About Us
Our Mission
Metropolitan Group crafts strategic and creative services that empower social purpose organizations to build a just and sustainable world.
Overview
Metropolitan Group is a full-service social change agency that crafts and integrates strategic communication, creative and resource development services that empower social purpose organizations to build a just and sustainable world.
Metropolitan Group was founded in 1989 and has offices in Chicago; Portland, Oregon; San Francisco; and Washington, D.C. We work exclusively on behalf of social purpose organizations—nonprofits/NGOs, government agencies and socially responsible businesses. We work as a team with our clients to create results, including sustainable attitudinal and behavioral change; increased participation, program use and awareness; and expanded resources and capacity. We have developed a Public Will Framework, which organizes social impact campaigns to have long-term and movement-building impact. Public will building works by linking issues to existing closely held values and integrating grassroots outreach with traditional media. Visit www.metgroup.com to see the article “Building Public Will.”
Our four practice areas are:
We bring to our work a broad perspective gained in nearly 20 years of experience in strategic communication and branding, social marketing and resource development. We are particularly proud of our work creating powerful message frameworks and public will building campaigns that resonate deeply, establish equity, garner resources and build community.
Our clients are clustered in ten focus areas:
- Children, Youth & Families
- Community & Economic Development
- Environment & Sustainability
- Foundations
- Heritage, Arts & Culture
- Libraries and Literacy
- Public Health
- Public Sector
- Social Justice & Human Rights
- Socially Responsible Business
Manifesto
The Power of Voice
Voice is a critical catalyst for social change.
Who has the power of voice and who does not often determines:
- who has access to decent housing, fair wages, safe food, clean water and quality health care;
- who is safe, and who feels safe and able to express their views;
- who has the resources to advocate for their beliefs and rights;
- who has their perspective accurately portrayed in mainstream media;
- who votes, who influences and makes policy;
- who has the ability to make change within organizations and communities.
These and many other manifestations of the power of voice all impact the quality of life and the culture and health of communities around the globe.
Social purpose organizations have an incredible opportunity to leverage the power of voice. In partnership with their constituents, they put issues on the table, support and empower individuals and communities, advance causes, educate the public and influence policymakers. By unleashing the power of voice, leaders, advocates and activists drive social change and advance their community’s vision.
Metropolitan Group envisions a world where the power of voice is used effectively by those who seek to build vibrant and equitable communities, ensure widespread health and safety, celebrate and support the humanities and living cultures, and preserve and nurture a sense of place and a healthy planet for future generations.
We work every day to amplify these voices.
We work to ensure that the strategies, resources, infrastructure and tools that help build a more just and sustainable society are accessible to the change agents of the world.
We believe in the power of voice to change attitudes, change behaviors and change policy.
We believe that the power of voice changes lives and, ultimately, that it can change the world.
Our Philosophy
Metropolitan Group fundamentally believes in and is committed to equal opportunity for work, challenge and advancement regardless of age, gender identity, race, color, religion, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental ability, or family status.
We believe in the power of creativity, the talent of the individual and the strength of teamwork in working toward a common goal.
We seek opportunity in:
- challenging, while supporting, the individual;
- proactively questioning and addressing social and political issues;
- establishing ethical and creative business relationships that are of benefit to our clients, the community and to Metropolitan Group;
- contributing to community through honest business dealings, charitable giving of time and money, and supporting just and civil causes;and,
- acting on our commitment to leadership, creativity, honesty, fairness, peaceful conflict resolution, environmental sustainability, global understanding, educational opportunity and the realization of human potential.
These are the values upon which we stand in working for a stronger community.
