San Francisco Baykeeper stands as the Bay’s best defense against big polluters. They’re the only team patrolling the waters and speaking up for the Bay in court. But in an increasingly politicized climate, where litigation can spark retaliatory SLAPP lawsuits without merit and nonprofits face new risks, even seasoned advocates need support to communicate boldly and expand their audiences while managing potential threats to their work. Spitfire partnered with SF Baykeeper to expand their reach, weather potential storms, and engage the media with confidence.
SF Baykeeper sought to engage untapped audiences throughout the Bay Area who share their values but might not know the looming threats to the Bay from polluters and bad policies. Additionally, as lawyers and scientists for the Bay, which is under constant threat, SF Baykeeper needed to equip its team to respond quickly and effectively to legal and funding attacks when the stakes were highest.
Spitfire developed a strategic marketing plan to help Baykeeper reach its priority audiences and a suite of activities Baykeeper could realistically deploy to deepen engagement. We also worked closely with their team to ensure the organization is fully set up to mitigate, prepare for and manage any emerging threats in and outside of the courthouse, including scenario-specific materials for immediate deployment. Finally, we provided hands-on media training for staff and spiel training for board members so that, as SF Baykeeper’s strongest messengers, they are set up for success to engage new audiences.
SF Baykeeper can focus its energy on protecting the San Francisco Bay knowing they have a plan to advance their work and the tools to respond strategically if challenges arise. The organization also has new plans to reach and successfully engage more audiences – all to secure a future where the Bay’s 7+ million people and its wildlife can enjoy a healthy, thriving ecosystem.