Community impact is part of the fabric of Barefoot PR. As a team, we use storytelling and design to elevate our clients’ positive impact on our communities.
But how does that ethos apply internally?
As a purpose-driven communications and design firm, we can’t just talk the talk. We walk the walk by creating opportunities for our employees to give back to and engage in our communities through board service, leadership development, volunteerism and pro-bono work.
Read on to learn more about how our team connects with our Colorado community.
Leadership Development
Several of our team members have engaged with Colorado’s arts community through the Colorado Business Committee for the Art’s Leadership Arts program. Through this program, cohort members build the skills for nonprofit board service and civic engagement in the local arts sector.
We’ve also engaged with the Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation’s Impact Denver, Leadership Denver and Leadership Fellows programs. These leadership development programs support professionals at each stage of their development to build “civic skill sets” and contribute to the Denver community.
Volunteering
Our civic skills spring into action when the Barefoot team comes together for our annual volunteer day. Previously, our team has weeded flower beds and harvested vegetables at Civic Center Park for Civic Center Conservancy. Our yearly volunteer day is a fantastic way to spend time together and see the change a few hours can make in our local community.
Beyond Barefoot’s volunteer day, team members get unlimited paid time off throughout the year to volunteer for organizations and opportunities that inspire their interests. Team members have previously volunteered for local nonprofits like Conscious Alliance, Girls Inc. of Metro Denver and Metro Caring.
Board and Committee Service
Getting involved in nonprofit boards and committees allows our team to dedicate their time and talents to support organizations they care about. Currently, we have team members involved with Girls Inc., Youth on Record, B:CIVIC, Buntport Theatre, Denver Metro Chamber Leadership Foundation, Sonic Guild and the Center for Visual Art at Metropolitan State University among others.
Mentorship
We believe in the transformational power mentorship has to support professionals on their path to success. Several Barefoot team members have attended the Colorado Women’s Chamber of Commerce Mentorship Program to build our network and identify mentorship opportunities. This program supports senior leaders as they build the skills to advance into executive leadership roles. Barefoot team members have also offered their own mentorship with nonprofits like Big Brothers Big Sisters of Colorado, City Year Denver and Denver Public Schools Foundation.
Pro Bono Work
Since starting the firm in 2010, the Barefoot PR team has contributed thousands of hours of pro bono and discounted services to nonprofit organizations seeking communications and design support. Recent projects include a fundraising and social media campaign for Global Livingston Institute and a communications roadmap for Athena Project. We are always looking for nonprofit or purpose-driven organizations interested in partnering for pro bono communications or design support. If you think your organization is the right fit, we encourage you to fill out our application today.
Monthly Nonprofit Tours
The cornerstone of our community engagement efforts is our monthly nonprofit tours. These tours provide an opportunity for team members to showcase a nonprofit of their choice and invite the team to join the fun. It allows us to connect with the community, learn something new and celebrate the causes our team members are passionate about. Some of the nonprofits we’ve toured in 2024 are Art for the Nations, Colorado Coalition for the Homeless and Art Students League of Denver.
We’re always looking to support nonprofit organizations making an impact in Colorado, so if you know an organization we should work with, please reach out and let us know!
Written by:
Sarah Hogan, Chief Purpose Officer
Laura Schwinkendorf, Director of Strategy
Marley Reifert, Senior PR Associate
Maura O’Leary, Senior Strategy Specialist