The Visual Face of BronxWorks Examined
BronxWorks’ uses it various platforms to help visualize the cause. A major theme is utilizing old power
where BronxWorks will share information and tell stories instead of sharing power with its beneficiaries.
Unless an organization is in the business of telling stories, like the New York Times, BronxWorks would be
more effective in letting others tell their own story. This is primarily done through showing the effects of its
accomplishments. Through its accomplishments, BronxWorks makes a case as a problem solver. Other
times, the cause is shown by highlighting hardships as a call for support. A key takeaway is that the
website does not highlight the cause as urgently as social media. One way to do this is to show what
happens to people who have been placed in long term housing. For example, John Doe has been off
the streets for X years and is not a success. Better yet if John Doe tells the story.
where BronxWorks will share information and tell stories instead of sharing power with its beneficiaries.
Unless an organization is in the business of telling stories, like the New York Times, BronxWorks would be
more effective in letting others tell their own story. This is primarily done through showing the effects of its
accomplishments. Through its accomplishments, BronxWorks makes a case as a problem solver. Other
times, the cause is shown by highlighting hardships as a call for support. A key takeaway is that the
website does not highlight the cause as urgently as social media. One way to do this is to show what
happens to people who have been placed in long term housing. For example, John Doe has been off
the streets for X years and is not a success. Better yet if John Doe tells the story.
BronxWorks’ website is not aesthetically appealing. Interestingly, there is a button for joining the mailing
list on history page which is not present on the home page! Also, no one can tell from the homepage how
urgent the cause is. This is something I would highlight if a program was about to be shut down without
supporters. Lastly, the website is not mobile friendly causing a lot of the font to be small without zooming in or switching
to landscape orientation.
list on history page which is not present on the home page! Also, no one can tell from the homepage how
urgent the cause is. This is something I would highlight if a program was about to be shut down without
supporters. Lastly, the website is not mobile friendly causing a lot of the font to be small without zooming in or switching
to landscape orientation.
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| Screenshot taken from my mobile phone. Everything is way to small at first glance. credit: Victor Salloum |
BronxWorks keeps up all of its online platforms mostly current except the website. There are a few
pages on the website that appear out of date. The last story was from its new CFO which was over a year
ago and doesn't highlight the fact why he joined BronxWorks. If the story is not about the mission of
BronxWorks, then it belongs in a press release statement. It is tough to tell if the donor page was updated
since one of their donors no longer serves in city council. I recommend the organization having a link to
an embedded YouTube video where a donor explains why they give. There is no strong message than "join
me in supporting..."
pages on the website that appear out of date. The last story was from its new CFO which was over a year
ago and doesn't highlight the fact why he joined BronxWorks. If the story is not about the mission of
BronxWorks, then it belongs in a press release statement. It is tough to tell if the donor page was updated
since one of their donors no longer serves in city council. I recommend the organization having a link to
an embedded YouTube video where a donor explains why they give. There is no strong message than "join
me in supporting..."
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| Credit: Victor Salloum Interesting Facebook post... |
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| Credit: Victor Salloum Wait, I've seen this before |
BronxWorks also appears to be guilty of putting the same post on multiple social platforms although it does
not occur often. Additionally, Twitter is typically used as an outlet for the organization to inform followers
and directly interact with stakeholders. Also, many of the posts do no warrant for supporters to engage
other than liking the post. This post would have benefited from asking people to share their story or
encouraging them to enroll in the program. Lastly, whether its on social media or the website, BronxWorks
can try using polling to get its followers more engaged. For example, ask them what is their favorite part
of a program.
not occur often. Additionally, Twitter is typically used as an outlet for the organization to inform followers
and directly interact with stakeholders. Also, many of the posts do no warrant for supporters to engage
other than liking the post. This post would have benefited from asking people to share their story or
encouraging them to enroll in the program. Lastly, whether its on social media or the website, BronxWorks
can try using polling to get its followers more engaged. For example, ask them what is their favorite part
of a program.
BronxWorks is transparent about the services they provide but do not explain how donations are used.
The accomplishments section gives figures about the success of its programs. However, I would like
to see if these accomplishments were an improvement from the prior year. The best I could find was the
990 form under the finance section. Reading an IRS form is off putting to most people, so it would benefit
BronxWorks to highlight this information in a different way, such as using a visual indicating “for every
dollar donated, …. happens.”
The accomplishments section gives figures about the success of its programs. However, I would like
to see if these accomplishments were an improvement from the prior year. The best I could find was the
990 form under the finance section. Reading an IRS form is off putting to most people, so it would benefit
BronxWorks to highlight this information in a different way, such as using a visual indicating “for every
dollar donated, …. happens.”
The BronxWorks logo is a rectangle shape that does not translate well as a profile picture on social media.
The logo itself if not memorable aside from the slogan and appears to misspell BronxWorks.
The logo itself if not memorable aside from the slogan and appears to misspell BronxWorks.
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| Credit BronxWorks: |
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