Cheers to 6 years of Forthright!
Written by katie test davis
The best thing about leading Forthright through the past six years?
YOU.
Our community is fierce, kind, thoughtful and warm.
Whether you are a current or former client, you’ve downloaded one of our resources, or you’re my parents (hi Nancy and David), if you’re reading this email, I’m so grateful you’re here with us.
Forthright began when I wondered:
Could I dismantle the current (broken) model of client services, and run an agency that puts people first?
Could that agency specialize exclusively in the child-and-family focused work I personally love to do?
Could we work with clients who want a true thought partner as opposed to just a vendor?
Well.
Turns out six years later, the proof, as they say, is in the pudding.
The answer is yes.
Our clients tell us all the time: we’re not like everyone else.
Our team of ten has stood where you’re standing.
We’ve all worked in-house at nonprofits, on Capitol Hill, in school districts. Our recommendations are right-sized. We can see around the next corner. Your acronyms are our acronyms.
Not only that, but we live our core values.
It shows in everything, big and small. Our values show up in the way we meticulously plan projects, the way we run meetings that start and end on time, and the way we create data-backed messaging that WORKS.
As we look ahead into a future that feels chaotic, unsettling and increasingly cruel, I know that the foundation we’ve created together will allow us to hold steady in the storm.
Our collective work is more important than ever before.
We have a moral imperative to communicate.
Simple messaging is the only way we’ll break through the noise.
Tactics designed to make the political personal.
Storytelling, community listening and visuals will help us disarm our audiences and help them truly listen.
Communications is an act of love.
Communicators are essential. Our role in the revolution is clear. Our moment is now.
I am so proud to be here today with you.
PS - Because birthdays are all about presents, here are SIX (free!) downloadable resources you can use in your work today in honor of our SIXTH anniversary:
Messaging: Writing for your community: how to make sure your messaging is easy to understand.
Making Statements: Speak out or step back: your checklist for responding to breaking news.
Media Relations: Pitching reporters with success: a checklist.
Outreach: Guide to reaching families without internet success.
Project Management: The three questions we ask at every project kickoff.
Donor Relations: Five things funders look for on your website.
