“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.”
– Margaret Mead

In 2011, AIGA launched Design for Good as a platform of opportunity for both designers and worthwhile causes. AIGA “…recognize[d] the wide range of designers’ work and leadership in social change…” and sought to expand these relationships within local communities all across the country. Since then, there have been some amazing achievements by small groups of designers working on behalf of local non-profits (some grassroots and some established organizations). Success stories include, but are not limited to:

• In 2015, AIGA OC worked with KidWorks (Santa Ana) to help build brand awareness and fundraising campaigns for the organization. Located in one of the most economically challenged areas of the County, KidWorks serves over 800 children, youth and parents through weekly programs. That translates into over 3,000 community members, annually, from three learning centers.
  
• AIGA Grand Rapids Michigan worked with their local school district to troubleshoot declining enrollment and graduation rates.
• AIGA Portland collaborated with the Right Brain Initiative (an organization working to integrate arts into the public schools). Together they started Brain Food – a project that provides creative thinking exercises for kids and was described on the HOW blog as `inspiring and worth checking out.’
• AIGA San Diego initiated the Peach’s Pen Pal Project in 2015. They partnered with Peach’s Neet Feet to create and prepare creative goody bags for children living with illnesses and disabilities.

When participating in Design for Good activities designers from all specialties, cultures and walks-of-life feel productive and significantly connected to their communities. Proof that design not only unifies concepts and visual elements but it unifies people, their surroundings and their goals.

AIGA OC has some big Design for Good  activities and projects planned for 2016/2017. Sign-up now and get involved. Let us know your skills and your availability and we will find a place for you. Did we mention this is a great place to start building your professional portfolio and get experience working with creatives in different disciplines? Well, it is. Want to learn more? Join us at the AIGA OC Mix 6–9 p.m. on July 21 at Caffé Primo in Anaheim. Enjoy some fun icebreakers and meet the Design for Good team, then get started on shaping our communities and our future one design at a time.

More info: sara@aigaoc.com