Defining a stakeholder when creating a campaign is not only smart, it’s imperative. It’s like driving across the country without GPS or a map. Who are you intending to reach? It seems to me that it would take longer to process and create any visuals without a roadmap. Recognizing your public and stakeholders is a critical task. According to Larder, Understanding your stakeholder, or the stakeholder of your client stops assumptions perceived by publics and allows the targeted communication of the organization to stay on track (Larder, 2018).

“invisibility is in essence the modern form of racism used against Native Americans. It is this invisibility that leads to a college access and completion crisis among Native American students.”

The American Indian College Fund

I’m assigned to create a mailer for a stakeholder, two actually, related to the University of Oklahoma’s Admission and Recruitment office and their outreach to prospective native students looking for a college that would fit their lifestyle and values.

Stakeholder 1

  • 18-22 years old,
  • Native American (male or female)
  • test scores allow for admission to OU
  • Undecided on what institution to attend after high school
  • Eligible regardless of involvement in ceremonials or dances
Chumash Day Pow Wow and Inter-tribal Gathering. The Malibu Bluffs Park is celebrating 23 years of hosting the Annual Chumash Day Powwow. By Hanna Tor

Stakeholder 2

  • 29-34 years old
  • Native American male or female (often a same tribe as student)
  • Parent
  • Tribal community member

How to Target

These two age groups and stakeholders are both Native American. As a native, I’m aware Native Americans fondness for color and vibrancy. Incorporating color and subtle glimpses of regalia might intrigue these stakeholders. At least it would signify to me that natives are recognized. There is a fine line between demonstrating and exploiting. Careful.

native american
By Joy Fera

While design elements are one thing and share mutual interest. Age and responsibility are where the two stakeholders separate in interests and how they might respond to situations or stimulus.

Using images of youth and college life would help foster an idea of acceptance and inclusion. Offering an image of a school that recognizes its native student body.

Sources

Larder, M. (2018, May 6). The importance of stakeholders in PR . linkedin. https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/importance-stakeholders-pr-maddison-larder