Water Association Communications

Opportunity

With a new executive director, the National Association of Clean Water Agencies (NACWA) wanted to maximize the effectiveness of its internal and external communications.

Approach

DHM and the communications firm Stratcomm conducted a thorough audit of NACWA’s internal and external communications program and materials. Our assessment included: in-depth interviews with key stakeholders/industry partners and staff; opinion surveys with members and non-members; a digital and social media audit; and a media coverage analysis. We synthesized our data and analysis into a discovery report including short-term and long-term recommendations designed to help the association deliver on its mission.

Results

NACWA’s board of directors received the report positively and, based on those recommendations, hired a full-time communications staff member in the fall of 2016. The national study positioned NACWA to better influence important advocacy initiatives like changes to the Clean Water Act and infrastructure funding. It also provided improved communications, identified improvements the association can bring to current members, and supported NACWA’s efforts to attract new members.