Old School Square
building advocacy for an arts organization in a moment of crisis
In August 2021, the Delray Beach City Commission voted to remove Old School Square Center for the Arts (OSS) from its historic campus, a decision based on outdated and inaccurate information presented at a public hearing. The termination jeopardized OSS’s reputation, disrupted decades of community partnership, and created local controversy. OSS needed a strategic advocacy and awareness campaign to defend its record, mobilize community support, and ensure transparent communication.
solution
We formed a committee with OSS board members and leadership to develop a strategic PR and community outreach plan. We created clear briefs detailing OSS’s achievements, compliance history, and counterpoints to the City’s claims. These materials were deployed across social media, the OSS website, and email communications to supporters.
We developed a multi-step Call-to-Action that included:
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a Change.org petition
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a pre-written letter supporters could send to City Commissioners
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public posting of Commissioner contact information
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community group engagement to widen message distribution
When City leaders began responding to constituents, we fact-checked their replies, shared clarifications publicly, and amplified accurate information across community channels.
We coordinated interviews, provided media with full documentation for transparent reporting, and equipped OSS spokespeople with concise, emotionally resonant talking points. Prior to the next Commission meeting, we coordinated a community rally, produced signage and shirts, and mobilized supporters to attend and speak during public comment.
results
More than 10,000 people signed the petition within a week. Hundreds of letters poured into City inboxes. More than 90% of community social-media discourse favored OSS.
Over 100 supporters rallied outside City Hall, and the hearing room filled to capacity; public comment extended more than an hour beyond its allotted time due to the volume of speakers.
Dozens of regional and local outlets covered the story, overwhelmingly supportive of OSS.
The campaign reinforced OSS’s reputation as one of Delray Beach’s most cherished cultural institutions and generated enough support and funding for the organization to continue challenging the City’s decision. Its visibility and community standing remain stronger than ever.