The Brennan Center (The Center)

The Brennan Center (The Center) focuses on what it refers to as "fundamental freedom" issues, through its Criminal Justice, Access to Justice and Democracy programs. Their work required a Washington presence and the development of key relationships necessary to successfully further its programs. The Raben Group reviewed their objectives, their resources, and interviewed relevant personnel in order to determine how to build from their existing identity, select the appropriate target audience, draft an effective message and communications campaign, and ultimately build the brand that would get them before the political allies and influencers their programs necessitated. We have been very successful and continue to represent the Brennan Center in Washington, D.C. "I've worked as a Washington lobbyist and now, as the Brennan Center's Public Affairs Director, I've hired a number of government relations firms. The Raben Group is special. Yes, the firm has assembled a team of highly skilled and experienced legislative advocates. Even more important, though, starting with Robert Raben, they take the time at each step of the process to understand a client's definition of success. They understand institutions. They understand the fluidity of Washington. They understand the ingredients of a successful legislative strategy. And they make it their business to achieve their clients' goals," said Scott Schell, Director of Public Affairs, Brennan Center for Justice at NYU School of Law.

Compassion and Choices

When The Hemlock Society approached The Raben Group, it had been a small, focused membership organization for more than 20 years. With many thousands of members, its leadership decided that it needed to become advocacy driven, and hired us.

Through our initial review it became apparent that a rebranding was in order, and that a better understanding of its audience and public policy goals had to come first. Through our analysis and recommendations came a number of structural and communications changes, including a new name--Compassion & Choices. The name change became an opportunity to better define their principles, and assist in building new relationships with much needed influencers. The branding campaign that followed included special events with key allies, building of strategic partnerships and the execution of a communications plan that would present C&C as the preeminent authority on "end of life" choices. The Raben Group has helped C&C succeed, positioning them as the authority on "end of life" choices and building a brand that opens doors and opportunities for their message to reach a greater audience.

NBC/Telemundo and SONY Music

Additional examples of our branding, communications, and lobbying initiatives include projects for NBC/Telemundo and SONY Music. The first, NBC/Telemundo, required a public relations and communications plan that included bridging a cultural divide that jeopardized NBC's purchase of Telemundo (the number 2 Spanish language television network in the U.S.). The other, SONY Music, sought to augment the SONY brand into something more than simply music and entertainment, but something that federal officials could be a part of and use to enhance their own communications efforts. Both of these campaigns were successful with NBC/Telemundo and SONY Music continuing to operate many of the programs first created by The Raben Group.