IMPACT: STORYTELLING AND EDITING
1.
Rain Barrel Communications Editors Brigitte Stark-Merklein and Saudamini Siegrist provided editorial support for “Looking Back to See Forward,” a publication documenting UNICEF’s Rohingya emergency response in refugee camps and host communities in Cox’s Bazar, Bangladesh, between 2017 and 2019. The case studies cover a range of topics and key initiatives, with a particular focus on good practices and innovations.
Particularly useful are the lessons learned in relation to UNICEF’s crosscutting C4D, community engagement and accountability efforts.
2.
Between 2016 and 2019, Rain Barrel Communications supported the United Nations to craft a groundbreaking report on bullying and design the United Nations Workplace Mental Health and Well-Being Strategy, aimed at reducing stigma and changing workplace culture around depression, anxiety, substance abuse, PTSD and burnout among the organization’s 100K staff around the world.
In 2019, to mark World Mental Health Day (Oct. 10), the UN launched its new website under the banner Mental Health Matters – A Healthy Workforce for a Better World.
The site is just one of the tools recommended by Rain Barrel Communication in the design of a companion Communication Strategy (blending advocacy and behavior change) commissioned by the UN. The new website provides a welcome information space summarizing the UN Mental Health and Well-being Strategy, and aims to empower, inform and engage staff to get involved.
3.
Rain Barrel Communications is the co-producer of several documentary film projects under development:
Sea Creatures, an 8-part feature celebrating the world’s oceans amidst the climate change crisis
Utica: The Last Refuge, that looks at successful welcoming models for refugee integration
I Believe, a 6-part series exploring the diverse faiths, spirituality or lack of belief among teens around the world.
Discussions are underway with Netflix, National Geographic and other channels regarding development support and broadcast rights.
Utica: The Last Refuge | Extended Trailer
4.
From 2009 to 2015, Rain Barrel Communications helped create, develop and coordinate Cartoon Network Latin America’s (CNLA) corporate social responsibility program called The Cartoon Movement.
We worked with CNLA to identify and develop campaigns around five social causes relevant to the network’s DNA and to the realities of the region. You can find a sizzle reel featuring some of the fun and educational campaigns we helped design here.
“ECPAT International — a network of 95 member organizations in 86 countries working to eliminate the sexual exploitation of children — is pleased to recommend Rain Barrel Communications. We have worked with RBC on two occasions, with excellent results in both cases: first, in the development of a global campaign and advocacy strategy to engage with faith-based organizations and second, to provide video coverage of a forum we co-sponsored with the Council of Europe with survivors of childhood sexual exploitation.
In the first case, we are already seeing the fruits of outreach to religious organizations and leaders, thanks to RBC’s strategic guidance. In the second, the sensitive and professional videos produced by Rain Barrel’s team are being shared strategically for maximum impact while protecting the privacy of the survivors. The videographer and editor provided by RBC were top-notch in every way.
In addition to the business relationship, we also know several RBC managers from many years of collaboration ... I can attest to their professional excellent and ethical commitment.”