A Power Station case study.

Campaigning On A Budget

International Alert is a non-governmental organisation (NGO) working to build sustainable peace in areas of conflict. Its campaign literature, policy documents and publications promoting its activities are key to maintaining the impetus of its work around the world.

International Alert staff needed suppliers of communication and design services who could work with them to express the complex and diverse nature of their work. They wanted creativity, but also cost efficiency.

We realised that the organisation needed to develop its own distinctive style, if its publications were going to stand out within the increasingly competitive world of the NGO sector. We therefore worked with them to gain a thorough understanding of the organisation and its mission, so that we could develop a design positioning that projected quality, but was also appropriate for their charitable status.

To ensure cost-effectiveness, we use a number of techniques when working in the NGO sector that allow those working on tight budgets to produce professional communications products. These include the creative use of typography, so that literature can be stylish and effective without relying on more expensive photography or illustrations.

We have also developed strong images that can be used over a number of publications and made creative use of two-colour printing and paper stock. Print costs are reduced by sourcing the work from Turkey, where prices are lower than the UK for work of the same quality.

Two recent projects have been particularly successful. First, the organisation was working on a joint campaign with a number of agencies to control the proliferation of light weapons in the developing world. They wanted a fresh and original feel to their campaign literature, but also one that reflected the serious nature of the work.

We developed the theme 'Biting the Bullet', and provided an abstract design concept that was distinctive, but not frivolous, in a range of upbeat colours.

With another campaign, which is promoting the role of women in peace-building, The Power Station designed a range of communications material, including the campaign web site, a poster and a leaflet for the Millennium Peace Prize.

The Peace Prize awards, one of the highlights of this important work, were presented at a gala dinner in New York.

Another strand of the campaign is a worldwide post card initiative, where organisers aim to secure 250,000 signatures and then present it to UN Secretary General Kofi Annan. We have supported the peace-building programme with advice on project planning and facilitating meetings as well as communications and marketing expertise.

Andrew Webb, Communications Manager of International Alert, said:
"Our literature carries the messages about our work to potential sponsors and supporters, and helps us communicate in a professional way with our partners across the world. The Power Station's creative approach helps us stand out from the crowd, and encourages an understanding of our goals among a wider audience."

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