Our Impact
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC is a strategic policy and communications firm with an overall focus on criminal justice reform. The impact stories below demonstrate how MBC provides superior guidance and solutions that empower clients to achieve their goals. We specialize in amplifying our clients' missions to facilitate maximum exposure. Please click each service below to be taken directly to the corresponding impact story.
1. Know Your Rights Program
2. Social Media Management
3. Board of Directors Retreat
4. Government Relations
5. Website Redesign
6. Public Speaking Training
7. Event Planning
8. Advertising
9. Criminal Justice Reform
10. Communications
To learn more about our services, please visit melaniebates.net/consulting.
Our Impact: Example #1
Know Your Rights Program
Know Your Rights Program
Client
DC Public Schools Empowering Males of Color is an effort to increase the success of Pre-Kindergarten to 12 Black and Latino male students. EMOC works with the community, school, and district leaders to identify strategies to elevate the student experience, increase achievement, and prepare males of color for college, careers, and life beyond DCPS.
Services
It is undisputed that Blacks are pulled over by police, searched, and arrested at tremendously higher rates than other races. In the District of Columbia, residents housed at the DC Jail are 90.65% Black, but the District’s population is only 46.5% Black (Source: https://doc.dc.gov/publication/dc-department-corrections-facts-and-figures-april-2022). These figures are shocking and signify how imperative it is for Blacks to be prepared should they ever find themselves in an encounter with law enforcement. Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to present its Know Your Rights Program for EMOC.
Impact
MBC's Know Your Rights Program provided participants with information about their rights during police encounters. Specifically: 1) Participants partook in a discussion about personal experiences with law enforcement; 2) Participants learned statistics related to policing and the overall criminal justice system; 3) Participants learned key phrases to remember while in an encounter with law enforcement; 4) Participants watched videos depicting a myriad of scenarios involving law enforcement and members of the community; 5) Participants engaged in role play; 6) Participants shared thoughts about how they will plan to conduct themselves in any future situations; and 7) Participants were provided with information about the mission of the D.C. Office of Police Complaints and how to file a complaint, if needed.
DC Public Schools Empowering Males of Color is an effort to increase the success of Pre-Kindergarten to 12 Black and Latino male students. EMOC works with the community, school, and district leaders to identify strategies to elevate the student experience, increase achievement, and prepare males of color for college, careers, and life beyond DCPS.
Services
It is undisputed that Blacks are pulled over by police, searched, and arrested at tremendously higher rates than other races. In the District of Columbia, residents housed at the DC Jail are 90.65% Black, but the District’s population is only 46.5% Black (Source: https://doc.dc.gov/publication/dc-department-corrections-facts-and-figures-april-2022). These figures are shocking and signify how imperative it is for Blacks to be prepared should they ever find themselves in an encounter with law enforcement. Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to present its Know Your Rights Program for EMOC.
Impact
MBC's Know Your Rights Program provided participants with information about their rights during police encounters. Specifically: 1) Participants partook in a discussion about personal experiences with law enforcement; 2) Participants learned statistics related to policing and the overall criminal justice system; 3) Participants learned key phrases to remember while in an encounter with law enforcement; 4) Participants watched videos depicting a myriad of scenarios involving law enforcement and members of the community; 5) Participants engaged in role play; 6) Participants shared thoughts about how they will plan to conduct themselves in any future situations; and 7) Participants were provided with information about the mission of the D.C. Office of Police Complaints and how to file a complaint, if needed.
Our Impact: Example #2
Civil Rights Social Media Campaign
Civil Rights Social Media Campaign
Client
Karen E. Evans, Esq.
Services
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to increase public awareness around a civil rights litigation project via social media. MBC conducted extensive research on the client's background, objectives, and target audience to develop ideas for social media content and a corresponding outreach strategy. MBC generated robust language for digital assets regarding the client’s knowledge and expertise. The messaging was tailored to the target audience in order to generate meaningful engagement across all of the client’s social media channels.
Impact
MBC executed a social media campaign that significantly enhanced the civil rights litigation project. The written content and digital assets MBC created were utilized in tandem to amplify the project in the marketplace and ultimately achieve maximum exposure.
Karen E. Evans, Esq.
Services
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to increase public awareness around a civil rights litigation project via social media. MBC conducted extensive research on the client's background, objectives, and target audience to develop ideas for social media content and a corresponding outreach strategy. MBC generated robust language for digital assets regarding the client’s knowledge and expertise. The messaging was tailored to the target audience in order to generate meaningful engagement across all of the client’s social media channels.
Impact
MBC executed a social media campaign that significantly enhanced the civil rights litigation project. The written content and digital assets MBC created were utilized in tandem to amplify the project in the marketplace and ultimately achieve maximum exposure.
Our Impact: Example #3
Board of Directors Retreat
Board of Directors Retreat
Client
Thrive DC works to prevent and end homelessness in Washington, DC by providing vulnerable people with a wide range of services to help stabilize their lives. Founded in 1979 to serve dinner to homeless women, Thrive DC has grown to serve more than 2,000 men, women, and children each year.
Services
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to facilitate a virtual retreat for Thrive DC’s Board of Directors. The retreat was a total of eight hours, held in two four-hour segments.
Impact
MBC developed and executed a comprehensive curriculum that addressed previously identified objectives. These items included: 1) introducing and federating members to create a cohesive leadership team, 2) energizing and focusing the leadership team so they can continue to mobilize the organization, 3) providing instructive education on the key elements of its mission work to address reentry reform, homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty, and 4) building an infrastructure for strong and sustained follow-through, among others. MBC accomplished a portion of the aforementioned items by planning a robust panel discussion comprised of persons with lived experience. MBC identified and coordinated speakers, developed discussion questions, and prepared talking points. In addition to conducting the substantive portion of the retreat, MBC produced the calendar invitation, Zoom details, agenda, digital handouts, and other logistics. MBC also provided graphic design support to enhance Thrive DC's strategic plan document that was presented during the virtual retreat.
Thrive DC works to prevent and end homelessness in Washington, DC by providing vulnerable people with a wide range of services to help stabilize their lives. Founded in 1979 to serve dinner to homeless women, Thrive DC has grown to serve more than 2,000 men, women, and children each year.
Services
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to facilitate a virtual retreat for Thrive DC’s Board of Directors. The retreat was a total of eight hours, held in two four-hour segments.
Impact
MBC developed and executed a comprehensive curriculum that addressed previously identified objectives. These items included: 1) introducing and federating members to create a cohesive leadership team, 2) energizing and focusing the leadership team so they can continue to mobilize the organization, 3) providing instructive education on the key elements of its mission work to address reentry reform, homelessness, food insecurity, and poverty, and 4) building an infrastructure for strong and sustained follow-through, among others. MBC accomplished a portion of the aforementioned items by planning a robust panel discussion comprised of persons with lived experience. MBC identified and coordinated speakers, developed discussion questions, and prepared talking points. In addition to conducting the substantive portion of the retreat, MBC produced the calendar invitation, Zoom details, agenda, digital handouts, and other logistics. MBC also provided graphic design support to enhance Thrive DC's strategic plan document that was presented during the virtual retreat.
Our Impact: Example #4
Government Relations
Government Relations
Client
Founded in 1969, Community Family Life Services supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency.
Services
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to conduct a training on the District of Columbia legislative landscape so that the organization could more effectively engage with local government. The goal of MBC's training was to ensure that all participants were adequately equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively monitor, track, and engage the local legislature in a thoughtful, strategic way.
Impact
MBC covered the legislative process and explained how a bill becomes law in the District of Columbia. This included how to present ideas for introduction. Participants learned how to identify goals, draft language, identify relevant coalition partners and decision makers, schedule meetings, influence the message, monitor committee mark-up, DC Council vote, and congressional review. Participants also learned how to facilitate press coverage and develop necessary amendments. Participants completed an exercise so they could put into practice what they learned from the training.
Founded in 1969, Community Family Life Services supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency.
Services
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to conduct a training on the District of Columbia legislative landscape so that the organization could more effectively engage with local government. The goal of MBC's training was to ensure that all participants were adequately equipped with the necessary knowledge and tools to effectively monitor, track, and engage the local legislature in a thoughtful, strategic way.
Impact
MBC covered the legislative process and explained how a bill becomes law in the District of Columbia. This included how to present ideas for introduction. Participants learned how to identify goals, draft language, identify relevant coalition partners and decision makers, schedule meetings, influence the message, monitor committee mark-up, DC Council vote, and congressional review. Participants also learned how to facilitate press coverage and develop necessary amendments. Participants completed an exercise so they could put into practice what they learned from the training.
Our Impact: Example #5
Website Redesign
Website Redesign
Client
Founded in 1969, Community Family Life Services supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency.
Services
Website Redesign
Impact
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to provide redesign services for cflsdc.org so the website could be more user friendly, up-to-date, and engaging. MBC generated the proposed layouts and site map as well as managed the overall collation and implementation of edits. CFLS received glowing reviews from countless users. Ultimately, the redesigned website brought CFLS more exposure among its stakeholders and the community at large.
Founded in 1969, Community Family Life Services supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency.
Services
Website Redesign
Impact
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to provide redesign services for cflsdc.org so the website could be more user friendly, up-to-date, and engaging. MBC generated the proposed layouts and site map as well as managed the overall collation and implementation of edits. CFLS received glowing reviews from countless users. Ultimately, the redesigned website brought CFLS more exposure among its stakeholders and the community at large.
Our Impact: Example #6
Public Speaking Training
Public Speaking Training
Client
Founded in 1969, Community Family Life Services supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency.
Services
CFLS provides a platform for survivors of trauma such as domestic violence, human trafficking, and incarceration to learn public speaking skills, progress in their healing journey, and become agents of change. Members of the CFLS Speakers Bureau communicate their lived experiences to educate lawmakers, service providers, law enforcement, nonprofits, private organizations, and community stakeholders. Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to serve as a Trainer for the program.
Impact
Having previously served as a Legislative Director and as a Legislative Counsel for the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety at the Council for the District of Columbia, MBC teaches the women of the Speakers Bureau about the intricacies of District government and best practices for advocating for issues they care about.
Founded in 1969, Community Family Life Services supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency.
Services
CFLS provides a platform for survivors of trauma such as domestic violence, human trafficking, and incarceration to learn public speaking skills, progress in their healing journey, and become agents of change. Members of the CFLS Speakers Bureau communicate their lived experiences to educate lawmakers, service providers, law enforcement, nonprofits, private organizations, and community stakeholders. Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to serve as a Trainer for the program.
Impact
Having previously served as a Legislative Director and as a Legislative Counsel for the Committee on the Judiciary and Public Safety at the Council for the District of Columbia, MBC teaches the women of the Speakers Bureau about the intricacies of District government and best practices for advocating for issues they care about.
Our Impact: Example #7
Development and Event Planning
Development and Event Planning
Client
Founded in 1969, Community Family Life Services supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency.
Services
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC hosted a Thank-A-Thon designed for CFLS staff to call, email, and write supporters to express gratitude for making its work possible. Thanking those who donate their money, time, or in-kind items is critical to ensuring continued success of the organization’s mission. These contributions fuel the work they do by making it possible for CFLS to serve those who need us most.
Impact
During the Thank-A-Thon, CFLS staff shared anecdotal stories from its work, client success stories, and how the support has affected them personally. Supporters loved to hear how their individual contributions have made a collective impact. Hearing these sentiments directly from the source meant so much. The efforts exerted during the Thank-A-Thon resulted in hundreds of emails and countless telephone calls and handwritten letters to supporters.
Founded in 1969, Community Family Life Services supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency.
Services
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC hosted a Thank-A-Thon designed for CFLS staff to call, email, and write supporters to express gratitude for making its work possible. Thanking those who donate their money, time, or in-kind items is critical to ensuring continued success of the organization’s mission. These contributions fuel the work they do by making it possible for CFLS to serve those who need us most.
Impact
During the Thank-A-Thon, CFLS staff shared anecdotal stories from its work, client success stories, and how the support has affected them personally. Supporters loved to hear how their individual contributions have made a collective impact. Hearing these sentiments directly from the source meant so much. The efforts exerted during the Thank-A-Thon resulted in hundreds of emails and countless telephone calls and handwritten letters to supporters.
Our Impact: Example #8
Advertising
Advertising
Client
Founded in 1969, Community Family Life Services supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency.
Services
A period of incarceration has a tremendous impact on one’s ability to effectively manage their health, so CFLS offers education, testing, and linking to wellness and health care through its Early Intervention Services. Its goal is to reach as many as possible, teach all who will listen, test everyone in need, link to services that will guide, and keep clients connected to care. Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to manage a public awareness campaign to ensure the target population is informed of the resources available.
Impact
MBC developed the work plan, implemented all components to achieve maximum impact, served as point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, and facilitated regularly scheduled meetings and progress reports. MBC produced a magnitude of content and facilitated countless events. This includes the production of WMATA bus ads, WMATA digital displays, a commercial airing on FOX 5 DC, mobile banner ads, bikeshare ads, program brochure, flyers, professional photography, and a documentary designed to raise awareness of the critical services CFLS provides to the community.
Founded in 1969, Community Family Life Services supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency.
Services
A period of incarceration has a tremendous impact on one’s ability to effectively manage their health, so CFLS offers education, testing, and linking to wellness and health care through its Early Intervention Services. Its goal is to reach as many as possible, teach all who will listen, test everyone in need, link to services that will guide, and keep clients connected to care. Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was hired to manage a public awareness campaign to ensure the target population is informed of the resources available.
Impact
MBC developed the work plan, implemented all components to achieve maximum impact, served as point of contact for internal and external stakeholders, and facilitated regularly scheduled meetings and progress reports. MBC produced a magnitude of content and facilitated countless events. This includes the production of WMATA bus ads, WMATA digital displays, a commercial airing on FOX 5 DC, mobile banner ads, bikeshare ads, program brochure, flyers, professional photography, and a documentary designed to raise awareness of the critical services CFLS provides to the community.
Our Impact: Example #9
Criminal Justice Reform
Criminal Justice Reform
Client
DC or Nothing, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that advocates for social justice, equity, and economic inclusion for Native Washingtonians. The organization was founded by Angel Gregario and Tony Lewis Jr., friends who had been collaborating civically for a decade on issues such as mass incarceration, gun violence, education, and homelessness.
Services
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was engaged by DC or Nothing, Inc. to conduct an evaluation of DC or Nothing’s I Am A Citizen Reentry Program. The I Am A Citizen Reentry Program began with a comprehensive assessment to learn more about individual participant backgrounds, experiences, and desired resources. Basic needs were also met through financial assistance, and by providing support through strategic partnerships to promote safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
Impact
The evaluation was designed to provide an understanding of the barriers District of Columbia residents face when returning home following a period of incarceration and how DC or Nothing’s services and resources impacted participants. The evaluation also includes a variety of calls to action.
DC or Nothing, Inc. is a nonprofit organization that advocates for social justice, equity, and economic inclusion for Native Washingtonians. The organization was founded by Angel Gregario and Tony Lewis Jr., friends who had been collaborating civically for a decade on issues such as mass incarceration, gun violence, education, and homelessness.
Services
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was engaged by DC or Nothing, Inc. to conduct an evaluation of DC or Nothing’s I Am A Citizen Reentry Program. The I Am A Citizen Reentry Program began with a comprehensive assessment to learn more about individual participant backgrounds, experiences, and desired resources. Basic needs were also met through financial assistance, and by providing support through strategic partnerships to promote safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization.
Impact
The evaluation was designed to provide an understanding of the barriers District of Columbia residents face when returning home following a period of incarceration and how DC or Nothing’s services and resources impacted participants. The evaluation also includes a variety of calls to action.
Our Impact: Example #10
Communications
Communications
Client
Founded in 1969, Community Family Life Services supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency.
Services
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was engaged by CFLS to develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy. This includes generating coordinated agencywide branding and messaging, creating social media content and managing all accounts, producing and distributing monthly e-newsletters, and designing its business cards, flyers, brochures, infographics, giveaways, and all other marketing materials.
Impact
MBC developed and implemented a comprehensive communications strategy that significantly increased the presence of CFLS in the marketplace and ultimately enhanced its overall impact among target stakeholders and the community at large.
Founded in 1969, Community Family Life Services supports women who are returning home following a period of incarceration by assisting them as they move into permanent self-sufficiency.
Services
Melanie Bates Consulting, LLC was engaged by CFLS to develop and implement a comprehensive communications strategy. This includes generating coordinated agencywide branding and messaging, creating social media content and managing all accounts, producing and distributing monthly e-newsletters, and designing its business cards, flyers, brochures, infographics, giveaways, and all other marketing materials.
Impact
MBC developed and implemented a comprehensive communications strategy that significantly increased the presence of CFLS in the marketplace and ultimately enhanced its overall impact among target stakeholders and the community at large.
