The end of another year is upon us. And with it, of course, it’s time for reflection and, dare we say, new beginnings? When we started this “thing” over 18 months ago, we had no idea what kind of journey we’d be on. We really just wanted to provide better design and messaging strategy to people who shared our values and a Progressive vision for the State of Michigan. It has since snowballed into a creative collective of over a dozen people—each bringing unique backgrounds and gifts, ideas and experiences to the process. With help from each of them, we were able to help launch a Progressive brand. Get 16 people running for various offices the help they needed for their races. We gave local Democratic clubs and advocacy groups a chance to tell their stories. And most of all we did it with integrity and intelligence.
So to kick off 2019 in style, the following are the goals we have for The Guerrilla Politic in this coming year. Let them stand as reminders and guideposts for us as we navigate these waters. And let them be what you see as our values when you’re signing on the dotted line when we work together on your campaign or cause.
ONE. WE ARE A CREATIVE COLLECTIVE. LET’S SHOUT IT LOUD AND PROUD.
Call us an agency, a creative collective, or a strategic partner, but don’t call us consultants. Starting out in the political realm 18 months ago, a lot of people didn’t know what to make of us. Some of us have never really set foot in this realm before, and it becomes easy to try and put us in that consultant box. But we’re more than a consultancy. We’ve got folks who’ve worked in advertising and creative fields, folks who’ve come from policy backgrounds and non-profits, and some who haven’t even graduated college yet. Our diverse backgrounds and “outsider” status give us a perspective that can tap into insights and knowledge at a broader level. We can bring ideas that others may not have even considered. So this year, we own our creative collective badge loud and proud.
TWO. CONTINUE TO MAKE THE GIG ECONOMY WORK FOR YOU. EVERYWHERE.
Our ideas may be unique. They may even have broad appeal, but the fact that our model thrives on the gig economy means that our collective of people live in (or pretty close to) the communities that they’re directly working with. That’s what makes us unique. In 2019, we’re going to add to our collective with even more diverse voices and backgrounds. We’ll partner with more makers from around Michigan and the country to help power the next generation of campaigns for 2020 and beyond.
THREE. MICHIGAN’S TALENT IS HERE AND WE’RE GOING TO SHOW YOU.
We were told the “talent isn’t here.” Well, that’s just not true. And this year, we’ll prove it to you. We have a huge opportunity to build back the blue wall and stop destructive policies that hurt everyday people. That foundation starts here in Michigan, putting in the work. It became clear to us in 2018 that the consultants that were being hired for other campaigns have come from outside our state. That’s resources and jobs sent elsewhere. It’s time to change that.
FOUR. WE WILL CONTINUE TO PARTNER WITH JUST PROGRESSIVES AND DEMOCRATS.
When we started this business we were told we’d need to work with Republicans and conservatives too, after all, their “money is green and they may even have more of it.” And we laughed out loud. Looking at the landscape we found that other firms and consultants were working both sides of the aisle. You won’t see us compromising our values like that. We work for and fight for what we believe is right every day, and we are proud to partner with people who do the same.
FIVE. HAVE FUN AND MAKE A DIFFERENCE.
It’s important to us that we foster a culture of value to everyone we meet and interact with. We want you to find value in the work we give you. And we want to find value in what we do and bring every day. And let’s face it, campaigns are tough. But campaigns are also like a family. With a similar vision and goals, we can lift each other up and have fun doing it too.
So bring it on 2019. We’re ready for you and we can’t wait!
-The Guerrilla Team
Part of our team freezing our booties off @TheBelt in Detroit. Happy New Year!