3 Things That Make or Break an Advocacy Project

Brands need to tell a story. Today’s audiences aren’t just buying products; they’re buying into values, missions, and movements. I’ve always believed that businesses, no matter the size, have the power (and responsibility) to champion a cause.. 

As someone who has dabbled in different industries and projects—some with advocacies, some without—I’ve seen what works and what doesn’t. 

If you’re in charge of an advocacy event or campaign, here are five things I believe can make or break your efforts:

Know every stakeholder involved in your campaign

Before you start designing the event or planning your content calendar, take the time to understand who’s at the table and who isn’t. This means your sponsors, your beneficiaries, your volunteers, and even your critics.

Stakeholder mapping early on helps you build real relationships and not just transactional support. When people feel seen and heard, they’re more likely to champion your cause and show up for the long haul.

Design and marketing execution is as important as your cause

You may have the most meaningful project, but if your audience can’t understand, visualize, or feel it, it won’t move them. This is where strong branding, visual storytelling, and message clarity come in.

I had the privilege of being the Creative Director for Maui Kite Festival, the biggest kite festival in the Hawaiian islands. From logo, merchandise, web design and overall digital presence, I spearheaded all communication efforts to attract not just athletes but also anyone interested in the sport.

If you’re in charge of executing a campaign, a tip I can give you is to make your mission easy to connect with. Good design invites curiosity. Clear content builds trust. 

Be conscious about the client journey and experience when you plan your projects. Think of every touchpoint your clients will experience and make it as seamless as possible. 

Start from the logo, to the invites to your visuals to your giveaways. Think of how you can make the advocacy more memorable and actionable.

There is a thing called community science

Your network can serve as the springboard for the success of your project. With my extensive network from working in 5 industries, what I offer clients is the access not only to my expertise but to my network. 

Be intentional about partnerships. Ask: Who already cares about this issue? Who can help extend the life of the campaign? Who brings a different lens to the table?

To close, think of your campaigns as opportunities to create real change and connect with people on a deeper level. As a planner or strategist, this must be something you truly care about—because that genuine commitment will show in every detail, from how you engage stakeholders to how you craft the experience.

If you’re interested to work on a project or advocacy together, you can send me a message at hello@paula-rosales.com