Mission-Driven Publication

Transforming a program listing into an advocacy platform for 44,000 residents

Challenge

For years, the organization's newsletter functioned as a chronological list of programs. Although mailed to all district residents, only about 10% attended programs, leaving most recipients without a clear reason to engage.

The challenge was to redesign the publication to communicate broader organizational value, resonate with all residents, and support long-term community advocacy.

Solution

Working closely with two editors on content strategy, the publication was reframed as a storytelling and advocacy platform that could consistently communicate organizational impact across services, resources, and community outcomes.

The redesigned format adopted a magazine-style structure built around narrative rather than schedules: story-driven content highlighting resources and community impact, authentic photography and data visualizations to communicate value quickly and credibly, and accessible typography with clear hierarchy to support readability across ages and abilities.

This shifted the publication from an informational listing to a cohesive communication platform.

Results

• Expanded relevance beyond program attendees to the full community of 44,000 residents

• Established as a central tool in organizational advocacy and outreach strategy

• Strengthened ability to communicate value to donors and stakeholders

• Patron feedback highlighted improved readability: “This style is, for me at least, easy to read and review."