Fostering Change: Annual Campaign Overview for Foster WA

Campaign Overview: Foster WA

Foster WA is an annual strategic campaign designed to raise awareness and funding for the foster care system in Washington State. The campaign culminates in a gala event at the end of the year, drawing attention to the urgent needs of foster children. Through grassroots efforts, we leverage local public government and educational cable channels to produce monthly magazines and interviews that address the issues and solutions within the foster care system.

Investigative Reporting and Awareness Building

The campaign will feature a comprehensive annual investigative journalism report focused on critical issues affecting the foster care system. This report will provide clear and actionable strategies for improvement, spotlighting societal approaches and existing research to foster change.

Culminating Gala Event

The highlight of Foster WA is the Annual Foster WA Gala, held in late December, between Thanksgiving and the holiday season. This televised event will be broadcast online, featuring a dinner and award ceremony honoring sponsors, supporters, and employees of the Washington State foster system. The gala will mirror prestigious events like the Big Hero Gala and CNN Heroes Awards, celebrating the achievements of those who contribute to fostering change.

Strategic Communication Channels

The campaign will utilize a variety of channels, including:

• • Social Media: Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for ongoing engagement.
  • Website: A hub for information, updates, and resources.
  • Public Service Announcements: Video and radio PSAs to reach a broader audience.
  • Google Ads: Targeted advertising to increase campaign visibility.

Campaign Message and Theme

Main Title:

Foster Washington: An Annual Strategic Campaign

Core Message:

“Not every family raises a child, but every child needs a family. Let’s raise our kids in Washington.”

Campaign Theme:

“Every child deserves quality care and a family. Raise the children of WA well by providing quality foster care and permanent home placement.”

Campaign Hashtag:

#RaiseOurKidsWA

Calls to Action

For the Community:

The foster care system is in a critical state, leaving the needs of disadvantaged children in Washington unaddressed. Together, we can foster change. Save a life, plant a seed of hope, and support our children—help us ensure that every child in the system, both present and future, finds a loving family and a quality permanent placement.

For Sponsors:

• • Sponsor an individual child or family for recognition at the annual event.
  • Contribute to the Foster WA campaign and become a recognized change agent in your community.
  • Support the foster system in Washington State and gain exposure at the gala event.

For Educators and Academia:

Join the annual field research team to contribute to solving the current issues within Washington’s foster care system.

For Journalists:

Engage in investigative reporting opportunities that highlight the funding challenges and outdated practices within Washington’s foster system. Your work will gain exposure at the statewide gala event, introducing your impactful journalism to a cause that matters.

Measuring Success

How will we measure the success of the Foster WA campaign? Our strategic calendar will outline a schedule for social media engagement, asset production, research, and gala preparation. We will assess success through various metrics, including:

• • Consumption and retention rates
  • Audience engagement via page views, unique visitors, and downloads
  • Form completions and link clickthroughs
  • Growth in subscribers, followers, and page visits

The success of the Raise Your Kids Washington Gala—including attendance and analytics from social media, website engagement, and asset distribution—will ultimately reflect overall participation and community interest.

Sample template for strategic calendar.

Measuring Success: Detailed Metrics

To gauge the effectiveness of the Foster WA Campaign, we will utilize a comprehensive set of success metrics that provide insights into our impact on the foster care system in Washington State. These metrics will help us evaluate both engagement and outreach, ensuring we are effectively raising awareness and generating support.

1. Engagement Metrics

• • Social Media Engagement:
    • Likes, Shares, and Comments: Track interactions on posts to gauge community interest and engagement.
    • Follower Growth: Monitor the increase in followers on social media platforms before, during, and after the campaign.
    • Hashtag Usage: Analyze the frequency and context of the campaign hashtag (#RaiseOurKidsWA) to assess public participation in conversations.
  • Website Analytics:
    • Page Views: Measure total page views to determine the volume of traffic the campaign website receives.
    • Unique Visitors: Track the number of distinct users visiting the site to understand the reach of our message.
    • Average Time on Page: Evaluate how long visitors stay on specific campaign pages, indicating their level of interest.

2. Event Attendance and Participation

• • Gala Attendance:
    • Count the number of attendees at the Annual Foster WA Gala to assess interest in the event and the cause.
    • Measure the diversity of attendees, including sponsors, community members, educators, and foster parents, to evaluate the campaign’s outreach.
  • Sponsorship Contributions:
    • Track the number of sponsors and the total amount of funding raised through sponsorships, helping to evaluate the financial success of the gala.

3. Community Impact

• • Foster Family Recruitment:
    • Monitor the number of new foster families licensed during and after the campaign, directly linking recruitment efforts to campaign activities.
    • Conduct surveys to understand why new families chose to foster, collecting feedback on the campaign’s influence.
  • Resource Allocation:
    • Assess the amount of funding allocated to the foster care system as a result of the campaign, including grants and contributions from sponsors.
    • Track how these funds are utilized to improve conditions within the foster care system.

4. Research and Advocacy Impact

• • Publication of Investigative Reports:
    • Count the number of investigative journalism pieces produced as part of the campaign and evaluate their reach and impact through media coverage.
    • Measure audience reactions and discussions generated by these reports, as well as any subsequent policy changes or advocacy efforts spurred by the findings.
  • Partnership Development:
    • Track the formation of partnerships with local organizations, schools, and businesses that support the campaign, enhancing community involvement.

5. Feedback and Continuous Improvement

• • Surveys and Feedback Forms:
    • Implement pre- and post-campaign surveys to gather qualitative data from participants, including their awareness levels, perceptions of the foster care system, and suggestions for future campaigns.
    • Use this feedback to refine messaging and strategies for subsequent campaigns.

By utilizing these success metrics, the Foster WA Campaign can assess its overall effectiveness, refine its strategies, and ensure that it is making a meaningful difference in the lives of children within the foster care system. This comprehensive approach will not only help us measure our immediate impact but also guide future efforts to foster change in Washington.