After several months of hard work and collaboration, we're excited to announce the launch of our new brand identity, complete with a whole new website!THE WHY: Over a year ago, 180 Degrees began reflecting on how we communicate who we are as an organization and how that affects how our clients are supported. During this strategy session, it became clear we needed to build our identity and recognition in the community, making connecting to clients and community partners more collaborative and effective. It became a natural fit to build our visual brand right alongside our messaging. THE HOW: 180 Degrees partnered with the talented creative agency StoneArch to take on this important project. Together, we dug into those questions – what do we do, why do we do it, and how? We reworked our messaging from the ground up and got feedback from staff, partner organizations, clients, supporters, and the community, which was then translated into a visual identity.  THE WHAT: So what’s changed?
What will stay the same?
Throughout the journey of this organizational rebrand, the biggest priority and benefit has been clear: to empower and provide safety for people who are in crisis. Having a stronger, clearer identity will make us a stronger service provider. “180 Degrees does incredible work!” says CEO Dan Pfarr. “We want to make sure more people can support our mission, and the rebrand will help us do that -- growing our programs to serve more people in crisis” Over the past year, 180 Degrees focused on listening to what the community needs most. In response, we're adding more transitional housing to support those coming out of emergency housing. We’re working to make emergency housing more easily accessible for rural youth who experience high levels of isolation. We’re prioritizing fully embodying a trauma-informed organization with extensive trainings, organization-wide protocols, and staff support to ensure our actions speak louder than words. “Understanding the what, how, and why of the organization unites staff and the community, and strengthens fundraising for short and long-term stability. By having a clear message and an easy to navigate website, clients and community partners will have an easier time accessing support and getting connected to resources” Marketing Manager Alex Moeller said. Thank you to the community for your support in this next adventure, and being a partner in creating safe spaces for people in crisis. Only 180 Degrees builds on 50+ years of equity and advocacy to help children and adults break the destructive cycle of trauma created by poverty, racism, homelessness and exploitation. When you support 180 Degrees, you can feel confident you are making a tangible difference to people experiencing their most difficult moments—and that you are helping to build a stronger, brighter, and more resilient community.
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Arriving in Minneapolis with no money or plan, and a small bag of clothes, she lived on the streets while holding down a part-time job. With temperatures dropping and no place to go, it was hard to refuse an offer to move in with Ann - a woman she met one night. However, it soon became obvious the housing was not free. Carla was soon being trafficked around the Twin Cities and emotionally abused. That’s when Carla made the call to Brittany’s Place, 180 Degrees’ emergency shelter for youth who are at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation. Carla describes the day she arrived. “I was scared. My anxiety was going through the roof. But I knew my life had a purpose and this was my last chance.” Carla was welcomed and offered food, water, and clean clothes. That evening, she slept in a private room and for the first time in her life. She finally felt safe.
Thanks to supporters like you, Carla is empowered, and continues to heal and grow. Social media intern Johan Wyckoff is helping 180 Degrees expand its use of social media to educate people about homelessness and sex trafficking of youth. Before Johan joined 180 Degrees, the Marketing team lacked the capacity to publish meaningful content across its social media platforms.
Arriving last November as an intern, Johan joined the team right before Give to the Max Day, Minnesota’s biggest day of online giving, and began learning the ins and outs of digital campaigns. In January, Human Trafficking Awareness month, Johan pushed out a month-long educational campaign with stories and facts about human trafficking. The extra coverage helped donors better understand the realities Minnesota youth at risk of or experiencing sex trafficking face. A graduate of University of Wisconsin Eau Claire, Johan came to 180 Degrees with a background in writing, social media, and videography. He’s used these skills to help grow the organization’s social media presence. “We all want to make some kind of change in the world,” Johan said. “I don't have a million bucks that I could donate towards helping improve lives in my community. If I can work with an organization and provide support so they can get the funds and the attention they need to do these long-term projects, I'm fine with that.” Johan has found a professional fit in 180 Degrees, but his connection to the organization is much deeper. The mission is incredibly meaningful to Johan, and his time with 180 Degrees has opened his eyes to the powerful ways that he can use his professional skills to benefit the cause. “Working with 180 Degrees has been one of the best learning experiences I’ve ever had,” Johan said. “It’s like learning about a subject you only hear about in passing. But when you immerse yourself in it, you realize that it is a really serious mission anyone can be a part of.” Johan’s main goals for 180 Degrees social media presence are education and engagement, which he achieves using visuals, videos and facts. Johan’s advice for anyone considering volunteering at 180 Degrees: “Leave your expectations at the door and learn as much as you can.” Make sure to follow 180 Degrees on social media for future announcements and updates! |
