Have you noticed a recent slew of 50th anniversary celebrations within the environmental world? In the early seventies, public outcry following environmental crises, including the burning of the Cuyahoga River, an oil spill off of Santa Barbara, wildlife losses from pesticides, and more led to broad (and yes, even bipartisan) collaboration on the establishment of new and groundbreaking environmental organizations and protections. 

Here we are 50 years later and those organizations and policies are thankfully still in place and more needed than ever. From the Environmental Protection Agency, the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Chesapeake Bay Foundation, Clean Air Act amendments, National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), first Earth Day celebration, and others, we all owe a debt of gratitude to those who envisioned these environmental safeguards and those who have carried out their missions along the way. 

The celebrations continue in 2022 as we support 50th anniversary campaigns for the Chesapeake Research Consortium and the Clean Water Act. While 50 years is a big milestone to celebrate, it is also a crucial moment for strategic communication. What does that mean and how do we approach it? First, we consider several components when creating anniversary campaigns. 

First, Green Fin Studio helps clients make the most of major milestones by developing special logos, campaign taglines, collateral, and events. Our team creates an overall strategic rollout of the celebration across the calendar to tie into other schedules and events. We also reflect the milestones across web, social media, email, and other platforms.

 

Once the strategy and baseline pieces are in place, then it’s time to shine. Our anniversary campaigns often highlight successes in the organization’s history. Some effective methods for communicating successes include “by the numbers” infographics, case studies, StoryMaps, and video interviews about successes to date. 

 

We understand that 50 years (or any anniversary) isn’t the endpoint. Green Fin Studio works with our clients to highlight their future vision. Hopefully, reflecting back on an organization’s historic wins inspires others to join the cause; a note from the leadership or a summary of the organization’s vision for the future can direct that energy towards productive avenues.

 

Big anniversaries aren’t the only time you can apply a reflection-based communications strategy. We often work with clients on annual reports that accomplish some of the same goals at the end of each year. Annual reports can have several audiences and purposes:

  • Share with funders to show them how you’ve put their money to use – this transparency and acknowledgement can go a long way!
  • Increase awareness of your organization’s work, whether you’re targeting the general public, decision makers, partners, or others
  • Acknowledge your team’s hard work and energize them for the coming year through internal sharing

Whether 2022 marks one year or 50 for your organization, Green Fin Studio can help reflect on your accomplishments, share your successes far and wide, and prepare for the future. Contact us to learn more.

Have a safe and merry December,

The Green Fin Studio team