Opponents are generally passionate and zealous, while proponents generally give only passive assent. Opponents usually argue in life-and-death terms, while proponents usually argue in terms of propriety or convenience, or in terms of abstract economic benefits.

In general, those who oppose the development employ arguments with visceral impact; they speak with the ferocity and passion of those who feel threatened. Proponents make more intellectual arguments about planning priorities and protocol. In short, while proponents discuss issues in terms of being correct or incorrect, opponents see things as black or white, right or wrong, good or evil.

It’s our job to help our clients build relationships with undecided and ambivalent residents. We help our clients to communicate intellectually as well as emotionally, by strengthening the emotional impact of the proponents’ communication, or by neutralizing the emotional appeal of opponents arguments.

This is our forté: building support at the community level, and overcoming the opposition that arises communities.

 

---

Ameritech — New Area Code

GOAL
Overcome public opposition to new Chicago area code (773)

SOLUTION

• Identified 350 key community contacts
• Developed community outreach strategy to address community leaders
• Developed media strategy for positive news coverage of the changes

RESULTS
The 773 area code was accepted with no observable resistance or complaints from the public, media or elected officials

---

Illinois Association of Park Districts /
Illinois Parks and Recreation Association
Campaign Guide & Manual

GOAL
Equip park districts to pass referenda in the face of organized local resistance

SOLUTION
Develop comprehensive guide to running referendum campaigns

RESULTS
Our guide is The Book on referenda for park districts

>> View PDF

---

Dartmoor Homes at Timber Trails
Community Relations Campaign

GOAL
Overcome strong local opposition to development on closed golf course

SOLUTION

• Developed strategy and messages to communicate strengths of the project
• Built trust and relationships with local leaders
• Explained the project to local communities through earned media and mail

RESULTS
Development has received final approval for construction, and many units are already sold

>> View PDF

---

Dominick’s — New Store Development

GOAL
Receive approval to build new store in Chicago Suburb, despite opposition from 4 of 6 trustees

SOLUTION

• Developed strategy and message designed to appeal directly to residents
• Alerted and received approval for our efforts from the trustees
• Sent direct mail appeal to residents, asking that they communicate their support for the project to the trustees

RESULTS
The Village Board reversed its opposition to the project and entered negotiations for permits

---

Medical Disposal Systems — Transfer Station Permit Hearing

GOAL
Receive State permit for operation of a medical waste transfer station

SOLUTION

• Develop strategy and messages to communicate simplicity and safety of operations
• Develop highly visual presentation, with original artwork, to explain operations to the community
• Train presenters on messages and techniques for communicating in public hearing setting
• Brief media, using presentation and hearing materials

Result
Press coverage that praised the operational plan, and subsequent issuance of permit

About Sphere | What We Do | Contact Us
Building Support | Overcoming Opposition Developing Collateral