We got a facelift.

You may have noticed and been too polite to say anything. But that’s OK – we’re not ashamed of the work we’ve had done. Actually, we’re proud because the experience of totally stripping down and rebuilding reminded us why we’re here.

Of course, we don’t mean that we’ve had our faces redone – we mean that we redid our website.

Redesigning our website wasn’t easy; it meant facing the fact that we haven’t been following our own advice.

Prior to its facelift, our website was laden with excruciating detail about our processes – how we run board retreats, how we conduct donor research, etc. This made our website was dull and overwhelming. Our web pages were so overwhelming that almost no one took the time to read them, so what we had to offer to clients wasn’t easily understood.

Additionally, the content and design of our website were dated, so despite our consistent good work in the real world, we did not appear relevant.

Redesigning our website was an exercise in empathy. Getting bogged down in discussions of process and struggling to assert relevance despite a portfolio of good work are challenges faced by many United Ways. The opportunity to be in their shoes reminded us why Perspectives exists.

The fact of the matter is that changing the way you’ve always done things is challenging, which is why it’s helpful to have expert guides for the journey. Our adventure into the world of website design did not happen alone. We were guided by our long-time graphic designer, two exceptional copywriters and proofreaders, and the wisdom of several United Way CEOs to make our transition successful.

While our transition took a few months, our path to clear messaging and relevance was relatively straight-forward thanks to the help of our many guides. However, the transformation that most United Ways need to make to assure their relevance, sustainability, impactfulness and clear messaging is far more complex.

We have always seen ourselves as guides for United Ways, but being on the opposite end of the process – facing a change that we knew needed to happen – reminded us of the power of experienced guides.

The best guides prepare you for obstacles before you can even see them and make even the most challenging paths traversable.

Perspectives exists to be the best guide possible for United Ways that desire relevant, sustainable, and deeply impactful futures. While our look may have changed, our commitment to that mission has not. If you believe your United Way exists to impact your community, we are here to help you do that.

To learn more about how we help United Ways ensure their relevance, sustainability, and impactfulness for years to come, check out our newly updated services page or see how our guidance is helping one United Way make real impact on the issue of poverty.

After you have had a chance to take a look at our new website, please feel free to share your thoughts with us at sarah-and-gary@perspectives4uw.com.