The goal when designing a website centered around a social justice movement is different than generating business as an entrepreneur. The goal centers on effectively communicating the mission, driving change, and attracting donors. With different goals come different strategies.  Here are some  that  you can use that are unique to supporting social justice initiatives:

1. Be Clear About Your Mission

First, you need to be clear about your mission and goals as a social justice organization. This usually begins with having a mission and charter drafted that aligns with what you are working to accomplish. A lot of the work begins before you build a website. So before you start talking color schemes and design, ensure you have a clear picture of your mission as an organization.

2. Strong Calls to Action are a Must

Calls to action (CTAs) are essential for every website, but even more so for those that promote social justice. These organizations are often focused on two things: information sharing and attracting donors. This means clear calls to action so users know how they can contribute or get involved are essential.

What is your top goal when someone visits your website? Is it to donate or learn more about your latest initiative? It’s also okay to put the same CTA in several places on the website. For example, your “Donate Now” link can be on your Homepage, in the “About” section, and on the website banner at the top. Aligning your goals with your calls to action is critical to meeting your goals as an organization. 

3. Make Inclusivity a Part of Your Strategy

Make sure that inclusiveness is reflected in all parts of your web design. This includes everything from the language and terms you use to the font and color scheme.  Including pictures of past events and initiatives is a great way to showcase the passion behind your work and what you do in the community. It is also important to focus on the needs and experiences of the users, especially those from marginalized communities. This could involve user research to understand their challenges and designing your website so that users can easily access necessary information and resources. 

4. Encourage Engagement

Consider website plugins that encourage participation and dialogue, such as discussion forums and a comments section. Blogs are also a great way to facilitate this and are shareable across multiple social media platforms. Forums, comment sections, and social media integration can foster a sense of community and collective action.

5. Incorporate Social Justice as a Part of Your Content Strategy

Even if your business is not centered on social justice, you can still incorporate it into your content strategy. For example, including the upcoming holiday, Juneteenth, on your website is a powerful way to honor and recognize the significance of this historical event. You can also create a dedicated post on your social media platforms. Incorporating social justice elements on your website and in your content strategy demonstrates your organization’s commitment to social justice and equality, regardless of your industry.

Integrating these strategies while building a website can create more effective and impactful platforms for social justice movements. Need some inspiration? Check out an example of a social justice website our team designed for an environmental justice organization called Young, Gifted, and Green. 

AMW Marketing and Design is a boutique branding, web design, and marketing firm specializing in helping service businesses and non-profits upgrade their online presence, automate processes, and increase search traffic. Ready to elevate your branding and marketing strategy? Contact us to schedule your free consultation and site audit.