TECH CORPS GEORGIA
Challenge:
TECH CORPS Georgia (TCGA) is a non-profit organization that promotes "digital inclusion" for low-income families. Through its FreeBytes recycling arm, TCGA refurbishes, redistributes, and ecologically disposes of donated computers by selling the discarded parts to raise money for their vital training programs. Their reach is extensive - the organization has trained thousands of teachers, students and families in computer software and hardware skills and provided refurbished equipment to over 600 nonprofit agencies, classrooms, and community centers statewide since its inception in 1993.
During fall 2005, TCGA set a goal of collecting 1,000 used computer sets (monitor + CPU) from businesses and individuals by year end. However, they were having trouble reaching this objective due to low visibility. Inspired by our ongoing client Accountants One's commitment to the organization, SMC decided to take the initiative on as a pro bono project.
Solution:
Our first step was to identify the most newsworthy hooks of the story, create a supporting news release that also educated people about the mission of TCGA and then pitch coverage to local writers. These efforts yielded a significant placement in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the most read publication in the Atlanta market. The positive story raised the non-profit group's visibility and mission while issuing a call for computer donations. As a result, TECH CORPS Georgia exceeded their goal by 62%, collecting a total of 1622 PCs + 1689 monitors.
"Shira Miller Communications took the time to learn about TECH CORPS Georgia and pitched them in the most compelling manner possible. Their efforts got us an article in the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that helped us exceede our goal of 1,000 computers + CPUs from local companies and individuals."
-Dan Erling
Vice President of Accountants One
Board Member for TECH CORPS Georgia
