1. Catalyst Capacity

The purpose of this exercise is to help catalysts explore their preparedness to launch a successful campaign.

To assemble an effective Creative Advocacy campaign team, catalysts should start by understanding their own strengths and weaknesses. This self-assessment tool helps catalysts consider the various capacities needed to implement a successful campaign. Areas where you lack capacity will be opportunities to bring in partners, contractors, and/or creatives to help round out your team and make your campaign as successful as possible.

The Exercise

The self-assessment below can be completed by an individual, by a team (as a group exercise), or by multiple members of a team. Generally, if there are multiple team members involved with your project, we recommend having each team member complete these exercises independently before comparing results. In instances where the team is very small (less than 3 people), it may be appropriate to complete this activity as a group exercise.

Once you have determined whether you will complete this activity individually or as a team, consider the following statements. Either individually or collectively, rate how much you agree with the following statements about the catalyst’s capacity.

Notes:

15-30 minutes

- Pens/Pencils

1. Catalyst Capacity (continued)

Collaboration

We collaborate frequently and deeply with other organizations. We often partner with artists and creatives.

We have a history of successfully advocating for the things we believe in and resources we need.

We have identified community advocates who can help to amplify the message of this campaign.

We have experience managing complex projects.

Communication

We consistently produce high quality graphic designs to communicate our work.

We have high quality photos that communicate the goals of this campaign.

We produce written communication in a clear and compelling manner. We have established channels and digital platforms in place that we use to disseminate messages to the public.

We have clear processes in place for disseminating messages to the public.

We have people and systems committed to disseminating information on a regular basis.

Social, Intellectual, Financial, and Creative Capital

We are known and trusted in the community. We have quantitative data (Census, CDC, EPA, etc.) to support the need for our issue.

We have qualitative data (experiential, stories, self-reporting) to support the need for our issue.

We have expertise, or have close partners who are experts, on the issue being addressed.

We have the financial resources necessary to design and implement this campaign.

We have a network of creative partners who would be interested to work on this campaign.

We have people, processes and resources to follow through if this campaign is successful.

Total Capacity Score (out of 90)