Clean Slate GR: Expungement Fair

The City of Grand Rapids Office of Oversight and Public Accountability collaborated with partners to organize an expungement fair to help community members gain access to work, housing, and education loans. The original content and flier design had room for improvement.

After consulting with the team, Amanda worked to identify potential barriers impeding users from signing up and opportunities for making the registration process more efficient.

The project included:

developing persuasive messaging and calls to action
creating flier and social graphics
creating three forms

Results

By improving communication messaging and integrated marketing communications, barriers were eliminated and efficiencies implemented that led to the City receiving over 400 sign-ups in just 10 days.

Landing page

Amanda created a program landing page at www.grandrapidsmi.gov/CleanSlate. When all applications were live, the page linked to the three application pages, the event page, and additional resources.

Forms

Amanda designed three forms: volunteer sign up, expungement registration, and request for assistance in Spanish. The forms were built with if/then logic, to block ineligible submission logic, to automate confirmation emails, and provide template sheets for registration forms. The logic automates eligibility confirmation and prevents ineligible applicants from submitting a file, saving staff time and eliminating the need for individual eligibility validation and callbacks. The forms also send confirmation emails that include reminders and details to set expectations for the volunteers and event attendees. The confirmation email included a template call to action to share the registration with friends, families and others.

Social Content

Amanda created multiple social graphics that addressed the different audiences that may be interested in expungement. These graphics and draft content were shared with project partners. The content included a hyperlink to the landing page, making it easy for people to cross digital platforms to complete registration. The imagery chosen reflects more positive clean slate energy compared to typical expungement event marketing featuring breaking chains.

Printed Fliers

Amanda created two fliers for distribution to partners, one for participant registration and one for volunteers. The files included QR codes to www.grandrapidsmi.gov/CleanSlate, making it easy for people to cross from analog to digital platforms to complete registration.