Maureen Haver
Maureen brings nearly a decade of experience working with non-profit organizations, issue campaigns and politicians to develop persuasive and compelling messaging for outreach literature, e-newsletters and social media campaigns. In 2009, she designed and implemented an online petition campaign in support of an education bill that collected 2,000 signatures in two months. As director of a young non-profit organization, Maureen coordinated an online communications strategy using email and social media platforms to increase visibility and grew the base of online donors and followers to 19,000. She also has experience writing grants and fundraising materials for programs like Apartments as Communities that have helped raise thousands of dollars for great programs.
Through the years, Maureen has also lent her voice and her pen as a media strategist to multiple organizations and individuals. Her carefully crafted press releases have resulted in in-depth coverage of various issues by multiple media outlets: CBS Evening National News with Katie Couric, CNN Headline News, AP, Reuters, Democracy Now!, Harper’s Magazine, Houston Chronicle, Time Magazine-Australia Edition, Univsion and the Washington Spectator to name a few. Diverse issues such as mystery killings in Juarez, Mexico, teenage pregnancy, early voting trends among Latinos and children’s health care have all received a closer look thanks to Maureen’s media savvy and acumen. By developing relationships with local journalists she is able to keep her finger on the pulse of the daily newsroom.
A talented orator and speechwriter, Maureen was hired as the first female instructor at the University of Kentucky’s prestigious summer Speech and Debate Institute in 2000 where she taught rhetoric, speech and debate to some of the brightest, young minds in the country. Since that time, she has used those skills wisely and has delivered stirring speeches alongside notable figures like linguist and philosopher, Noam Chomsky, former Mayor Bill White, Sissy Farenthold and Dr. Helen Caldicott, who was named one the 20th Century’s Most Influential Women by the Smithsonian Institute. When working with others to develop their own speech or statement, Maureen is always careful to maintain the speaker’s voice while helping them convey meaning and depth in concise, compelling messages that resonate with the audience.
In her spare time, she plays chess with her husband, dodgeball with her friends and conducts many a baking experiment in the kitchen. She also volunteers with animal rescue groups and advocates for improved public education standards. When her time is really free, you’re most likely to find her on a river.
Powered by People: Non-Profits and Social Media, Part 1
Feb 6, 2012 in Web, Writing ServicesTags: Powered by People, Social Media
Social media is fundamentally changing the way non-profit organizations build mission awareness, raise funds and broaden their reach. Social media is powered by people — so are non-profits that rely on passionate volunteers and generous donors to champion a compelling cause. This synergy promises great potential, but your organization still needs a plan and people to make it happen. Charting an effective social media strategy that resonates and generates is not always easy to do, especially when an organization can’t afford dedicated staff.
Mistakes are made
Here’s what I usually see happen when non-profits don’t have space in the budget for a full-time, in-house social media coordinator — either the youngest person within the organization is pegged to manage Facebook and Twitter or a brave soul with a general understanding of social media raises their hand to volunteer. It can’t be that difficult, right? Friends are made, some followers are added, and then it all flatlines. Then primary obligations within the organization take precedent and social media is pushed to the back burner. So now floating around on the internet is a static social media page representing your organization that hasn’t been updated in weeks, months or even years.
Why does it matter?
A static page is an opportunity missed. As a non-profit, your online social network audience is likely to closely mirror your offline network and be built with your existing supporters, donors and volunteers. They are far more likely to feel a higher degree of investment, attachment and intimacy with your organization than they feel when liking a major retail store’s Facebook page because of a monthly promotion or following a celebrity on Twitter. A static page may make them wonder what has become of the donation they made, or cause them to move on to other organizations that actively keep them updated on volunteer opportunities. Urgent online appeals that successfully move people to take offline action are key to a non-profit’s success in terms of time-sensitive issue advocacy, fund-raising and volunteer recruitment — which is a different dynamic than creating product buzz for a company. It’s important to have someone work with your team who understands the challenges germane to non-profits. Common social media strategies for businesses may not apply, or they need to be adapted.
What to do now?
One cost-effective solution is to consider hiring a social media consultant who will work within your budget and staff to develop a tailored social media plan that builds upon the strengths of your organization and can be implemented by your existing staff. At GlobalWrites, our social media consultants have worked in non-profits and understand these nuances, challenges and opportunities. Our social media plans are always customized to fit your organization’s unique identity, work within your organization’s capacity and build on the offline relationships that are already making your organization a success. A customized social media plan gives your organization an online edge that translates into increased support, funding and visibility.
No more missed opportunities
In the next part of this series, we’ll discuss in greater detail the different ways in which your organization can use social media for fundraising, issue campaigns, education and learn why a one-size-fits-all approach to social media will end up selling your organization short.
If you can’t wait for Part 2, contact GlobalWrites today for a consultation. It’s an opportunity worth taking.
New Video Segment on Fox 26 Dishes About the City’s Best…Everything
Mar 11, 2011 in In the News, Words By JoAnnTags: News Flash
JoAnn Takasaki, connoisseur of all things Houston, will give the local lowdown about the very best Houston has to offer.
(HOUSTON, TX) March 11, 2011 – JoAnn Takasaki, food blogger, art fan and Creative Director for GlobalWrites, is coming to a TV near you. Explore Houston with JoAnn while she reveals and reviews the best fix for foodies and some of Houston’s fun, little secrets on a new video segment airing tonight on Fox 26. Want to know which gourmet food truck earned rave reviews and how to track them down when only the “Eggman Sandwich” will do? Tune in tonight!
In addition to her witty insight and honest reviews, JoAnn brings years of experience writing about Houston for AirTran Airways’ GO! Magazine, AOL’s CitysBest.com, and WCities.com. “We live in one of the largest cities in the country, there is always something new and fun to do. The trick is hearing about it and that’s what this new video segment is all about,” Takasaki explains. When she’s not tracking down mobile eateries or checking out the latest art scene, JoAnn serves as Creative Director for GlobalWrites, an agency she founded that offers boutique writing services to companies, organizations and individuals.
With 120,000 viewers tuning in to Fox 26 News at 9pm every night, this new segment is a great opportunity for eateries, clubs and culture spots to raise their profile. Fox 26 draws a diverse cross-section of Houstonians and there is little doubt this will become a popular segment for viewers looking for some local fun in Houston. Miss the original Friday broadcast? Don’t despair! In true, modern fashion Fox 26 will also post the latest video on their website at www.myfoxhouston.com and you can always catch up with JoAnn at www.WordsByJoAnn.com.