Advancing Justice, Equity, and Opportunity in Baltimore City
A 20-year communications partnership
Baltimore had the highest percentage of vote-by-mail and absentee ballots
returned in any jurisdiction in Maryland during the elections
+100 articles, stories, and op-eds in local media outlets
Overview
For 25 years, Open Society Baltimore (OSI) was the leading voice for social and racial justice in Baltimore. From criminal justice reform and voter participation to education and health equity, OSI empowered organizations and individuals to help create a better Baltimore. From 2003 until its closure in 2023, Hatcher served as OSI’s full-service strategic communications partner, providing counsel, content, design, and event support to expand OSI’s impact and amplify its grantees’ voices.
Challenge
In 2000, Open Society Foundation, an international, multibillion-dollar grantor, launched a new city-centered initiative to drive positive change in local communities. Based in Baltimore, Maryland, OSI-Baltimore sought to invest in solutions to issues that challenged the city, including health inequities and disparities in the criminal justice system. As a new voice in the city, OSI needed support connecting with community members, decision-makers, elected officials, and potential grantees to make the impact they envisioned.
Solution
Leveraging our knowledge of Maryland, expertise in communications, and shared belief in equity and opportunity, Hatcher worked shoulder-to-shoulder with OSI to define, develop, and execute multipronged communications strategies to highlight the inequities in the city and enhance data-informed, community-driven solutions.
Shaping OSI-Baltimore’s Public Narrative
We served as an extension of the OSI-Baltimore communications team, writing and distributing press releases and pitching media outlets; developing brand elements and building websites; and serving as strategic communications counsel as they engaged with the public. This included supporting the “Talking About Race” series, which created a venue in Baltimore for the community to come together and have these conversations in a safe, supportive space.
A Multifaceted Approach to Election Engagement
In addition to supporting OSI, we also provided technical assistance and strategic counsel to their grantees. During both the April 2020 special election and the June 2020 primary election, Hatcher supported OSI’s grantee Baltimore Votes with its mail-in voting awareness campaign. For this multifaceted campaign, we created a suite of creative collateral to reach Maryland voters—TV and radio spots, motion graphic videos, mailers, social media graphics in English and Spanish, and digital ads—and leveraged the media’s power and reach.
A Fitting Farewell
In addition to supporting OSI, we also provided technical assistance and strategic counsel to their grantees. During both the April 2020 special election and the June 2020 primary election, Hatcher supported OSI’s grantee Baltimore Votes with its mail-in voting awareness campaign. For this multifaceted campaign, we created a suite of creative collateral to reach Maryland voters—TV and radio spots, motion graphic videos, mailers, social media graphics in English and Spanish, and digital ads—and leveraged the media’s power and reach.
Impact
From events and op-eds to videos and marketing campaigns, we helped OSI and its grantees secure lasting change for the community.
I really cannot express enough the depth of my gratitude to the Hatcher Group for making OSI-Baltimore’s farewell event so wonderful!! Thank you doesn’t come close to covering it! This was such an important moment for the organization and the community. Each of you recognized the significance of the transition and managed every interaction and aspect with sensitivity and care.
Everything was simply fabulous—the videos based on interviews that were conducted warmly and produced such nice sentiments; beautiful and exceptionally sophisticated design work and execution; flawless logistical implementation; incredibly creative use of the venue; and, meticulous attention to countless details and vendor management. Every aspect was simply perfect because of the impressive skills and professionalism contributed by each of you.
I felt a huge level of personal responsibility to ensure that this event met the moment. Based on the absolutely rave reviews, I think we accomplished all the goals of the event—celebration of the legacy and closure for the community. Thank you for the care and love that you poured into this particular event and into OSI and our partners over the many years of our partnership.
Tracy Brown, OSI Deputy Director
Capabilities
Accessibility
Advertising: digital and traditional
Audience development
Audio
Branding
Crisis communications
Earned media
Events: activations and in-person
Equitable outreach
Graphic design
Quantitative research
Public affairs
Social media
Strategic communications
Technical assistance
Visual (video and photo)
Website: design, development, and UX