The
time is always right to
do what is right.
--Martin Luther King, Jr.
Recent Project Profiles
San Francisco Baykeeper
San Francisco Baykeeper was founded in 1989 on the principle that America's waterways are our common property. The Baykeeper is the leading watchdog protecting San Francisco Bay, fighting polluters and pressing for stronger laws and enforcement. Susan Ives Communications produced the 2006 Gala, an annual benefit, which featured environmental leader Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and activist Erin Brockovich as keynote speakers. More than 700 guests attended the event, cohosted by the Waterkeeper Alliance, a grassroots organization comprised of river, bay, and coast keepers worldwide.
Click here to view the 2006 Gala invite.Sonoma County Agricultural Preservation and Open Space District
Created by voters in 1990, this public agency buys open space and farmland in one of the Bay Area's fastest growing regions. The District is funded by a sales tax, which is up for voter renewal in 2007. The District, recognizing the need to inform and inspire county voters about its achievements, asked Susan Ives Communications to develop outreach materials targeted to key segments of the voting public.We created a 16-page publication targeted to business and political leaders highlighting the economic benefits of the District's land-protection work. We also created a full-color recreational map of Sonoma County’s public lands, detailing the natural and recreational features of the county and the District’s purchases. In addition, we produced a brochure describing the District’s mission, governance, and achievements. The outreach has been well received. Polls show growing support for reinstating the sales tax. Click here to view the Brochure.
The Bay Institute
The Bay Institute, a leading scientific nonprofit, is marshalling resources to acquire the Aquarium of the Bay, a respected commercial aquarium located at San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. Renowned for its research on the health of San Francisco Bay and its hands-on programs for Bay Area school children, The Bay Institute envisions the Aquarium as a public hub for scientific education and landmark efforts to restore San Francisco Bay. Susan Ives Communications created a fundraising prospectus, showcasing the opportunity to transform what is currently a tourist destination into a world-class education center through which Bay Area residents can help shape the future of San Francisco Bay. Click here to view the Fundraising Prospectus.Sonoma Land Trust
Prepared press strategy and campaign materials for the Baylands Campaign, with a goal of raising $23 million to purchase and restore thousands of acres of wetlands around San Francisco Bay, including a former Indian casino site. Produced fundraising events. Produced Sonoma Land Trust's flagship brochure describing its conservation mission and accomplishments and the Annual Report, sent to members, donors, and policymakers. Click here to view Sonoma Land Trust Publication.WELL Network
WELL Network is a nonpartisan leadership organization uniting women throughout California to ensure the environmental health and well-being of families and communities. WELL promotes a comprehensive, integrated approach to protecting California's environment modeled on "green plans" in use in Europe and elsewhere. WELL sponsors events and research on environmental health issues and brings together individual philanthropists, business leaders, and others concerned about the rollback of long-standing environmental protections and its impact on Californians, particularly children. Susan Ives Communications worked with WELL to promote a workshop on curbing chemicals and promoting “sustainable” technologies in the global marketplace--part of a United National symposium on green cities held in San Francisco. WELL's fiscal sponsor and frequent partner is Rachel's Network, a national 501 (c) 3 organization that encourages women's environmental leadership in every field.Business Leaders for Sensible Priorities
Produced a conference as part of a strategy to launch a nonpartisan membership organization of progressive business leaders. "Framing, Communicating and Building the New Voice of Business," featured George Lakoff, a well-known linguist and co-founder of the Rockridge Institute, a think tank that develops ideas for understanding and reframing the language of politics to bring about a more sustainable society.Defense of Place
Dating from Roman times, the Public Trust Doctrine recognizes that some natural resources should protected for public benefit for all time. Founded on this principle, Defense of Place defends public and conservation lands that are endangered by sale or development. Defense of place sought advice, writing, and design services for a campaign aimed at matching a major challenge grant and engaging the media, parks advocates, public officials, and landowners. Click here to view Defense of Place Publication.
Friends of the Eel River
Prepared communications plan to raise visibility of the organization and conducted media outreach about efforts to restore flows and protect endangered salmon. Developed talking points and coached organization spokespersons. Produced membership brochure, major donor brochure, and public education materials.
Heyday Institute
Developed marketing materials for Heyday’s publications, including California Indian Publishing Program, a guide to the birds of the Sierra Nevada, and a history of San Francisco Bay.
The Campaign for Affordable Housing
Surveyed the nation’s leading affordable housing agencies and published case studies for a media guide and website for affordable housing activists.