CASE STUDY

How We Helped Shape the Public Debate About Military Caregiving

The Elizabeth Dole Foundation contracted SDI to help put both the organization and the issue of military caregiving on the national stage.

Our team employed a multifaceted communications campaign to drive attention to this issue across all sectors of the civilian world. Initially, we drove the strategy and execution in publicizing the Foundation’s landmark study on military and veteran caregivers, as well as the launch of its national coalition of partners at a White House event. Since then, we’ve helped manage the Foundation’s media relations and national events; advised and supported relationship building and civic-engagement efforts; and helped launch the Foundation’s Hidden Heroes Campaign, chaired by actor Tom Hanks.

Fast Facts

• Managed the launch of the Foundation’s 200-person national coalition at the White House, with First Lady Michelle Obama and Dr. Jill Biden; a 400-person summit at the Ronald Reagan Building with the First Lady and Secretary of Veterans Affairs; a 100-person Congressional Prayer Breakfast with Pastor Joel Osteen and five congressional leaders as speakers; and a 100-person private reception with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and national corporations.
• Secured coverage in hundreds of media outlets across the country, including the Wall Street Journal, NPR, the Associated Press, the New York Times, the Washington Post, VFW Magazine, Stars and Stripes, Military Times and AARP Magazine.
• Coordinated more than 250 meetings on Capitol Hill for Foundation spokespeople.
• Drafted op-eds on behalf of Senator Dole, Foundation spokespeople, and members of Congress, and placed them in publications such as USA Today, Roll Call and the Washington Times.
• Trained more than 125 caregivers in the Dole Caregiver Fellows program to participate in media interviews and meetings with members of Congress and other national leaders.