CGI Progress Report: Empowering Haitians Through Connected Cities
“Micro-Documentaries delivered a piece that captures the true essence of Inveneo’s story and our work in Haiti in just 60 seconds, not only a requirement for our presentation at the Clinton Global Initiative annual meeting, but also a necessity in engaging today’s busy audiences.
Since debuting our micro-documentary at CGI, we have received an overwhelmingly positive response, both in-person and in the number of viewers who have watched the piece from the CGI website, where it remains one of the top viewed videos. I attribute this to the raw emotion that micro-documentaries was able to capture portraying how our technology is bettering the lives of hose in dire circumstances.
The creative process was extremely efficient, with Micro-Documentaries acting as a true partner in moving us quickly from concept, to story, to final piece. We look forward to continued work with Micro-Documentaries to show how technology is changing people’s lives for the better.”
Kristin Peterson, CEO and Co-Founder, Inveneo
Background:
In 2009, Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) launched a Haiti Action Network – a group of members that meets throughout the year to share ideas and generate action. Many CGI members have been active in Haiti for years, and members responded to President Clinton’s 2008 call to action with more than $100 million in Haiti-related commitments. The group has met regularly since its formation, and 30 projects have been developed or enhanced as a result.Inveneo had an opportunity to present a 1-minute video at the CGI as a part of the program honoring organizations that had done IT work in disaster response. Inveneo approached Micro-Documentaries to create a short, impactful piece that would attract more financial support for continuing their work in Haiti.
What We Did:
- We traveled to Haiti and chose to feature the testimony of Save the Children Country Director, Gary Shaye, who benefited directly from Inveneo’s work
- We dramatically conveyed the sense of urgency and complex challenges that erupted as a result of the earthquake
Results:
Debuted to an audience of government officials, members of the U.N., celebrities, and innovative for-profit and non-profit leaders at the annual Clinton Global Initiative meeting held in New York City in late September 2010.
- Introduced by former President Bill Clinton
- Visibility and compelling message of film was instrumental to Inveneo securing a $50,000 gift from Microsoft
- Featured on the CGI YouTube channel where it has received nearly 6,000 views
Points to Ponder:
- What are the biggest solutions you are working on and how have you communicated those solutions to your supporters?
- Have you considered using video to showcase your work at a partner’s event?
In this case the largest impact was not from the number of views but who saw the video at their partner’s event. Inveneo achieved significant results by showing this video to a specific, targeted audience rather than just trying to get it out to as many people as possible. Next time you have an opportunity to present your story to a group of influencers or supporters, consider using a persuasive video to draw their attention to your cause.