Last year during our country’s renewed focus on racial disparities and systemic racism spurred by the death of George Floyd, many organizations were grappling with what they could do, say and contribute to make a difference. At Goff Public, our strength is our ability to amplify messages, connect people and help organizations succeed through public relations and lobbying. That is why we decided to donate our time and expertise to organizations already engaged in important work to address racial disparities in our community. We assisted the following four organizations over the past year.
• Based in St. Cloud, the Jugaad Leadership Program is an annual professional development program for emerging leaders of color in Central Minnesota. Our team worked with the program to produce a new video aimed at recruiting diverse applicants for its class of 2021. We also created a suite of communications materials to promote the program, and provided media relations strategy and outreach.
• The Lake Street Council engages, serves and advocates for the Lake Street business community in Minneapolis. Following the civil unrest in the summer of 2020, our team worked with the council to develop a communications and advocacy plan as it supports rebuilding efforts along Lake Street.
• ServeMinnesota works with AmeriCorps members and community partners to meet critical needs throughout Minnesota, supporting these programs through strategic initiatives. Our team helped ServeMinnesota develop strategies to recruit and retain members of color and Indigenous members. We led an audit of ServeMinnesota’s messaging and website and conducted a survey of current members to develop communications recommendations.
• The Sanneh Foundation serves the holistic youth development needs of the increasingly diverse Twin Cities metro area. This summer, our team is working with the foundation on public relations strategies around its free youth sports camps and to expand lawmakers’ knowledge of its breadth of services and full mission.
These projects are part of a comprehensive Goff Public commitment to donate at least 5% of our pre-tax earnings annually to nonprofit organizations through donations, pro bono services and employee volunteer time.
Seeking to support new projects
The need continues and so do our efforts! We are now seeking to support a new round of Minnesota-based nonprofits and advocacy organizations working to achieve racial equity within our community.
Whether it is developing communications strategies, advocating for legislation at the state Capitol or pitching stories to news outlets – we will support organizations that are striving for constructive change, building relationships, and sharing resources and perspectives to help educate the community.
Application for pro bono services from Goff Public
The application is now closed. Organizations will be notified by September 30.
Questions? Please contact Madeleine Rush at madeleine@goffpublic.com or 651-717-4171.