Crafting, launching, and managing ACLU-D.C.’s campaign for D.C. statehood

ACLU of the District of Columbia, 2019-2022


Project: Craft, launch, and manage ACLU-D.C.’s Campaign for D.C. Statehood.

Objective: Increase support for D.C. statehood in the District of Columbia and across the country, particularly in key states.

Components:

  • Produced detailed multi-year strategic plan, inclusive of national political landscape analysis and key targets, synthesis of message polling and recommendations on strategic communications planning, and a month-by-month planning calendar with play-by-play tactics.

  • Crafted talking points, messaging memos, and extensive FAQ materials as evergreen materials for the ACLU-D.C., ACLU-National, and its affiliates.

  • Provided ongoing coordination and representation with local partners and other major allies in the area.

  • Created social media toolkits for key campaign moments, sample advocacy emails, op-eds, and model state testimony for ACLU state affiliates.

  • Produced multiple explainer video scripts, graphics series, videos, and two live panel events, and managed promotion and distribution.

  • Launched the new stand alone website for the campaign at DCStatehoodNow.org, inclusive of start-to-finish project management and all content creation.

Results: During the 2020-2021 legislative session, legislation for D.C. statehood had more support than ever before. The Washington Admission Act passed the House on April 22, 2021 with a vote of 216-208. Its corresponding legislation has the most support ever seen in the Senate, with 46 co-sponsors. ACLU state affiliates across the country utilized our materials to educate their local members online and to submit testimony in support of D.C. statehood in their local state legislatures.

Ginny Simmonscasestudy