Visa Waiver Program Modernization
Eastern European Nation
Extending Trade Preference
International Multilateral Organization
Northern European Bankers Association
Opposition Political Party
YPF
International Multilateral Organization

Overview
An international multilateral organization sought to enhance its profile in Washington and the United States in general. Although the organization has been on the international stage since the early 1900s and facilitates decisions that impact economies throughout the globe, the U.S., especially in the last decade, had little knowledge of the organization and little interest in engagement.

Challenges
In addition to the ever-increasing competition for communications space, the organization learned that its focus was no longer a priority for either the new administration or for Congress. With a change in administration, the multilateral mission and vision for the global economy was not viewed as relevant.  The challenge was to convince a new administration and a new Congress not only that the organization’s mission and vision were globally relevant but also that it was relevant to U.S. decision-makers.

Strategic Recommendations
Beginning in 2001 and continuing through to today, Blue Star Strategies, LLC professionals developed an engagement strategy that initially targeted public policy institutions and non-governmental organizations so that a dialogue could begin—distinct from a political debate—on the organization's global and economic relevance.  After gaining significant traction on matters of global economic public policy, we instituted an education and outreach strategy across the aisles of Congress in both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Building upon each successful dialogue and engagement, the organization began to gain momentum among Washington’s economic elite, opinion leaders and decision-makers.  Essential to these strategic recommendations was the organization’s leadership.  Patience and vision allowed the strategy to unfold and build upon itself each year.  

Program Highlights
Through these efforts, the U.S. government agreed to fund several poverty alleviation programs, allocating millions of dollars to help eradicate child labor and trafficking in children and girls.  Additionally, the U.S. State Department agreed to accept the proposition promoted by the multilateral organization that workers were not only entitled to the opportunity to work but also entitled to have certain rights and protections as a result of their labor.  Presently, the multilateral institution is playing a pivotal role in the G-20, providing analysis and reports that demonstrate labor trends and “best practices” regarding employment, training and job creation.

Results
Having laid this foundation during the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression and in the wake of a new political climate brought on by the 2009 inauguration of a new U.S. President, the international organization was called upon by its supporters and validators for its technical expertise and leadership. Through this successful engagement, the organization’s profile was at its height, its reputation rebuilt and its essential economic role reaffirmed by gaining a seat at the G-20 table.