Thoughts: Problems + Solutions

The NGO had recently expanded its work into countries such as Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan and so changed its name to the Eurasian Harm Reduction Network. I was tasked to create a communications strategy and update the branding. Partners and member organizations needed to be made aware of the name change while the identity of the organization needed to remain in tact. A fresh look would also be used to mark a decade of work in harm reduction.

To facilitate these goals the staff gathered weekly to review my drafts of brochures, emails, and faxes describing the reason for the name change, the official date of the change, and the new web address. Next, the EHRN staff and I turned our attention to the logo. We worked out several completely new approaches, but the NGO ultimately decided that an update would work best to transition the brand while preserving its identity.

In the end, four weeks seemed too little time to accomplish all the design work required. On return to New York I continued to collaborate with EHRN to create assets, including a branded electronic signature, and to advise the staff on further development of the web site.

The opportunity to work with EHRN was a great privilege. It fueled my interest in devising ways for non-profit organizations to use technology to support their communities.