Branding for Impact

In this bonus episode, Kathryn LeBlanc sits down with LeBlanc (& co.) Communications’ Designer Manager, Robin Richardson-Dupuis, to explore how design is a powerful force for social change. From iconic movements like ACT UP to modern advocacy campaigns, visual storytelling has always shaped how communities organize, connect, and build power.Robin shares insights from her 10+ years in design and covers why a strong visual identity can transform how an organization is understood, trusted, and remembered. Together, Kathryn and Robin unpack the role of design in social impact work, the importance of usable and accessible brand systems, and how thoughtful creative work can help organizations extend their reach and deepen their impact.Kathryn and Robin also walk through real examples from LeBlanc (& co.) projects: rebrands, campaign brands, and the design principles behind creative work for nonprofits, advocacy organizations, and community groups across Canada.Whether you’re working in social change, labour, gender justice, environmental advocacy, or any good-cause space, this conversation will help you see design not as “decoration” but as a strategic tool for alignment, trust-building, and meaningful cultural impact.Tune in for a thoughtful, energizing deep dive into what happens when design and social change come together.Links mentioned in the episode:Social movement examples mentionedhttps://www.metmuseum.org/perspectives/act-up-gran-furyhttps://fosfeminista.org/news-and-stories/a-brief-history-of-the-green-wave/ LeBlanc (& co.) Communications examples mentionedhttps://www.leblancandco.ca/work/nourish-nova-scotia https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/alter-acadie https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/options-housing https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/drag-the-vote https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/momentum-rainbow-equality-campaign https://www.leblancandco.ca/work/national-day-of-action-campaign-for-child-care-and-early-learninghttps://www.leblancandco.ca/work/arts-ottawahttps://www.leblancandco.ca/work/cupe-manitobaTo learn more about our brand design, campaign design, and creative activations: https://www.leblancandco.ca/services

In this episode of the Social Impact Comms Podcast, Kathryn and Marie walk you through the essential steps to successfully rebrand for maximum social impact. Tune in to hear our advice on how to successfully collaborate with an agency or freelance designer.Stay in touch and access even more information on Social Impact Comms : Find the show notes and resources mentioned in season 1 of the podcast: leblancandco.ca/podcastCheck out our website: leblancandco.caSign up to our newsletter: leblancandco.ca/newsletter

In this episode of the Social Impact Comms Podcast, Kathryn and Marie unveil strategies for effective communications when resources are tight. Small organizations can pack a punch with the right approach.Stay in touch and access even more information on Social Impact Comms : Find the show notes and resources mentioned in season 1 of the podcast: leblancandco.ca/podcastCheck out our website: leblancandco.caSign up to our newsletter: leblancandco.ca/newsletter

In this episode of the Social Impact Comms Podcast, Kathryn and Marie invite you to discover the most common communications hurdles faced by social impact organizations and learn quick tips to overcome them with ease.Stay in touch and access even more information on Social Impact Comms : Find the show notes and resources mentioned in season 1 of the podcast: leblancandco.ca/podcastCheck out our website: leblancandco.caSign up to our newsletter: leblancandco.ca/newsletter

In this episode of the Social Impact Comms Podcast, Kathryn reflects on the evolution of LeBlanc (& co.) Communications and the lessons learned along the way in shaping the field of social impact communications. Tune into this storytelling-based episode where we will share our experience as an agency that straddles the business world and the social impact world.Stay in touch and access even more information on Social Impact Comms : Find the show notes and resources mentioned in season 1 of the podcast: leblancandco.ca/podcastCheck out our website: leblancandco.caSign up to our newsletter: leblancandco.ca/newsletter

In this episode of the Social Impact Comms Podcast, Kathryn and Marie explore how to leverage digital platforms to amplify your social impact. We break down which platforms work best for different types of campaigns, with insights on maximizing reach and engagement.Note that part of this episode was recorded before Meta’s policy updates, that include the end of fact-checking, thinned-down moderation efforts, and a dismantled Hateful Conduct policy that expressly permits abuse against LGBTQ+ people while forbidding the same abuses against all other communities. (Reference: Human Rights Campaign, https://www.hrc.org/news/metas-new-policies-how-they-endanger-lgbtq-communities-and-our-tips-for-staying-safe-online)Stay in touch and access even more information on Social Impact Comms : Find the show notes and resources mentioned in season 1 of the podcast: leblancandco.ca/podcastCheck out our website: leblancandco.caSign up to our newsletter: leblancandco.ca/newsletter

In this episode of the Social Impact Comms Podcast, Kathryn and Marie will walk you through creating a powerful, decentralized campaign. This decentralized approach helps campaigns spread by empowering local advocates to join your advocacy. We will cover how to establish a clear vision and how to support local advocates.Stay in touch and access even more information on Social Impact Comms : Find the show notes and resources mentioned in season 1 of the podcast: leblancandco.ca/podcastCheck out our website: leblancandco.caSign up to our newsletter: leblancandco.ca/newsletter

In this episode of the Social Impact Comms Podcast, Kathryn and Marie will take you on a deep dive into crafting impactful messages that resonate deeply with your core audiences and inspire action. This episode will cover everything from audience research to proven frameworks, and from social movements to human psychology. As part of this episode, we share our favourite inspiration and name who we listen to as experts in this space. Stay in touch and access even more information on Social Impact Comms : Find the show notes and resources mentioned in season 1 of the podcast: leblancandco.ca/podcastCheck out our website: leblancandco.caSign up to our newsletter: leblancandco.ca/newsletter

Meet Kathryn and Marie as they introduce the podcast and share what listeners can expect: practical strategies, expert tips, and creative insights to elevate your social impact communications.Until next time!