ENCOMPASS Staff Blog

Can you remember a time when you were not faced with product plugs on a daily basis? I sure can’t. For me, not an hour goes by when advertising is in my face. For Pete’s sake, I am currently drinking a cup pf coffee from our local, non-chain, coffee shop and although the cups are a plain, stark white, the cardboard sleeve features an ad for a credit card company. Great - another reminder that I need to pay off my debt.

Many years ago I was shocked by how huge companies were buying event venues and changing their name to the businesses name. Teens today probably don’t know that the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre was actually once called Irvine Meadows and Gibson Amphitheatre was Universal Amphitheatre.

Product placement is everywhere and whether it is about pushing soda, cars, phones, or guitars - companies are taking any opportunity than they can get to push their products(s). Non-profits and charities around the nation are following suit and I can see how a pitch could be made for programs as products.

Just yesterday I was at the gas station and watching the TV screen at my pump. Oh yes, while I pump fuel into my vehicle, I can get a weather update, hear a joke from Jay Leno, and catch a few advertisements. The commercial that caught my attention yesterday was for a national non-profit that works with abused children and their summer program for teenagers. I couldn’t help but think - whoa, how much did they pay to get that kind of advertising?

Now, non-profits, just like huge businesses and corporations, are being forced to follow advertising trends or else they will be left behind. The big question is: how do small organizations, like ENCOMPASS, engage in these trends without breaking the bank? Ultimately, it is up to ENCOMPASS to decide on a case by case scenario, whether any method of advertising will bring us exposure to the right audience - people who will want to participate in our programs, book our programs, or donate. And thinking that through, I doubt it is the average person at the gas station. Or, is it?

Let me know your thoughts. E-mail me at julianaserrano@encompass.org

Big news: Our first two 2007 Compassion Plays preview showcases went off without a hitch! If you missed them, double booked them, or just plain forgot them, don’t worry - you have one last chance to see this dynamic theater and discussion program live at the charming Fremont Centre Theatre in South Pasadena (Click here to map it).

On Monday, April 16 at 7pm, join us as we present Kick, an original ENCOMPASS production starring Delanna Studi! Click here for the full play synopsis. The pre- and post-show discussion will be facilitated by Steven Jones, CEO of Jones & Associates Consulting, Inc. and member of the ENCOMPASS Board of Directors.

If you are considering booking one of our plays, want to learn more about ENCOMPASS, or simply love showing your support for Compassion Plays, we hope you will join us to experience Kick. For more details on this free Compassion Plays showcase, check out the event flyer and share it with interested friends and colleagues.

This is the final showing for this round of preview performances, but don’t worry, we’ll definitely offer free Compassion Plays preview shows again in the future. Want to stay in the loop? Join our mailing list for the latest and greatest on ENCOMPASS happenings.