Analyze the situation • •

What exactly has happened?

Is this a crisis? (See definition of a crisis above) If we do not respond, could it become a crisis?

• How many people are talking about it?

• What are they saying?

• How might the things they’re saying affect us, negatively or positively?

Step 2: Plan how to respond • •

Designate a single spokesperson so messages are not mixed.

Before we say a single word, stop to think.

• Is what we are saying false, defensive or insensitive?

• Are we blaming someone else?

Step 3: Respond • •

•

•

Respond in a timely manner • We want to control the narrative. If we wait too long, social and traditional media will take control, and we will never regain it.

Respond truthfully • If you have no information, say “we will provide information as it becomes available.”

• Never withhold important information. If we don’t admit it, it will find another way out. If we know the cause, it is best to admit to error on our part.

Respond empathetically • People are upset because they are human. Remind them that we are human too. If someone is ill, say “our hearts go out to …”

• Take responsibility. NEVER blame others for a crisis, unless there is NO chance that it is our fault.

Respond to all key stakeholders • Volunteers, staff members, board members, partners and clients are all stakeholders in Creative Visions. Community members will look to them for information. Ensure they have the same information as you are giving social and traditional media.

Step 2: Work to fix what happened • •

After taking responsibility, it is important to take action. This shows that we are an accountable, trustworthy organization.

Fortunately, most people will understand if it takes time to fix the problem if you follow the above steps carefully.

Step 2: Move on, but be vigilant • •

Keep an eye out for other potential issues.

Not every issue is a crisis, but if we see something happening that could cause a problem, it is best to stop it before it grows.

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Appendix 2.1.2 Creative Visions Brand Guidelines Brand guidelines are a set of “rules” an organization creates concerning how they use colors, typography, fonts, images, and logo usage. Brand guidelines may also include social media usage. The guidelines are a formal document that can be used internally so staff members are aware of how to create content for the organization, or externally when a community partner uses the Creative Visions’ logo on a promotional piece.

It is a formal document that helps set Creative Visions in line with a brand going forward. If all of the staff know what type of imagery to use in promotional materials and what colors to stick with, then Creative Visions has the ability to be seen as a cohesive brand.

In regards to the Creative Visions logo, Ako and the rest of the staff held a strong preference for keeping the current logo. We recommend no change to the logo because of this, only more use of it throughout branded materials.

This Brand Guidelines document is included in the flash drive.

Brand History Over 20 years ago, Ako Abdul-Samad formed Creative Visions to address the issue of gang violence in low-income neighborhoods in Des Moines. Today, it has expanded its services into four categories: Food Security, Cultural Enrichment, On-Site Health Care and Education Sponsorship.

Vision To end the cycle of poverty by empowering members of vulnerable communities to become prosperous citizens.

Mission Through community-tailored wellness, educational and skill-based programs, we help strengthen individuals and communities going through hardship. We aim to spread a greater sense of hope in our community and empower our clients to be productive and selfsufficient citizens.

Tagline Building a brighter tomorrow for our community today.

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Logo Meaning The current logo has a direct tie into the vision, mission and tagline behind Creative Visions. For over 20 years, Creative Visions has helped at-risk community members re-establish themselves and find themselves on positive tracks of life by showing them who they can become.

Acceptable Usage The color of the Creative Visions logo are not to be changed. Both the horizontal and vertical versions include a dark purple border, allowing usage on most colors.

The space around the logo should, at minimum, be the height of the capital c in the logo on all sides. This also acts as the minimum space needed when placing the logo near similar colors.

If needed, the logo may be used in black and white when budget does not allow for color.

Unacceptable Usage Either logo is never to be placed on a background that is a dark color or similar in shade to the dark purple within the logo currently. The color of the logo itself is also never to be changed.

The logo must not be stretched or shrunk in distortion that allows it to fit a specific space. If the logo does not fit, then allow more space for the logo.

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Font Print The fonts used for all print pieces will be Minion Pro and Gill Sans. Minion Pro is easily read by all ages and is a serif. Because it is a serif, it is more legible than most typefaces and lends itself best to being body copy font. Gill Sans is a san-serif that pairs well with Minion Pro and is easily read. Both of these fonts come pre-installed on most computers and are readily available on Microsoft Word.

Titles, subtitles and headlines should utilize Gill Sans. All body text should be in Minion Pro. When writing out “Creative Visions�, Gills Sans Regular should be used to best match the logo.

No italics or bold should be used for the name of the organization.

Minion Pro

Gill Sans

Through community-tailored wellness, educational and skill-based programs, we help strengthen individuals and communities going through hardship. We aim to spread a greater sense of hope in our community and empower our clients to be productive and self-sufficient citizens.

Through community-tailored wellness, educational and skill-based programs, we help strengthen individuals and communities going through hardship. We aim to spread a greater sense of hope in our community and empower our clients to be productive and self-sufficient citizens.

Digital The font for any digital pieces, including the website, will be in Roboto. Roboto is easily accessible as a free download from Google Fonts with a wide range of styles. It is a san-serif that is distinguishable for its tall height and easy legibility on a screen.

For items that are to be distributed in print and digitally, use Minion Pro and Gill Sans. Both fonts are legible digitally and individuals will have no issue with reading the material. A digital font is best used for a website or anything solely digital.

Roboto Through community-tailored wellness, educational and skill-based programs, we help strengthen individuals and communities going through hardship.

We aim to spread a greater sense of hope in our community and empower our clients to be productive and self-sufficient citizens.

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Colors Primary Color The color to be used as a first choice in all materials is a dark purple that matches the main color in the Creative Visions logo.

Secondary Color A light purple should be utilized to accent the dark purple. Uses of this secondary color could be useful for headlines (as seen in this brand guide) or as an accent color to break up all of the purple and white.

Tertiary Color If a third color is allowed and deemed necessary to break up all of the purple and white, then this bright blood orange should be used. This color was chosen to contrast the deep purples found in the Creative Visions brand already and to allow a visual break for viewers who may be looking at a marketing material. Not only does this color contrast against the deep purple, but it is also a bright color that injects some personality into the brand and is refreshing. This color can be used to shift to a new subject, as an accent color, or as a way to limit eye strain in an all purple and white piece.

Dark Purple C78 M96 Y38 K36 R67 G31 B78 Hex #431f4e

Pastel Purple C32 M37 Y15 K0 R177 G159 B182 Hex #b19fb6

Bright Orange C0 M84 Y94 K0 R240 G81 B42 Hex #f0502a

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Imagery Acceptable Imagery As a nonprofit, Creative Visions should be depicting the clientele they support in all marketing materials, including their website and social media pages. By showcasing current and past clients, potential clients will feel comfortable walking into Creative Visions for the first time if they have already seen a similar demographic to themselves in Creative Visions marketing materials. Staff and volunteers should also be used, but not as frequently as clients.

Unacceptable Imagery Photos should showcase the programs and activities of the organization at all times, or should be photos showing a client in a positive light such as a headshot or action shot. Photos featuring other programs or organizations should not be used to promote Creative Visions unless it is a defined partnership.

Photos of staff and leadership of Creative Visions should only be used if they are meant to be showcasing the staff and leadership. Using these figure heads in everyday materials can create a distance between potential clients seeing and Creative Visions. Clients should be featured as much as possible to allow a potential client to picture themself utilizing Creative Visions.

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Appendix 2.1.3 Potential Community Partnerships Creative Visions joins community partnership groups such as the Des Moines Downtown and Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce and Iowa Shares. Joining these groups will expand the network and reach of Creative Visions.

Creative Visions should join community partnership groups such as the Des Moines Downtown and Des Moines West Side Chambers of Commerce and Iowa Shares. Joining community groups is a great way to network within the Des Moines community and identify new donors and volunteers. People use chamber of commerces as a resource. With Creative Visions on that list, more people will be able to help Creative Visions. Joining other partnerships with United Way of Central Iowa and Iowa Shares would also benefit Creative Visions as it will potentially create additional programs and recruit new volunteers. These types of partnerships are important for Creative Visions because they will help promote the agenda of the organization.

How to Get Involved Getting involved with these groups is as easy as applying and paying dues in order to be affiliated with the organization. Attached are the steps for becoming contributors to the Des Moines Downtown and Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce, United Way of Central Iowa and Iowa Shares.

Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce Joining a chamber of commerce would be beneficial for Creative Visions because it consists of a group of organizations in the Des Moines area. The Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce is the chamber that geographically matches with Creative Visions. There is a fee of $275 and an application to be a member of the West Side Chamber of Commerce.

The application and more information can be found on their website, http://www. desmoineswestsidechamber.org.

Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce Even though Creative Visions is not located in the downtown area, they can still be affiliated with the Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce. The membership dues for the Downtown Chamber of Commerce is $225. Being an affiliate is only available for an organization that is already a member of another local Greater Des Moines area chamber, so in order to be registered, Creative Visions would have to become a member of the Des Moines West Side Chamber of Commerce first. If there are any questions regarding the Des Moines Downtown Chamber of Commerce you can call 515-309-3229 Ext. 1 or email members@DTchamber.com.

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Iowa Shares Iowa Shares is a statewide group of social change, environmental and cultural nonprofit organizations. Creative Visions fits the description of an organization that would be partnered with Iowa Shares and through this partnership people can donate to Creative Visions. The process for becoming an organization with Iowa Shares has a few requirements: you must be a 501 (c) 3 organization, be in existence for a minimum of two years, have a nondiscrimination policy and limit fundraising and administrative costs to 25% or less of your organization’s budget. If you are eligible, follow these steps: 1. Email their Program Coordinator, Holly Hart, at holly@iowashares.org to receive an application to join. You may also request to meet with an Iowa Shares representative to learn more about Iowa Shares. You can contact the Iowa Shares office at 319-338-1446.

2. After filling out and returning the application, their Membership Chair will contact you to set up a quick presentation. This presentation is a short 10-15 minute discussion between your organization and their board of directors. They meet via ICN sites to accommodate several locations.

3. Immediately following your presentation, the Iowa Shares board of directors will vote on acceptance and you will be notified within three days by an Iowa Shares representative of the outcome.

4. All approved organizations are eligible to participate in the following years’ workplace giving campaign to receive unrestricted funds.

United Way of Central Iowa Another organization we want to suggest is United Way of Central Iowa. United Way of Central Iowa is another organization that helps nonprofits with funding, but it also unites other nonprofits, businesses and other community officials to help make central Iowa a better place.

On their website there are ways that you can get involved with advocating for certain causes. To receive more details on advocating or becoming a partner, call 515-246-6500 or email them at contactus@unitedwaydm.org.

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Appendix 2.2.1 New Website An organization can no longer exist solely in the physical world; every brand also needs an established online presence. As Creative Visions works to build a brand beyond founder and CEO Ako, the nonprofit needs to also create a website that can act as the fulcrum of this increasingly important online presence. Creative Visions’ current website does not fulfill this purpose. It is not compatible with mobile phones, relies heavily on text and is difficult for users to navigate. A new, optimized website would enable Creative Visions to better communicate the organizational mission and create a solid online presence.

For the above reasons, bluePRint has created a brand new website for Creative Visions. This website can completely replace the current Creative Visions website. It incorporates all of the information from the previous website, along with updating any necessary content. In addition, it features new, more modern communication tools such as an explainer video, mobile-friendly adaptability, a heavy emphasis on pictures and direct plugins to social media sites. This new website also incorporates Creative Visions’ new brand guidelines to maintain brand image cohesiveness. Finally, the hosting website, Wix, is also incredibly user friendly and will allow for the Creative Visions staff to continue to make improvements and updates to the site for years to come. This new website lays the foundation for Creative Visions to establish a unique and clear brand online.

Implementation When rolling out this new website, Creative Visions must first purchase the “Unlimited” level Premium Plan from the website host, Wix. This plan offers unlimited bandwidth and storage, an ad-free domain address, removes Wix-related ads, and offers several additional applications to the site that could be used in the future. This plan is $14 a month, which is an investment in establishing an online hub for all future Creative Visions communication endeavors. This plan can be purchased by logging into your Wix account through www.Wix.com with the login information found in Appendix 2.2.1. Once you purchase this plan, you will have complete ownership of our recommended domain, www.creativevisionsdsm.com, which corresponds with all other deliverables in this plan.

To create this website, we also created a Gmail account for you. This account is currently where all inquiries submitted through the site are directed to. If you would like to use a different email address for this, that edit can easily be made through Wix. To login to this Creative Visions Gmail account: Visit www.google.com/gmail/ Use the below log in information: 1. Email: creativevisionspr@gmail.com 2. Password: creativevisions12345

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To login to the new Creative Visions website, follow these steps: 1. Visit www.wix.com 2. Select “Sign In” in the top right-hand corner 3. Use the below log in information: • Email: creativevisionspr@gmail.com • Password: creativevisions12345 4. Once you are in the back-end of the site, to edit your site, select “Manage & Edit” on the lefthand side of the screen 5. Here you can make any edits to the website in addition to migrating your current domain to this new website, which was explaned previously

Screenshots

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Appendix 2.2.2 Creative Visions Facebook How-To Guide In our increasingly digital world, social media is an incredible free tool for organizations to quickly disseminate information and build relationships with key publics. If done well, social media enables a nonprofit to easily notify clients of upcoming events and opportunities, share information about the organization and further engage any key publics. It is key to building relationships with current and future clients, community partners, donors and volunteers that Creative Visions establishes a unique and powerful presence on social media. This free communication tool will be instrumental in Creative Visions laying the foundation for the organization’s success long after Ako’s retirement.

Below we will walk through a series of steps and strategies to re-establishing Creative Visions’ social media presence. This is also a formal document that is included in the flash drive.

Establishing Creative Visions’ Brand Voice A brand voice is created with the language and tone used in an organization’s social media posts and must be reflective of the organization. A brand voice makes it easier for key publics to interact with an organization online because it makes the brand more approachable, friendly and easy to understand. Creative Visions’ current brand voice on social media (Facebook) is informative and many of the posts come directly from Ako’s personal account.

As Creative Visions begins branding itself as an organization beyond the efforts of the sole founder, the nonprofit needs to develop a distinct and unique brand voice.

As a nonprofit, Creative Visions focuses on fostering and caring for their clients and the Des Moines community. The brand voice should be an extension of that mission and come across as comforting while still informative when needed. For example, when posting, Creative Visions should envision the post is directed at an Aunt or Cousin - a person you care about deeply but might not see on a regular basis. This means your interactions with them are coming from a place of love but you often spend most of your conversations catching up on the details of your lives that you may have missed. Examples of this type of brand voice include: •

“Thank you all for coming out to Creative Visions tonight for our Sunday Feed. Remember, our door is always open!”

•

“Are you in need of a physical? Come into Creative Visions Wednesday, March 7 for a free physical (and a smile)!”

Best Social Media Platforms for Creative Visions Facebook Through our research, it became clear that Creative Visions has established a presence on several social media platforms in the past. Moving forward, bluPRint recommends Creative Visions only uses the social media platform Facebook. bluePRint primarily recommends Facebook because of the “community environment” developed on the platform. Facebook is one of the largest and most diverse social media sites right now. With such an immense site, it is important to ensure that Creative Visions is still able to effectively reach its key publics in

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the Des Moines Community. According to Pew Research Center, 68 percent of the American population is on Facebook. This means there is a great likelihood that Creative Visions’ variety of key publics are also on Facebook, making it an excellent platform to reach these individuals.

Facebook also offers businesses and users dozens of different capabilities to post and interact with others. Organizations like Creative Visions can post updates from recent events and programs, upload pictures, create online events, network with other organizations in the community and much more. It is also incredibly easy for followers to comment, share and reach out to Creative Visions with any questions or concerns they may have.

Instagram Instagram is a social media platform that is huge in today’s social media world, but bluePRint’s recommendation is not to use Instagram for now. Unlike Facebook or Twitter, Instagram is a social media platform that is centered around pictures. Currently Creative Visions does not have the database of photos necessary to post original content three times a week, but in the future this platform that could be useful.

Twitter Seventy-nine percent of Twitter’s users live outside of the United States, meaning a large majority of Twitter users are not Creative Visions’ current target audience. Therefore, it does not make strategic sense for Creative Visions to continue using the platform. The effort is better spent trying to reach Creative Visions’ target publics on platforms these publics are actually using, such as Facebook.

Overseeing the Facebook Account It is recommended that only one Creative Visions staff member oversees the Facebook account. If there is more than one person with access to the account, an inconsistency with brand voice can develop, there may be overlap in postings and posts or events may never actually be created because there is no distinct delegation of tasks. For these reasons, we recommend only one Creative Visions staff member manages the Creative Visions’ Facebook account. In addition, this individual should monitor the Facebook account daily for posts, responding to user comments and maintaining the brand image.

As an organization, Creative Visions must respond to all messages on social media. There is currently a low number of comments on Creative Visions’ Facebook page, making responding to every comment achievable.

How to Answer Questions A Facebook user may post on the Creative Visions Facebook page, comment on a post or directly message Creative Visions asking a question. Be sure to respond promptly, clearly answer the question in the brand voice and close by asking if they have any other follow up questions. If they do not, thank them and tell them you hope they have a great rest of their day.

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How to handle a positive comment Comments may be made by clients about how much they love Creative Visions or how they appreciate all the work that Creative Visions does. Responding to these comments would simply require thanking them for their support and you hope to continue to see them at Creative Visions. Responding to comments should be done on a daily basis, preferably as the comments are made, but responding at the end of the work day would also be fine.

How to handle a Negative Comment When there is a negative comment or post on Creative Visions’ Facebook page, it must be dealt with immediately. Not responding to negative feedback can have a ripple effect, discouraging other people from continuing to engage with Creative Visions.

An example of a negative comment towards Creative Visions could be, “I went to Creative Visions last week and received stale food.” A response to this concern should be, “I am sorry for your current concern. We strive to provide our community with the highest-quality service and would like to resolve this issue with you directly. Please provide your prefered email or direct message us through Facebook’s Messenger app. We look forward to hearing from you.”

After getting in contact with the person with a problem or concern, try to address the problem that they encounter. Answer their questions to the best of your ability, and if you are unsure on an answer to their question, find the answer and make sure you give them facts instead of speculations. The brand voice is especially important here, you do not want to lose your temper or sound irrational with an already upset individual.

Posting on the Facebook Account What to Post on Facebook Creative Visions’ Facebook posts should be a natural extension of the organization: post about the programs, staff members and volunteers and other opportunities for the community to get involved. The posts must utilize Creative Visions’ established brand voice and include visually appealing pictures. Posts with pictures receive much more engagement (likes, comments and shares from other Facebook users) than posts without, so be sure to include quality photos whenever possible.

Another component to think about when posting is this: will it engage the Creative Visions audience? Receiving engagement on posts is an excellent way to gauge if your message is resonating with your key publics (donors, community partners, volunteers, etc...).

Other general content ideas include: •

Holidays (all)

•

Events

•

Reminding about upcoming programs

•

Staff Spotlights

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•

Volunteer spotlights

•

Board meeting recaps

•

Shoutouts to community partners

•

Promoting community partner events

•

A new community partner/something cool the partner is doing

•

“A day in the life” at Creative Visions

•

A new update to the building location

•

General posts about donations and volunteering and programs (“in the moment” photos and captions)

When to Post According to Hootsuite, an online social media management tool, the best time to post on Facebook is between noon and 3 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday and Sunday between noon and 1 p.m. With those days and times in mind, you should post on Tuesday, Thursday and Sundays between the hours of noon and 3 p.m.

How to Schedule Posts on Facebook If posting content on a regular basis is too time consuming or difficult, you can schedule posts in advance through Facebook. The instructions below are a step-by-step guide on how to schedule a post.

1. Start creating your post at the top of your Page’s Timeline.

2. Click the dropdown button (arrow) next to “Publish” and select Schedule.

3. Below Publication, select the date and time when you want the post to publish.

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4. Click Schedule.

How to reschedule, edit, or delete a scheduled post on Facebook: 1. Click Publishing Tools at the top of your Page.

2. Click Scheduled Posts in the left column.

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3. Click the post you want to edit

4. Click Edit to edit the post, or click the dropdown button to choose to publish, reschedule or delete it

When to Share Posts on Creative Visions page made by other Facebook Users As a general rule, Creative Visions’ Facebook posts should consist of original content (posts made by the Creative Visions account). In the event that you do share a post from another user, it should be made for a specific reason. An appropriate situation to share someone else’s post would be when they directly mention an event that Creative Visions held or mention Creative Visions in a positive way. Individuals or pages that the Creative Visions Facebook page should share should consist of mainly community partners or clients or volunteers sharing positive Creative Visions reviews. Exceptions can be made when certain social media campaigns are in progress, such as the #ThanksAko campaign, when the purpose of the campaign is to share posts made by others.

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Facebook Events Using Facebook to promote events will play a large role in Creative Visions’ promotion plans for events. There should be specific instructions for each event included in the PR plan on when to create the Facebook page for an event. But, as a general rule, as soon as the date and details of an event are set, Creative Visions should create a Facebook Event as a “save the date” to notify key publics about the upcoming event. This Facebook Event page can then be used in the weeks leading up to the event to post reminders to people who have RSVP’d to the event, get them excited and update them on any event changes.

Why Make a Facebook Event?

Facebook is a great social media platform to use to connect with the community. Creating a Facebook Event is easy and can help raise awareness of the event, boost attendance, as well as track the number of people coming. The social aspect of a Facebook Event page is also useful because people can comment right on the event page with any questions or comments regarding the event. A Facebook Event should be made one to two months before the event.

This will give your guests time to plan for the event, as well as time to advertise in and outside of the event page.

When thinking about who to invite to the Facebook event, think first about what type of event is being held and what key publics it is aimed at (community partners, donors, volunteers, etc.). Once these questions have been answered, it is easy to invite people who have “liked” the Creative Visions Facebook page or may be in your own personal network.

The instructions below show how to create a Facebook event.

1. Click “Events” in the left sidebar of your News Feed.

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2. Click “+ Create Event” on the left side.

3. Click to choose between a private or public event (unless the event is exclusive, the event should always be set to public). If you’re creating a public event, you can set the event’s host as yourself or a page you manage. You are not able to change the privacy settings once you’ve created the event.

4. Fill in the event name, details, location and time. If you’re creating a public event, you can:

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•

Add multiple dates and times.

•

Select a category for your event.

•

Add keywords about your event.

•

Add a link to a ticketing website for your event.

•

Be as specific as you can about the event. Don’t be afraid of putting too much information. You can also add a picture for the event image. Make sure the picture

is visually appealing as this will most likely be the first thing guests will be looking at when RSVPing to your event.

5. Click Create.

•

You’ll be taken to your event page where you can invite guests, upload photos, share posts and edit event details.

Facebook Editorial Calendar This is a calendar spanning the month of June 2018. Below are four weeks of Facebook posts that include three prewritten posts per week and a photo suggestion. Feel free to use this at the recommended days and time, or move them around to your needs.

The best times to post on Facebook are between noon and 3 p.m. The posts below are recommended to be posted on Sundays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays to space them out.

Sunday, June 3 •

(Photo of Sunday Feed) Today is our Sunday Feed at Creative Visions from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. If you are in need of a warm meal and a smile, come on over!

Tuesday, June 5 •

(Photo of Ako) Today we are starting a spotlight on our CEO and founder, Ako AbdulSamad. {Insert Ako’s bio}

Thursday, June 7 •

(Photo of Capital City Steppers) Get your dancing shoes ready because the Capital City Steppers will be meeting at 7 p.m. at Creative Visions! We hope to see you here!

Sunday, June 10 •

(Photo of Sunday Feed) Don’t forget today is Sunday and that means Sunday Feed at Creative Visions from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.! Come by for a hot meal and a smile! If you would like to volunteer, email or direct message us for details!

Tuesday, June 12 •

(Photo of the Cynthia) To continue our staff spotlight, we will be learning about Cynthia Hunafa! Cynthia is retiring this year after 10 years on the team. {Insert Cynthia’s bio}

Thursday, June 14 •

(Photo of volunteers) Are you looking to volunteer and help out the Des Moines community? How about volunteer at Creative Visions! Check out our website {hyperlink to website}, email or direct message us for more information about ways to get involved!

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Sunday, June 17 •

(Photo of Sunday Feed) It’s Sunday and we wants to see some hungry smiling faces today for our Sunday Feed! We’d like to thank HyVee and Gilroy’s Kitchen + Pub + Patio for their support and food donations! We are serving food from 5 p.m.-7 p.m.!

Tuesday, June 19 •

(Photo of Ivette) To round off our staff spotlight, get to know Ivette Muhammad. {Insert Ivette’s bio}

Thursday, June 21 •

(Photo of Sunday Feed) Today is our Sunday Feed at Creative Visions from 5 p.m.-7 p.m. A huge thanks this week to Eat Greater Des Moines, who help us “rescue” food that would otherwise go to waste!

Sunday, June 24 •

(Photo of nurse working) Are you feeling sick? Is your back hurting? If you answered yes to either of those, come in for our free health clinic or chiropractor visit Wednesday from noon-5 p.m.

Tuesday, June 26 •

(Photo of food pantry) Here is a reminder that Creative Visions’ food pantry is open every day during business hours!

Monday-Thursday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m.

Friday & Saturday: Closed Sunday: 5-7 p.m.

Thursday, June 28 •

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(Photo of volunteers) Today we’d like to thank all of the hard working volunteers that come out to support the vision! We would not be here today without the love and support they show each day!

Example Facebook Responses

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Appendix 2.2.3 Explainer Video Through research conducted in fall 2017, it became clear that many of Creative Visions’ key publics struggle to truly understand the mission and objectives of the organization. Creative Visions needs a communication tool that can easily fill this need and properly educate all of their publics. With our world being dominated by online connections, creating a video is a great solution to fill this need. bluePRint is recommending Creative Visions use the already created explainer video we are providing as a main tool in effectively communicating the mission of the organization. An explainer video is new, engaging and trending piece of digital media that is widely used to educate the viewer on the chosen topic. These videos are often short and digestible for the viewer, making it easier to understand the message.

Creative Visions’ explainer video will be used on the homepage of the website to keep visitors engaged on the site.

A copy of this video is available on the flash drive provided.

Screenshots

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Appendix 2.2.4 Volunteer Photographer Empower a volunteer to be in charge of all photography for Creative Visions at events, daily activities and programs. This volunteer may need a camera.

In the past, Creative Visions has posted pictures of the organization that largely focus on the founder, Ako. As the nonprofit begins transitioning away from Ako’s leadership, there also needs to be a focus on public-facing content showcasing the entire organization, not just Ako. Having a bank of photographs spotlighting the organization as a whole will also help when executing social media campaigns, keeping the website up-to-date and when publishing new pieces of collateral. We also understand that Creative Visions’ has a limited budget as a nonprofit. For this reason, we are recommending empowering someone from directly inside the organization to step up, use their talents and begin overseeing photography for the organization.

Creative Visions’ Photographer Job Description •

Experience taking quality photography beyond personal pictures

•

Routinely attends and volunteers at several Creative Visions events

•

Has a passion for Creative Visions

•

Can dedicate 5-10 hours per month to taking pictures

•

Access to Creative Visions’ computer to upload images

•

If an individual also has photo editing experience, that is a benefit

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Appendix 2.3.1 Quarterly Newsletter In order to communicate regularly and effectively with community partners, donors, volunteers and clients, Creative Visions should create a quarterly digital newsletter. This will be sent out through Sumac and will share updates on programs, any changes, staff spotlights and will include a calendar of upcoming events and volunteer opportunities. Along with being emailed, the newsletter will also be uploaded to Creative Visions’ website. This will allow for individuals who may not be on the email list to access the newsletter and see what is happening at Creative Visions.

Information to Always Include Message from the CEO This section will be the introduction to the newsletter. It is written by the CEO in first-person. It will share ideas about Creative Visions and inspire readers to get involved. It always ends with a sign off from the CEO. Program Updates This section includes updates on new programs that Creative Visions has started in the past quarter. If there are not any new programs, then it will highlight an existing program. The highlight will include a brief background on the program, explain its purpose and share recent information or statistics about the program (i.e. how many participants there are a week or quarter or a success story related to the program). Include at least one photo of the program in action.

Upcoming Events This section highlights upcoming events within the next quarter. It will include fundraising events, community partnership events or any other special events. Information about events should include a short description, date, time, location and how to purchase tickets, if they are sold. If there are no planned events for the next quarter, this section can remain a smaller half-size text box near the bottom of the newsletter (across from “Get Involved With Creative Visions”). If there are no additional events the name, date and time of regular programs can be included.

Get Involved with Creative Visions This section shares contact information and specific volunteer and donation opportunities when applicable. It should always include Creative Visions’ email and phone number.

Additional Topics to Consider Client, Staff or Volunteer Spotlight This section would include the photo and name of a client, former client, volunteer or staff member. Underneath the photo there will be a description of their relationship with Creative Visions. If it is a client, the description should focus on which programs he or she is a part of and how those programs have benefitted him or her. It can also include a fun fact and a quote from the featured person about their experiences with Creative Visions.

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Success Story This section will focus on one success from the past quarter. Ideally this will be related to a program, successful event, an increase in volunteers or a new community partnership. This may be the only source for newsletter subscribers to hear about success from the past quarter, so don’t be afraid to brag about what Creative Visions has accomplished.

Member of the Board of Directors Spotlight This section would include the photo and name of a current member of the board that has provided an extra helping hand to the organization over the past quarter. There should be a brief description of the board member’s job title outside of Creative Visions, his or her connection to Creative Visions and possibly a quote about what his or her experience with Creative Visions has been like or what he or she has liked the most.

Holiday Donations This section should be included during the final quarterly newsletter of the calendar year. It will be sent out at the start of December, so this section should focus on the benefits of donating to Creative Visions. It should encourage readers to make a donation to Creative Visions in the name of a loved one in the upcoming holiday season. It should explain why donations are vital to the success of the organization and should thank current donors.

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Appendix 2.3.2 Open House Event Creative Visions has always had an open door policy, yet many members of the community are unaware of where it is located or the specific programs offered. Creative Visions hosting an Open House event at the organization’s building and providing personal tours of the facility and showcasing the programs they offer will help educate and inform key publics about what Creative Visions does. This annual event can also be used as a chance to get to know the staff, volunteers and community partners better and highlight the most successful programs Creative Visions offers and future plans for the organization.

Event Plan When In 2018, the event will take place on Friday, August 24, from 2-5 p.m.

Who This event will target current and potential volunteers, current donors and community partners.

The goals of this event will include recruiting more volunteers and clients and becoming more transparent to donors and community partners. Individual email invitations will be sent to current volunteers, community partners and donors and Facebook advertising and flyers will reach potential volunteers and donors.

Where Creative Visions Facility 1343 13th St, Des Moines, IA 50314

How Volunteer Coordination Contact volunteers about three months prior to the event date. Ask for a specific volunteer to step up and take on majority of responsibilities for the event.

Responsibilities for the head volunteer will include: •

Coordinating building tours and what to include in them.

•

Using the Creative Visions database, Sumac, to email current volunteers, community partners and donors, and invite them to the Open House.

•

Creating and delegating the making of the fun-fact sheets about staff and volunteers.

•

Placing the appetizer order with Hy-Vee and picking up the food on day of the event.

•

Organizing where tables are to be placed for the program and bake sale and delegating which volunteers will make the program poster board and the large “Bake Sale” signage.

•

Ordering and labeling place cards for the bake sale table.

•

Ordering print copies of the Open House flyer from OfficeMax.

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•

Delegating volunteers to visit local bakeries and cafes to distribute the open house flyers.

•

Communicate with whomever runs the Creative Visions Facebook account to coordinate Facebook advertising campaign.

Tours of Creative Visions •

Head volunteer will assign two to three other volunteers who are dedicated to giving tours of Creative Visions, highlighting the kitchen, artwork that has special meaning to Creative Visions and the wall of famous people who have visited Creative Visions.

“Get to Know the Staff and Volunteers” •

Have volunteer(s) create “fun-fact” sheets on printer paper or construction paper to post around Creative Visions highlighting staff members and volunteers, what they do at Creative Visions, and what their hobbies are.

•

Three to six fact sheets around the main hall.

•

Use white printing paper and colorful markers to make the signs stand out.

Bake Sale •

Aside from catering small plates and appetizers, a bake sale is always a great way to raise some money while providing different kinds of dessert for guests.

•

This will have a paper banner that will hang off the side of a long rectangular table that reads “Bake Sale” and place cards that say the individual price of each bakery item.

•

Head volunteer will assign about 3-4 volunteers to run the bake sale.

•

Bake sale entries can be from anyone (staff, volunteers, clients, local bakeries, etc.). This will be highlighted on Facebook posts advertising the open house and bake sale and during the visits to local bakeries asking for bakery item donations.

Programs Table •

Have a table on the stage dedicated to highlighting the current programs at Creative Visions. This table would ideally be run by a few volunteers and clients of Creative Visions that participate in the programs, assigned by the head volunteer.

•

This would have a large poster board detailing all of their current programs, with pictures that show people enjoying the programs and exactly what they do. The head volunteer will delegate other volunteers to make this poster.

•

At this table, there should be a signup sheet for people interested in the programs offered and/or a volunteer signup sheet.

At the Door •

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When people come in the door, be sure each of them “signs in” and includes their names and email addresses and if they would like to receive the quarterly newsletter.

Creative Visions

OPEN HOUSE AND BAKE SALE Friday, August 24, 2018 2:00 – 5:00 p.m.

Creative Visions 1343 13th St. Des Moines, IA 50314

Any donated bakery items are greatly appreciated.

CreativeVisionsDSM.com

Timeline Tentative Date for Open House: Friday, August 24 from 2-5 p.m.

May 15, 2018 •

Post flyer advertising Open House on social media channels, ask for volunteers in the caption and mention Bake Sale.

•

Print out flyers and deliver to community partners, such as CFUM, YMCA and Des Moines Library to hang on community/informational boards.

June 15, 2018 •

Start recruiting volunteers for the event, send out emails to current volunteers and donors.

Will need approximately 8-10 volunteers.

•

Post flyer about Open House on social media channels, ask for volunteers in the caption AND highlight the Bake Sale, adding anyone can donate a bakery item.

July 15, 2018 •

Ask a volunteer to start to create “Fact Sheets” about Creative Visions staff and volunteers to hang around hall. Use various colors of paper.

•

Post flyer about Open House on social media, highlighting the Bake Sale and that anyone is welcome to donate a bakery item.

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•

Print out flyers and hang them around local coffee shops and parks on informational boards.

August 1, 2018 •

Visit local bakery shops, give them an Open House flyer and ask if they would be willing to donate any bakery items for the bake sale.

•

Create a poster board, highlighting current programs and activities that Creative Visions offers.

•

Use a large roll of construction paper, have either a volunteer or staff member write out “Bake Sale” in large letters to hang over the Bake Sale table.

August 10, 2018 •

Call Hy-Vee Catering services to place appetizer order (found in Open House event plan).

•

Start Facebook advertising campaign, start date of August 10 and end date of August 24.

•

Post flyer about Open House on social media channels, highlight that it is in exactly two weeks and add that anyone is welcome to donate a bakery item.

•

Buy or order place cards to write prices on for Bake Sale.

August 15, 2018 •

Gather the 2-3 volunteers and walk through the tours they will be giving at the Open House event, tell them what to highlight, so they all sound cohesive.

August 23, 2018 •

Hang “Fact Sheets” about the staff and volunteers around the banquet area in Creative Visions.

•

Set up two long tables, one for bakery and one for small appetizers. Hang the “Bake Sale” banner across one of the long tables.

•

Set up a smaller table on the stage of Creative Visions and place the poster board about Creative Visions programs on it.

•

Write Bake Sale prices on place cards, place table coverings over two round tables seating about seven people, and on bake sale and appetizer tables. Set out paper plates and utensils on bake sale and appetizer table.

August 24, 2018 •

Pick up catered food from Hy-Vee at 12:30 p.m.

•

Ask volunteers to arrive at 1:15 p.m. and place in bake sale, program table and touring areas.

•

If any bakeries donated items, pick up by noon.

•

2 p.m. doors open and tours begin. Each tour should last around 20 minutes.

•

Last tour should be no later than 4:30 p.m.

•

5 p.m. doors close. Volunteers stay to help with cleanup.

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Appendix 2.3.3 Community Partner Sunday Feed Programs The Sunday Feed Program is one of Creative Visions most developed programs and would be a great opportunity to further-involve Creative Visions’ current community partners. bluePRint is recommending to invite community partners to volunteer during this program.

Through volunteering they would be able to get an inside look at Creative Visions. This would be beneficial because from our research in the fall, it became clear that current community partners did not have a comprehensive understanding of what Creative Visions does. Inviting groups of individuals from different community partners to volunteer at the Sunday Feed Program would give them the opportunity to learn about the Creative Visions’ programs and what the organization truly does. It will also demonstrate to the community partners that Creative Visions wants the partnership to continue and to grow stronger.

Current Community Partners Children and Family Urban Movement •

Contact: Janelle Mueller, Director of Family and Community Engagement

Des Moines Public Library •

Contact: Sue Woody, Community Engagement Manager

Eat Greater Des Moines •

Contact: Aubrey Alvarez, Executive Director

Food Bank of Iowa •

Contact: Lexi Prigge, Regional Partnership Coordinator

Lutheran Services In Iowa •

Contact: Dan Bowser, Community Garden Associate

Urban Dreams •

Contact: Izaah Knox, Associate Director of Urban Dreams

Volunteer Coordinator Before planning the event, reach out to all volunteers and see if anyone would be willing to take this event over. This is a great way to empower a volunteer and make them feel like they are an important asset to Creative Visions. It will give them experience in working at a higher-level in a nonprofit, along with reducing the workload placed on the current Creative Visions staff.

Email Invitation •

Sending an email invitation to the community partners is vital to the success of the event.

This invitation should explain the importance of learning more about Creative Visions and what they can offer them. It should also explain what the volunteers would be doing. This email should be sent on September 10 with pictures from the Sunday Feed.

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•

Send this email out using current volunteer contact information with Sumac.

•

When sending out these emails after 2018 Q3, be sure to update the corresponding dates.

•

Assign each community partner a date when sending out the initial email.

Example Email Invitation Dear John Doe, Creative Visions invites you to volunteer at the Sunday Feed Dinner. We are asking that you bring 2-3 volunteers from your organization. This is a great way for your organization to learn a little bit more about Creative Visions and meet some of our great clients. The Sunday Feed takes place every Sunday from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. Volunteers would need to arrive at 3:30 p.m. to help set up and prepare the food.

Please respond to this email and let us know if you would be interested in helping out this summer. Your organization would be assigned to volunteer on September 23. If this date does not work for your organization, please let us know a Sunday between September 23 and October 28 that would work. If you have any questions feel free to email or call us at _______. We look forward to hearing from you.

Best regards, Creative Visions team Follow Up If the community partner has not responded by September 17, give them a follow-up phone call. In this call ask if they would be interested in volunteering at the Sunday Feed and explain to them what it is.

Confirmation Email If the community partner has decided that they would like to participate, it is important to send a confirmation email.

Example Confirmation Email Dear John Doe, Thank you for choosing to volunteer at the Sunday Feed on ____. We look forward to seeing you at 3:30 p.m. Feel free to reach out if you have any questions before then.

Best regards, Creative Visions team

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Day of the Sunday Feed Event Make sure to give the volunteers a tour of Creative Visions and talk about the mission, vision and programs. Ask if they have any questions and let them know the process of becoming a volunteer. Take a picture of the group volunteering and send it to them via email. Encourage them to post it to their organizations’ social media as well as their personal accounts and to tag Creative Visions.

After the Event Follow Up Email Send a follow up email thanking the organization for their time and letting them know Creative Visions is open to partnering with them for events in the future. In this email attach the image that was taken of the volunteers.

Example Follow Up Email Dear John Doe, Thank you for donating your time with Creative Visions. We had so much fun with your organization and hope that you learned more about Creative Visions. Please let us know if you would like to volunteer in the future or partner with Creative Visions for an event.

In addition, please let us know if you would ever need any support from our team here with the execution of one of your events.

Best regards, The Creative Visions team Social Media Post Posting this event on social media is a great way to show that Creative Visions has partnerships with others in the community. By encouraging the other organization to post on their social media, Creative Visions will be able to reach a broader audience that they do not have access to. It is pertinent to get a photo from the Sunday Feed to engage Creative Visions’ followers.

Example Social Media Post (Image) Thank you so much to the (number) volunteers from (organization). They helped us at our Sunday Feed program and were awesome! (Number) neighbors ate well today.

Timeline This timeline was created specifically for Quarter 3 in 2018. This timeline is meant to be reused each quarter.

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September 10, 2018 •

Send out email invitation to community partners.

September 17, 2018 •

Call community partner contacts if they have not responded.

September 21, 2018 •

Have community partners finalized with the volunteers that are coming and the date that they are coming.

September 23, 2018 •

Host Sunday Feed with community partner.

September 24, 2018 •

Social media post and follow up email with community partner.

September 30, 2018 •

Host Sunday Feed with community partner.

October 1, 2018 •

Social media post and follow up email with community partner.

October 7, 2018 •

Host Sunday Feed with community partner.

October 8, 2018 •

Social media post and follow up email with community partner.

October 14, 2018 •

Host Sunday Feed with community partner.

October 15, 2018 •

Social media post and follow up email with community partner.

October 21, 2018 •

Host Sunday Feed with community partner.

October 22, 2018 •

Social media post and follow up email with community partner.

October 28, 2018 •

Host Sunday Feed with community partner.

October 29th, 2018 •

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Social media post and follow up email with community partner.

Appendix 2.3.4 Community Calendars Online community calendars are easily accessible and allow events to be categorized by date, time, location and type of event. Many Des Moines community members looking for volunteer opportunities will search these sites for upcoming events. By featuring Creative Visions events on these sites, Creative Visions can easily increase awareness of their opportunities to attract new potential volunteers and donors. These community calendars can be updated by volunteers and should be overseen by the new Development Coordinator.

Websites for Community Calendars Catch Des Moines Catch Des Moines is an online hub for Des Moines featuring events and opportunities around the city. Events can be submitted online and require a name, email address and information on the event. Event categories related to Creative Visions include classes and fundraising events. https://www.catchdesmoines.com/events/ Events only.

Eventbrite Eventbrite allows community members to view and register for events happening in Des Moines. Creating an event requires an email address and free registration to the website. https://www.eventbrite.com/d/ia--des-moines/community--events/ Events only.

Iowa Public Radio Iowa Public Radio’s website features a community calendar where new events can be added by selecting “submit an event.” The organization’s contact information must be included along with information on the start time, location and cost of the event. http://iowapublicradio.org/community-calendar#stream/0 Events only.

Enjoy Des Moines Enjoy! Des Moines is a website dedicated to keeping an updated and detailed events calendar.

The top “submit event” tab allows for a quick and easy way to share events with the community.

An event title and description is required and there is the opportunity to add more information about the organization, cost and location of the event. http://enjoydesmoines.com Events only.

WHO TV The WHO TV community calendar is regularly updated with information on events in Des

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Moines. At the top of the calendar, there is an “Add Event” button that connects to www. spingo.com, which allows events to be submitted. Information is needed on the location of the event, type of event and expected attendance. http://whotv.com/community-calendar/#/50309-des-moines/all/today Events and volunteer opportunities.

CityView CityView offers a calendar of community events, workshops and volunteer opportunities.

Events can be added by clicking on “Submit An Event” under the Calendar tab. In order to submit an event a contact name and email must be included. http://www.dmcityview.com/calendar/ Events and volunteer opportunities.

Travel Iowa Travel Iowa lists events and volunteer opportunities throughout the state of Iowa. Visitors can search by city or region to find information on their location. Events can be added to the calendar by selecting “submit an event” at the bottom of the screen. All submissions must be completed at least two weeks in advance and include a contact name, phone number and email address. The information page to submit an event must be completed within 15 minutes in order for it to be sent to the Iowa Tourism Office. https://www.traveliowa.com/calendar/ Events and volunteer opportunities.

Life 107.1 Life 107.1 is a Christian faith-based radio station. Their website features a community events calendar and is an appropriate way to reach potential volunteers or donors for Creative Visions.

In order to add an event an account must be created and logged in. This can be done through a simple username and password. http://life1071.com/events/category/community-events/ Events and volunteer opportunities.

AARP AARP’s website offers a local community events calendar. AARP employees already partner with Creative Visions as volunteers, so this calendar is a simple way to increase awareness to additional potential volunteers. The yellow “submit an event” button at the bottom of the page connects to a log in page. Events can be posted after creating an account with AARP, which requires an email address and password. https://local.aarp.org/des-moines-ia/events/ Events and volunteer opportunities.

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We Are Iowa We Are Iowa features local events based on regional location. The blue “add event” button on the right side of the screen allows submissions to be posted. In order to submit an event a CitySpark account is required. An account can be created with an email and password or by connecting with Facebook or Google. http://www.weareiowa.com/calendar#/ Events and volunteer opportunities.

Example Community Calendar Postings If you care about the Des Moines community, give back by preparing and serving hot meals to those in need! Join us and help serve at Creative Visions’ Sunday Feed Program where we serve an average of 200 of our friends and neighbors each week.

Sign up to volunteer by contacting creativevisionspr@gmail.com or calling (515) 244-4003. For more information on Creative Visions visit CreativeVisionsDSM.com.

Time:

Sunday 5-7 p.m.

Location:

1343 13th St.

Des Moines, IA

Come help Creative Visions distribute food to our friends and neighbors in need through our Food Pantry. Our food pantry offers food to multiple families and homeless shelters in the Des Moines area every week. Sign up to volunteer by contacting creativevisionspr@gmail.com or calling (515) 244-4003. For more information on Creative Visions visit CreativeVisionsDSM.com.

Time:

Tuesday and Thursday 9 a.m.-7:30 p.m.

Location:

1343 13th St.

Des Moines, IA

Spend time outdoors and get down in the dirt with the Creative Visions Community Garden program. This garden was founded in 2012 through a partnership with Lutheran Services in Iowa and provides food for Creative Visions’ food pantry and Sunday Feed Program. Volunteers are needed to garden and care for the five plots belonging to Creative Visions. If you are interested in volunteering contact creativevisionspr@gmail.com or call (515) 244-4003. For more information on Creative Visions visit CreativeVisionsIowa.com.

Time:

Friday 10 a.m.-1 p.m.

Location:

1343 13th St.

Des Moines, IA

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Appendix 2.3.5 Slogan, Vision and Mission Statement The original vision and mission statement were accurate representations of Creative Visions, but we thought they could be updated to better showcase the future that Creative Visions’ clients can have.

Slogan Building a brighter tomorrow for our community today.

Vision Statement To end the cycle of poverty by empowering members of vulnerable communities to become prosperous citizens.

Mission Statement Through community-tailored wellness, educational and skill-based programs, we help strengthen individuals and communities going through hardship. We aim to spread a greater sense of hope in our community and empower our clients to be productive and self-sufficient citizens.

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Appendix 2.3.6 Iowa and Health Department Code Coherence A defining characteristic of Creative Visions is its flexibility and adaptability to meeting current client needs. The team at Creative Visions does what they can, when they can. This also allows them to make decisions about what food to have in their shelter and how to distribute it in their food programs. Though this autonomy may seem to benefit Creative Visions, it has the potential to be harmful in the long run.

When an organization is understaffed and relies heavily on volunteers, safety training is essential. Even with preparation, accidents can happen. In December of 2017, Chipotle came under fire as a handful of sick employees spread a foodborne illness to customers. Los Burritos Mexicanos is another example in which employees were not properly washing their hands or vegetables and were handling food with bare hands on unsanitized surfaces resulting in a massive E. coli outbreak. To prevent a similar disaster, Creative Visions must take all precautions to ensure safe food handling by employees and volunteers. We recommend that Creative Visions maintains these safety precautions: •

Require all volunteers handling food, including the process of packaging and distributing, to wear the proper gloves.

•

All packaged and distributed foods must have a label. This label can be found on the flash drive and it includes: •

Name and location of food bank

•

Packaged date

•

Allergen information

•

Food description

•

All foods are stored, prepared and cooked at the appropriate temperatures according to the USDA. The regulations can be found online via the associated hyperlink at the end of this document.

•

Print and display the Food Safety posters which are located on the flash drive. These should be displayed in any and all areas in which food storage, preparation or distribution is handled.

•

Print and display Proper Hygiene posters which are located on the flash drive. These should be displayed in all bathrooms and above all sinks.

Partnership Recommendations The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) This federal program distributes commodities monthly to organizations serving needy communities. They prioritize based on the amount of clients below the poverty line, how efficiently the organization can distribute commodities and whether the organization is located within the community in need. Additionally, the program offers monetary reimbursement and has a monitoring process that would ensure Creative Visions is following the best safety procedures.

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Additionally, Creative Visions should be aware of and remain compliant with Chapter 66 of Iowa Legislation regarding the Emergency Food Assistance Program.

The Food Bank of Iowa: All Food Bank of Iowa partners must follow their Partner Agency Handbook. This handbook outlines the vast requirements of partner organization including but not limited to: annual civil rights employee training, monitoring processes to ensure a safe and equitable distribution of food, reporting processes, safe food storage and it requires partners to become enrolled in TEFAP. Additionally they require each partner agency to follow ServSafe guidelines and complete ServSafe certification.

Help Us Stop Hunger (HUSH): This Department of Natural Resources program allows hunters to donate harvested deer to those in need. Through partnerships with local hunters, local meat processors and the DNR, local social service agencies are able to distribute venison to needy Iowa families.

Other Field to Food Bank and Growth Initiatives: •

Corporate Gardens

•

Gardening for Good

•

Newton Correctional Facility

•

Farm to Food Donation Tax Credit Registration

Budget Proper Hygiene Poster

$4.20 for 10 full-color, 8.5 x 11 inch posters from OfficeMax

Food Safety Poster

$3.35 for 5 full-color, 11 x 17 inch posters from OfficeMax

Disposable Plastic Gloves

$14.98 for 1,000 plastic disposable gloves from GloveSaver.com

Food Thermometer

$38.25 for 3 food thermometers from Amazon

Food Label Stickers

$145.42 for 5,000 custom food ingredient stickers from UPrinting

Total: $206.20 per year

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*A PDF of the sticker is on the flash drive and can be sent through the website to have the custom stickers printed and delivered

Proper Hygiene Poster How to Serve Food at Creative Visions Here at Creative Visions the health and well-being of our staff, volunteers, and clients is our top priority. Anyone assisting our team serving food must follow these personal hygiene guidelines.

Please let any Creative Visions staff member know if you have any questions or concerns.

Do not serve food if you are sick in any way.

Wash hands thoroughly.

When to wash your hands •

Before putting on gloves

•

After using the bathroom

•

If you sneeze or cough

Why we wash our hands •

Always wear gloves when handling, preparing and serving food.

If you must cough or sneeze, remove yourself from the kitchen or serving area immediately and cover your nose and mouth. Rewash your hands and put on new gloves before beginning to serve again.

Cover cuts and sores completely with bandages.

Do not touch hair or face when handling food.

To prevent the spread of illness

Do not wear jewelry on hands or wrists.

If you have long hair, be sure it is pulled back.

Food Label Sticker Creative Visions

Creative Visions

1343 13th St. Des Moines, IA 50314

1343 13th St. Des Moines, IA 50314

Packaged On:

Packaged On: March 21, 2018

Allergens:

Allergens:

Milk

Eggs

Soy

Milk

Eggs

Soy

Gluten

Fish

Shellfish

Gluten

Fish

Shellfish

Tree Nuts Food Description:

Peanuts

Tree Nuts

Peanuts

Food Description: Salmon, Rice

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Food Safety Poster

5 Steps to Food Safety STEP 1: WASH YOUR HANDS

Wet hands with warm running water

Apply soap

Scrub hands and lower arms for 20 seconds

Rinse

Dry with dry disposable paper towel

STEP 2: PUT ON GLOVES • • • •

Never touch food with bare hands.

Wash hands before putting on gloves.

Single-use gloves can be worn up to 4 hours on a single task.

Gloves must be changed between tasks.

STEP 3: TIME AND TEMPERATURE CONTROL Reheating

Hot foods must be above 135 F̊

WARNING

Reheat within 2 hours at 165 F̊

• Do NOT thaw foods at room temperature.

• Refrigerate all cooked and perishable foods promptly.

• Do NOT leave cooked food at room temperature for more than 2 hours.

Cold foods must be below 41 F̊

Only use an oven, microwave, or stove

2-Stage Cooling Process

135 – 70 F̊

70 – 41 ̊F

within 2 hours

2-4 hours

Max cooling time: 6 hours

STEP 4: SEPARATE RAW AND COOKED FOODS •

RAW

COOKED

•

Use separate equipment and utensils when handling raw foods.

Store raw foods separately.

STEP 5: WASH, RINSE, SANITIZE ALL EQUIPMENT

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Appendix 3.1.1 News Pitch Template A news pitch allows an organization to inform news outlets (newspapers, TV/radio stations, etc.) of upcoming events or changes that could result in a news story. News pitches are typically sent to journalists via email or an online submission form, and explains why the content is newsworthy. A news pitch regarding Ako’s departure from his role as CEO of Creative Visions will be newsworthy given his position with the organization and his reputation within the community. Media attention would legitimize and bring awareness to the change in leadership within Creative Visions. A news pitch during the transition would also provide an opportunity to reinforce Creative Visions’ mission and vision and introduce the new CEO to the community.

Timeline The news pitch about Ako’s retirement should be released one month before he officially retires. Releasing the news pitch to the appropriate news outlets in advance will give these outlets ample time to assemble a news team to cover Ako’s retirement and the future of Creative Visions.

Ako Retirement Press Release FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE INSERT DATE HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION Creative Visions Human Development Institute 1343 13th Street, Des Moines, Iowa, 50314 Jane/John Doe | COO

P: 515.244.4003 | E: creativevisionspr@gmail.com Creative Visions’ CEO, Ako Abdul-Samad, Announces Retirement DES MOINES, IOWA – INSERT DATE HERE – Ako Abdul-Samad, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) for the Creative Visions Human Development Institute, has announced his retirement effective (INSERT MONTH/YEAR OF RETIREMENT HERE). Ako founded Creative Visions in 1996 and was propelled into action after witnessing first-hand the challenges low-income, minority communities in Des Moines were facing. After more than 20 years with the organization, Ako will be stepping down from his position.

Along with his plans to retire, Ako has announced that long-time employee, Jane/John Doe will take over as acting CEO of Creative Visions. Doe has served as (INSERT PREVIOUS JOB TITLES AND TRAINING HERE).

“I am excited to see how Creative Visions will continue to grow under Jane/John’s direction. Her dedication to the organization has inspired me and I have full confidence in the future of Creative Visions,” Ako said. “I am grateful for the support that Creative Visions has received throughout the past 20 years. This organization has always been about creating a brighter future for the community and this is the next step in that journey.”

In anticipation of Ako’s retirement, Creative Visions has planned a farewell campaign that recognizes his dedication to the organization and the families in the Des Moines community.

Details about this campaign are scheduled for release in the coming months. ### About Creative Visions Creative Visions is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Des Moines, Iowa.

Founded in 1996 by Ako Abdul-Samad, Creative Visions offers a variety of community-tailored wellness, educational and skill-based programs to help strengthen individuals and communities going through hardship.

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Ako Retirement Press Release

CEO and Founder, Ako Abdul-Samad, Announces Retirement Creative Visions Human Development Institute From day one, Ako Abdul-Samad has played an integral part at the Creative Visions Human Development Institute. Founded in 1996, Ako has served the organization in a variety of capacities. His official title is Creative Visions’ Chief Executive Officer (CEO), but Ako isn’t afraid of rolling up his sleeves and doing whatever is necessary to serve his community. He is known to regularly help serve food at the Sunday Feed Program, act as an advocate for those less-fortunate and be a confidant and mentor to those seeking guidance. As CEO for more than 20 years, Ako has formed unforgettable relationships within the Des Moines community.

These partnerships will continue to grow and to help the community achieve brighter futures while pursuing an end to the cycle of poverty.

Without his vision and dedication, families in the community would not have this muchneeded support system. However, Ako believes Creative Visions is ready for someone with a fresh perspective and innovative thinking.

“My time with Creative Visions has been such a blessing,” Ako said. “The people I’ve met, the things I have learned, and the way the community has been a second family to me is something I’ll never forget and for that, I thank you. However, it’s time to step down as acting CEO and make room for someone else with new ideas and fresh energy. I’m confidant that John Doe, our new CEO, will lead Creative Visions into the future and allow the organization to support more families and individuals in the Des Moines community.”

John’s transition to CEO will begin after Ako’s last official day at Creative Visions on (INSERT DATE OF RETIREMENT HERE). During this time of transition, John will meet with community partners, donors, volunteers, and clients to better understand the perspectives of the Creative Visions community. Having served as (INSERT PREVIOUS JOB TITLE & TRAINING), John is well equipped to assume this leadership position and is ready to take Creative Visions into the future.

John is excited to embrace the next part of her journey with Creative Visions and is grateful to those who made it possible,. “I think it’s important to recognize all that Ako has given to the Des Moines community, as well as to Creative Visions,” John said. “We can’t wait to help Ako celebrate his accomplishments and his time spent at Creative Visions.”

Check back soon for ways the Creative Visions’ community can share their gratitude and best wishes for Ako.

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Appendix 3.2.1 #ThanksAko Campaign A cause-related and time-constrained social media campaign is designed to reinforce a specific goal or a message. This #ThanksAko campaign will ease Ako’s transition within Creative Visions while simultaneously creating an opportunity for clients, donors, community members and volunteers to publicly thank Ako for his dedication and service. It will also provide closure during Ako’s departure as CEO and will reinforce the strength of Creative Visions as it continues to serve its clients under new leadership. At the end of the month-long campaign, Creative Visions can compile the social media posts via screenshots and can share them with the Creative Visions community in a slideshow format during Ako’s farewell dinner.

Campaign bluePRint recommends implementing this social media campaign one month in advance of Ako’s official retirement from his role as CEO with Creative Visions. A month will allow enough time to properly thank him for all he has done without drawing out the campaign for too long.

After announcing Ako’s plan to retire and a month prior to Ako’s official retirement, Creative Visions will launch the #ThanksAko campaign. Clients, donors, volunteers and community partners will have the opportunity to thank Ako for his service and dedication to Creative Visions for the entire month.

The details of the campaign must be clearly explained to all members of the Creative Visions staff so they understand how it will work and will be able to explain it to Creative Visions’ key publics if asked. The campaign can be communicated and distributed to Creative Visions’ followers in a Facebook post. This post will explain the idea behind the campaign (to say goodbye/thank you to Ako), how it works (using the hashtag/tagging Creative Visions in the post) and how long it will last (one month). Creative Visions’ community will be able to share their gratitude and fun stories and/or memories they have of Ako on Facebook using the hashtag and by tagging Creative Visions in their post. Creative Visions can promote the campaign by publishing a press release and informing the community via social media about the month-long campaign.

A campaign in honor of Ako will acknowledge his dedication to the organization and generate great social media buzz. Every Facebook post someone creates is a way to engage in an online conversation with a member of the Creative Visions community, promote the organization and will potentially attract new clients and volunteers. #ThanksAko is an opportunity to acknowledge Ako’s efforts to bring hope to the Des Moines community and this campaign will also create positive social media coverage for Creative Visions.

The social media campaign will be organized and executed entirely online via the Creative Visions’ Facebook page and won’t cost the organization any money.

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Facebook Post Examples

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Appendix 3.2.2 Staff Facebook Spotlight A series of social media posts spotlighting Creative Visions’ employees will give the organization a personal touch, recognize those who help run the organization on a daily basis, and assure key publics that the organization has a strong future. It will also help build their brand and grow as an organization independent of Ako’s reputation.

A social media series dedicated to Creative Visions’ staff members provides an opportunity to highlight each member’s contribution to the organization and introduce them to key publics.

This spotlight series will also help convey that Creative Visions is more than any one person, it is the motivation, passion and creative efforts of several people that create organizational success. This tactic will help transition the perception of Creative Visions from a single person to an organization. One staff member per week is recommended. Creative Visions should begin posting these spotlights two weeks before Ako retires and conclude two weeks into the leadership transition. This time frame will help reinforce that the organization is more than the CEO.

Timeline The series of staff spotlights should start to be posted two weeks before Ako’s official retirement and extending two weeks after the new CEO takes office. This timeline will allow key publics to “meet” employees at Creative Visions who will still be a part of the organization after Ako retires.

Posts A staff spotlight post on social media should be unique to the individual and can include some or all of the following information: their name, their position/history with Creative Visions, a brief statement about what Creative Visions means to them and a fun fact about the employee that people may not know. Each week, key publics will look forward to getting to know a new member of the Creative Visions’ team and how they’re involved with the organization.

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Facebook Post Examples

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Appendix 3.2.3 New CEO Spotlight During a CEO transition, it will be critical to post original content from the new CEO on Facebook. Original content from the new CEO could include a “Meet ______” post, pictures of them completing various tasks in their new role during their first week and a post with information about their personal history with Creative Visions. The purpose of this content is to emphasize to Creative Visions’ Facebook followers that the new CEO has stepped into a new role as the leader of this nonprofit. All newly appointed CEOs face a level of uncertainty and in order to create a relationship and credibility it’s necessary to maintain open communication to reassure key publics and address any comments or questions from the community.

Timeline Original content from the new CEO should be posted on social media once a week for three months following the start of their new role. Consistently publishing content that focuses on the new CEO’s position will help members of the Creative Visions community become more comfortable with and confident in the new leadership. Three months will give enough time to change the key publics’ association of Creative Visions solely with Ako.

Posts Creating social media content that highlights the transition to the new CEO will help the organization’s key publics become more familiar with them as an employee and as a person.

Throughout the first three months as CEO, the new CEO should post content to social media once a week that captures what they are doing for Creative Visions in their new position allowing people to experience the transition with them. These posts can replace other, regularly posted content to ensure that followers are not suddenly overwhelmed by an increasing in postings.

Recommendations for weekly posts: •

An experience volunteering, a fun fact, a cherished memory with Creative Visions, etc.

•

A fun fact about the position.

•

Share a part of their history with Creative Visions.

•

Tell a story about their involvement with the community.

•

Share a thought or an insight about community issues.

Finally, it’s important that the new CEO “signs” these posts by including their name (or initials) at the bottom of the post and their title. For example, “Best, John Doe, Creative Visions CEO”, “Until next time, J., Creative Visions CEO”, or simply “- John Doe Creative Visions CEO”. We also strongly encourage that all photos of the new CEO posted on social media are focused on their involvement with clients, volunteers, donors, and community partners. Their presence among Creative Visions’ key publics will help reinforce their new role at Creative Visions and serve as a subtle reminder that the organization is more than any one individual.

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Facebook Post Examples

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Facebook Post Examples

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Appendix 3.3.1 Goodbye Ako Event Ako is more than a CEO; he is the founder of Creative Visions and a leader in the community who has dedicated his life to leaving a positive and lasting effect on the lives of his community members. When it is time to transition out of his role at Creative Visions, the people whose lives he has touched will want to thank him and say goodbye. Hosting an event to honor Ako’s legacy will provide these individuals an opportunity to formally thank him. This “Goodbye Ako” Event is a chance for the entire community to celebrate the achievements of Ako, thank him for his work with Creative Visions and say goodbye as he transitions out of the role of CEO.

Event Info Proposed Date One week before Ako’s official last day as CEO at Creative Visions.

By this time, the transition process will be in its final stage. Ako will have transferred the majority of duties and responsibilities and will be in more of an advisory role. The event is close enough to his actual retirement date that there will still be time to finish the transition of power and it will feel like an appropriately sentimental goodbye.

Where Creative Visions building Who There are three specific audiences Creative Visions must invite to this event: staff, clients, donors and volunteers. These three audiences must be the main focus of this event.

Supplemental attendees may also include Ako’s close family and friends and any additional individuals or constituents Ako or the Creative Visions staff identify as attendees. Creative Visions may also invite the general public to this event.

Description This family-friendly event will be an opportunity to honor Ako’s work in the community and his legacy with Creative Visions. Anyone who has benefited from his service are welcomed to thank him, celebrate with him and to commemorate the advances the community has made due to the work of Creative Visions. Close friends and acquaintances of Ako will be invited to speak. Creative Visions will invite local restaurants and entertainment groups to cater and entertain. These groups are embedded in the community and will foster comaraderie and potentially save on costs.

Volunteers Event Coordinator Volunteer Creative Visions is an organization dedicated to empowering people. For this reason, bluePRint recommends Creative Visions empowers one of its own volunteers and puts them in charge of organizing and executing this event. Reach out to past and current volunteers and see if

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anyone would be interested in managing this event. Be clear on event expectations and ensure this volunteer is qualified. Delegating the execution of this event to a volunteer will also lighten the workload for Creative Visions staff members, while still successfully hosting the event.

Duties will include: •

Creating volunteer committees and coordinating their duties.

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Regularly communicating with committees and following the event plan schedule.

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Recruiting more volunteers for the day of the event, if necessary.

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Working closely with Creative Visions staff and Ako to make sure event is on schedule.

Volunteer Advertising Committee This committee will consist of two or more individuals. Their main duties will include posting event flyers in community areas, creating a Facebook event page, writing and scheduling Facebook posts and working with the Event Coordinator to create the event on Sumac and send out email invites. Additionally, this committee will assist with any “save the dates” or personal invitations designated by the Event Coordinator.

Volunteer Food and Entertainment Committee This committee will consist of three or more individuals. This committee’s main priority is securing food and entertainment for the event. Within this committee individuals should have designated priorities; their focus should either be on food, entertainment or speakers. The event will take place in the early afternoon meaning that Creative Visions can prepare for a buffet, hors d’oeuvres or “small plate” style. Additionally, the committee may book one performance/ group, or there may be a series of small performances. This committee will brainstorm local caterers and entertainment and reach out to their management to inquire about special pricing. Ako is a well-connected and respected member of the community, and groups may wish to perform/cater for free or reduced price; make sure to consult Ako about any possible leads. The event plan includes organizations to begin the committee’s brainstorming.

Volunteer Theme and Decor Committee This committee will consist of two or more volunteers. Their main duties include the visual aesthetic or theme of the event. They will work with the Event Coordinator to decide on appropriate decor for the event. This may include tablecloths, chairs, tables, wall and ceiling decorations, photo boards of Ako and Creative Visions, and more. It will be important for this group to be creative and innovative within an extremely limited budget.

Promotion The “Goodbye Ako” event will utilize four tactics to organize and promote the event. First, it will create the event using Sumac, where guests can officially RSVP for the event. This will allow for the Creative Visions staff to easily email invites and the ability to track estimated guests.

Furthermore, a Facebook event page will be created to serve as a second form of invitation.

This event will be open to the public and paid Facebook advertising will be used to promote it

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to specific target audiences. For more information on Facebook advertising, please reference these comprehensive guides by AdEspresso* (https://adespresso.com/guides/facebook-adsbeginner/, https://adespresso.com/blog/facebook-event-marketing/) Finally, Creative Visions will utilize print materials in the form of posters. The posters will exhibit the same design strategy used in the online event images. They will be placed in communal areas near Creative Visions and the surrounding Des Moines area. These locations should include grocery stores, restaurants, associations and any other local “hangout” the Advertising Committee deems necessary.

Potential Partnerships and Speakers Here is a list of local restaurants and entertainment options that Creative Visions may wish to utilize for this event. Please note this is not a complete or comprehensive list of local entertainment and catering possibilities.

Local Entertainment •

Capital City Steppers

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Church choirs

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Isiserettes drumline

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Drake University Organizations:

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Fermata the Blue

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Drake Jazz Band

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Brocal Chords

Des Moines Musicians’ Association - a good resource for local talent

Local Food •

Drake Diner

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Fernando’s

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Mars

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Gazali’s

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Hy-Vee

Speakers •

Close friends

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Community members

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Clients

Disclaimer and Opportunities Due to the unforeseen date of retirement, there may be options to expand the event based on time of year and logistical capabilities. Below are a list of possibilities and general information to remember in the planning and execution of this event.

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•

Good weather: Host the event outdoors in the parking lot or nearby park. Proposition as the largest block party of the decade. If you choose to hold the event outdoors, be aware you must acquire the proper permits which may include: hosting the event on your own property, a nearby park or permits for noise.

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Harsh weather: Host a food or clothing drive in Ako’s name. Set record goals and have Ako’s final act in Creative Visions be the largest drive they have seen.

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Create a goodbye video featuring people whose lives Ako has touched.

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Partner with members of Ako’s political staff to increase logistical capabilities.

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Remember, the more you do, the more volunteers you will need. Empower your people to help create this event that truly celebrates Ako and the community.

*AdEspresso is not a paid contributor and Drake University does not promote or condone the use of their products and services. Any business transactions are at the discretion of the Public Relations Capstone Client.

Timeline Event Coordinator will assign tasks to committees. Please see “Volunteers” for volunteer position descriptions.

6 Months Before •

Confirm Event Coordinator Volunteer.

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Recruit volunteers, begin forming and finalizing committees, set task list and committee priorities.

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Set and announce official date.

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Brainstorm potential partnerships and speakers (see “Potential Partners and Speakers”).

3 Months Before •

Event Coordinator meet with all committees. Meetings should take place regularly until the event.

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Cultivate an invitation/contact list.

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Send “Save the Dates” via email.

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Reach out to local entertainment.

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Confirm volunteer committees and begin holding regular meetings to discuss ideas and progress.

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Order and confirm needed logistics (i.e. Tables, Chairs, cutlery).

2 Months Before •

Event Coordinator should meet with all committees to check-in on progress at least twice this month.

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Draft public invitations.

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Create a Facebook event. Do not publish yet.

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•

Send Evite through Sumac.

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Create and design a flyer.

1 Month Before •

Publish the Facebook event.

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Draft Scheduled Postings. Schedule at least once a week, day before event and day of event. Posts may include information about the event, about Ako and friendly invitations to attend the event.

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Send out email invites through Sumac.

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Print and distribute flyers.

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Book and finalize food.

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Book and finalize entertainment.

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Event Coordinator should meet with all committees at once to discuss event execution, identify current and future problems and finalize event details.

1 Week Before •

Confirm food.

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Confirm entertainment.

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Create tracking system for attendance (Sign-in sheet or Clicker).

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Confirm volunteers.

Day of Event •

Noon Volunteers arrive and begin set up - The theme and decor committee will lead, all other committees will assist with set-up.

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3 p.m. Food Arrives – Member of Food and Entertainment committee should meet the caterer and all members should assist with set up.

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4 p.m. Official Start Time.

Music Begins.

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4:30 p.m. First Speaker – Member of Food and Entertainment committee will meet and assist speaker.

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4:45 p.m. Entertainment Group - Member of Food and Entertainment committee should meet the caterer and all members should assist with set up.

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5 p.m.

Ako Speaks.

Entertainment Resumes.

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6 p.m.

Final Speaker.

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7 p.m.

Event Ends & Cleanup – All members of all committees assist Event Coordinator.

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Appendix 3.3.2 CEO Transition Events Two distinct activities will help in the successful transition of the new CEO. The first is a dinner for current staff, donors, board members and community partners. The second will be a continuous effort made by the new CEO to “drop in” to each community partner organization.

The “drop-in” visits allow the new CEO to establish themself as the new face of Creative Visions. They can create relationships and build deeper mutual partnerships with community partners that claim to have a shallow understanding of Creative Visions and/or only maintain the partnership due to their relationship with Ako. Both activities serve to build relationships between the new CEO and key audiences, as well as establish the CEO as a leader with a vision.

Event Info Proposed Date One month after officially stepping into CEO role.

Where Creative Visions building.

Who This will be a closed event to ensure that the new CEO can dedicate plenty of time to building strong, personal relationships with donors and community partners. All current donors and community partners should be invited.

Description This dinner event will strengthen ties and build relationships with key target audiences.

This intimate but casual dinner will be an opportunity to strengthen relationships, share information about the work happening at Creative Visions and build deeper partnerships.

In addition, many community partners stated they were unaware of the work Creative Visions does and only maintain their commitment to Creative Visions because of a standing relationship with Ako. This dinner will give the new CEO an opportunity to share their vision for the future and discuss how mutual partnerships may continue going forward. The event should include mingling, a small presentation by the new CEO and casual conversation.

Promotion Plan Email invites and follow up emails to the target audience using Sumac. If Sumac is unavailable bluePRint recommends hosting the event on Eventbrite. This free online platform will allow you to track RSVP’s and send email invitations. It should only be utilized if Sumac is unavailable.

Budget $100 – $372

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Volunteers Creative Visions is an organization dedicated empowering people. For this reason, bluePRint recommends Creative Visions empowers one of its own volunteers and puts them in charge of organizing and executing this event. Reach out to past and current volunteers and see if anyone would be interested in managing this event. Be clear on event expectations and ensure this volunteer is qualified. Delegating the execution of this event to a volunteer will also lighten the workload for Creative Visions staff members, while still successfully hosting the event.

Additionally, a board member may serve as an advisor to the Volunteer Event Coordinator.

Reach out to Creative Visions’ board members and ask if they are willing to provide guidance and answer questions for the event.

Timeline Begin this timeline one month after official acquisition of CEO role.

3 Months Away •

Confirm Volunteer Event Coordinator.

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Set official date.

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Set up invitation list and contact sheet of current donors and community partners.

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Perform an inventory check for tables, chairs, plates, presentation material, or any other items logistically necessary for the event. If additional items are needed contact supplier.

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Decide on food options, contact caterer. This dinner may go many ways, bluePRint recommends working with a catering service like Hy-Vee; however, the Event Coordinator may look into other options including local restaurants or other caterers. If an alternative route is taken, we recommend supplementing some of the food with an established caterer to ensure enough food.

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Send invitations no later than 1.5 months away through Sumac.

1 Month Away •

Create presentation on Creative Visions.

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Send RSVP reminder emails through Sumac.

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Confirm catering with updated RSVP numbers.

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Recruit 2-3 volunteers to set up.

1 Week Away •

Finalize catering.

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Send reminder to volunteers including: when to arrive and what they will be doing.

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New CEO practice presentation.

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Day of Event •

5 p.m. Volunteer Event Coordinator arrives and begins set up

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5:30 p.m. Catering arrives

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6 p.m. Guests arrive

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6:30 p.m. Dinner

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7 p.m. Creative Visions Presentation

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7:30 p.m. Mingling

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8:15 p.m. Clean up

Community Partner Meetings Upon stepping into the role of CEO, bluePRint recommends the new CEO begins sending the following email to all community partners. They will communicate with these organizations to set up a time to “drop by” the organization. These drop-ins may last anywhere from 15 – 30 minutes and should include introductions and conversation about each respective organization. In so doing, opportunities for mutual partnerships become evident and relationships will begin to form. This draft email text is available on the flash drive provided.

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Appendix 3.3.3 Ako Goodbye Letter As Ako steps down from his role in Creative Visions a letter should be shared with donors, volunteers, clients, community partners and the community. This letter will be a reflection on how Creative Visions has grown and how excited Ako is to see the new leader step into the spotlight. It will assure people that the organization will continue and will calm some of the worry. It will also allow Ako to thank those who’ve made success at Creative Visions possible and will serve as information to share with the media. It will be mailed out as a direct newsletter, sent as a digital newsletter and posted on Creative Visions’ website and social media as the last piece of Ako stepping down.

Letter Dear friends, Today is my final day as Chief Executive Officer of Creative Visions. A few months ago, I announced I would be retiring from the organization that I founded and have watched grow over the past ____ years. This was not an easy decision to make, but I know that it is the right choice for the future of Creative Visions and for myself.

Creative Visions began because after experiencing it firsthand, I never wanted anyone else to ever bare the loss of a loved one to gang violence. Over the years, Creative Visions’ focus has expanded to include education and wellness as tools to end the cycle of poverty and violence in our community. Our programs have always been community-tailored and community-supported, just as I envisioned over 20 years ago.

Creative Visions is an amazing place. The mission is close to my heart and so are the people. I am inspired by our volunteers and dedicated staff, who make it possible for Creative Visions to serve others. I love making connections with clients and am honored that we are part of their story. Thank you to our donors and community partners who allow us to continue building relationships and providing resources for our clients. I am proud of the uplifting spirit of community that Creative Visions has brought into so many lives, and I will continue to carry that with me.

Creative Visions has never been about me; it has always been focused on the people we serve. I am excited to see what Creative Visions will accomplish with _______________ stepping up as Chief Executive Officer. I have known and worked with him/her for ___ years and he/she continues to impress me with him/her devotion to the organization. Creative Visions will continue to grow and its best days are ahead of us. I look forward to staying involved with Creative Visions in new ways for years to come.

Thank you to everyone who has volunteered, donated or participated in programs at Creative Visions. You are part of our team and I know you will continue to support Creative Visions, just as I will.

The struggle is real but we will overcome, together.

Ako Abdul-Samad

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Appendix 3.3.4 New CEO Hello Letter As the new CEO takes over Ako’s title at Creative Visions, they should perform outreach much like Ako did. The first effort should be a letter that will include information on their experience at Creative Visions, their excitement for the new role and the future of the organization. It will be emailed as a newsletter and posted on Creative Visions’ website and social media.

Letter Hello friends, Today marks one month since I was welcomed as the new Chief Executive Officer of Creative Visions. This month has been uplifting, and it is such an honor for me to lead this organization that means so much to me.

I became involved with Creative Visions in ___. Insert personal story about new CEO’s connection to Creative Visions.

Everyone involved in this organization has an enormous sense of heart and dedication. My faith in Creative Visions has only grown after experiencing the overwhelming support from staff, volunteers, community partners, donors and our clients this past month. We have seen so much success as an organization over the past ___ years, and we are eager to accomplish even more. My focus will always remain on our clients and community, and I hope you will join me on this new and exciting journey for Creative Visions. We will be seeking additional help in the future, so if you want to partner, volunteer or donate to Creative Visions please contact us at creativevisionspr@gmail.com or (515) 244-4003.

Let’s empower and inspire together.

John Doe CEO, Creative Visions

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Appendix 3.3.5 Board of Directors Meetings Strengthening the bonds with Creative Visions’ Board of Directors is key to the nonprofit’s success in the long-term. Members of the board of directors can be an organization’s biggest support system, making them a great team to rely on. It is clear that the relationship between the Creative Visions staff and current board of directors could be improved. The best time to begin rebuilding this relationship is when the new CEO steps into their role. This will give both parties a clean slate and allow for an open and honest conversation about forward progress.

It is recommended that the new CEO meets with each member of the board individually, beginning with the less involved members. These meetings will be a time to truly assess the individual board member’s current relationship with the organization and how it could be improved. During these one-on-one meetings, the CEO will follow the CEO-Board of Director Conversation Guide (see page 121), discussing how the board member feels their time with Creative Visions has been. The CEO will also walk the board member through the new Board of Directors Expectation Guidelines (see below) and make it clear that all members of the board will be held accountable for these responsibilities moving forward.

After reviewing these items, a great way to close the conversation would be to outline any upcoming events or projects at Creative Visions and ask the board member if they would be willing to act as an advisor. This will provide an immediate opportunity for the board member to become more involved in an area they are interested in. This will also help Creative Visions continue to achieve the organizational mission of empowering all people who interact with the nonprofit. Events or projects could include the digital newsletter, the annual fundraising event or open house, the Community Action Report or organizing the Sunday Feed community partner program.

Both the guidelines and conversation guide are included on the flash drive.

Board of Directors Expectation Guidelines The board of directors exists to steer Creative Visions toward a sustainable future by securing and promoting the organization’s financial, legal and ethical well-being. Each member of the Creative Visions Board of Directors is responsible to always work in the best interests of the organization, to put the good of the organization first along with avoiding any conflicts of interest and an obligation to be faithful to the mission of the organization. In the advancement of these commitments and responsibilities, each member of the Creative Visions Board of Directors must put his or her best individual effort to: 1. Attend and participate in board meetings, respective committee meetings and any special event.

2. Volunteer for at least one Creative Visions event each quarter to stay connected with the organizational mission, volunteers and clients.

3. Actively participate in helping to develop resources for the organization.

4. Stay informed about what is going on in the organization, asking questions and requesting information as needed. Each board member must participate in and take responsibility for making decisions on issues, policies and other board matters.

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5. Represent the organization in a positive and supportive manner at all times.

6. Work collaboratively with other board members as partners toward achievement of our goals.

7. Strictly maintain the confidentiality of all privileged or sensitive information provided during time as a member of the board.

8. Assist current CEO in achieving goals of the organization.

9. Each board member must assist to the best of his or her ability in securing adequate financial resources for the organization to fulfill programing needs.

10. Contribute in determining and setting long-term organizational goals.

11. Identify opportunities to further or spread Creative Visions’ mission and help better position the organization (i.e. media opportunities, award nominations, new programming opportunities, reaching new communities, etc.).

In turn, Creative Visions will provide each board member with the following: •

Editions of the quarterly newsletter and copies of the annual Community Impact Report.

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Provide opportunities to discuss important community and organizational issues with the board and CEO.

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Offer opportunities for professional and personal development as a board member.

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An opportunity to directly give back to the Des Moines community.

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If a member of the Creative Visions’ Board of Directors does not uphold these responsibilities, it is up to the discretion of the CEO and agreement of other board members if that board member should be released from his or her duties.

CEO-Board of Director Conversation Guide Approach this conversation with an open-mind. View this as an opportunity to learn more about Creative Visions and how the organization could become stronger in the future.

Throughout, assess the perceived commitment of the specific member of the board and evaluate if they would be a good fit for Creative Visions’ board in the future.

Questions •

Why did you originally join Creative Visions’ Board of Directors?

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What has kept you a member of the board of directors?

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What were you expecting to get out of your experience as a member of the board of directors?

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How would you describe your experience as a member of the board of directors?

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What could be done to improve your experience?

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What do you see for the future of Creative Visions?

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In your opintion, what goals should be set or community needs should be focused on in the coming years?

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Explain the new requirements from the board of directors. Explain it will not be a tremendous increase in activity, but you are making a commitment to the organization, and complacency is not acceptable.

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