In 2002, the David and Lucile Packard Foundation asked if Spitfire could write the definitive how-to guide to communications planning. We knew it had to work for diverse groups advancing various issues around the world. It had to apply to all kinds of goals, from advocacy to behavior change to fundraising. And – here’s the kicker – it had to be easy to use, engaging and fun.
OK, challenge accepted. The result, after talking to nearly 100 communications experts, was the Smart Chart 1.0. And it was pretty smart to start. But then we took it on the road and vetted it with thousands of groups. Their feedback led to Smart Chart 2.0, which was more user friendly. Smart Chart 3.0 added in behavioral sciences and emerging communication practices that are now best practices.
Smart Chart became a one-of-a-kind planning tool – the cornerstone of countless social change campaigns around the globe, translated into multiple languages including Spanish, French, Urdu and Tagalog.