Great Ideas...
can change the world.
Thinkinc. is a creative Chicago-based public affairs and political consulting firm that delivers strategic planning and positioning, messaging, branding, issue framing, and educational campaigns with the power to take your organization to the next level.
Thinkinc. is certified under Illinois’ Business Enterprise Program (BEP) for Minorities, Females and Persons with Disabilities.
Founder, president, and CEO Laurie R. Glenn has more than 25 years of experience delivering powerful, effective strategies. Full bio ›
Laurie secured high-profile coverage in Wired for the Shared User Mobility Center’s report on how ride-sharing companies such as Lyft and Uber affect public transit use.
Quotes from the SUMC’s executive director reached an engaged audience of 30 million monthly viewers, including thought leaders and policy shapers.
In 2019, Chicago homicides declined 13%, the third straight yearly drop in murders.
Other big cities have noticed. The Philadelphia Inquirer asked around Chicago and found one important reason for the turnaround: Community-based antiviolence work funded by the Partnership for Safe and Peaceful Communities. PSPC, a Thinkinc. client since spring 2019, is a coalition of more than 40 Chicago foundations and funders that have invested nearly $75 million in identifying and supporting neighborhood-level violence-reduction programs.
Read how PSPC-funded initiatives, such as Communities Partnering for Peace, are having such an impact: Important lessons for Philadelphia from Chicago’s three-year decline in gun violence
I heard many great speakers while attending the September 2018 German Marshall Fund Transatlantic Leaders of Inclusion Summit in Paris.
Below is a lovely Facebook post from Andrei Zavalei, one of the young leaders from Belarus who attended my recent WorldChicago workshop on sharing power. I am deeply touched. Thank you, Andrei.
I want this world to be governed by women like Laurie Glenn.
I want women to have power, I want them to have real influence. I am sure, that this kind of world would be more inclusive, more transparent and less corrupted. This world will be definitely much more safer, prosperous and comfortable place for everyone, than it is now.
In August 2018, I (sixth from the left) joined other Chicago professionals including Windy City Times Publisher Tracy Baim (fourth from right) in working with a wonderful group of young leaders from Belarus through WorldChicago.
For over two weeks we are meeting with very talented people in various sectors on communications, fundraising, volunteerism, advocacy, research and organizing. Most importantly we are sharing with them lessons around building power. Learn more »
Laurie Glenn and Thinkinc. designed and moderated a communications and action planning session for 25 women entrepreneurs from throughout Africa sponsored by WorldChicago in July 2018.
To maximize the impact of our client’s push to remove police from schools on Chicago’s South and West Sides, Thinkinc. recommended a strategic joint press conference with Ald. Roderick Sawyer and other allies of our client.
Thinkinc. developed strategic messaging, pitched reporters and alerted the media to the urgency of the moment, as Ald. Sawyer prepared to put forth a measure before the City Council.
In 12 hours, Thinkinc.’s deep and broad relationship with Chicago and regional media produced a well-attended news conference and several big media hits.
AP: Chicago aldermen propose removing police from public schools
NBC5: Aldermen push to remove police from Chicago Public Schools
ABC7: Chicago aldermen to introduce ordinance to remove CPD officers from CPS
WGN9: Aldermen push to remove police from Chicago Public Schools
Chicago Tribune: Aldermen, activists press for moving police out of Chicago Public Schools
Chicago Sun-Times: 3 aldermen push to kick cops out of schools, plan to introduce ordinance at council meeting this week
Thinkinc. worked closely with the Field and MacArthur Foundations to launch a national announcement of the 2020 Leaders for a New Chicago.
The Field Foundation again chose Thinkinc. to spread the word about this innovative unrestricted award that helps Chicago visionaries broaden their networks while helping the city develop leadership that is more equitable.
Chicago Tribune: 11 Chicagoans each awarded $50,000 by Field Foundation for the plans they have to make a difference in the city
Chicago Citizen: Grant program pivots in midst of Covid-19
During the COVID-19 crisis, we hear a lot from adults — government officials, experts and worried parents. In April 2020, Thinkinc. helped Communities United raise the voices of Chicago youth leaders who are calling for increased access to mental health services during this challenging time.
Thinkinc.’s media advisory and calls to reporters brought a significant turnout of journalists to a Communities United virtual town hall, which led to wide broadcast and print coverage of this important message. Highlights include:
Thinkinc. secured premium placement for client PSPC, whose Chicago Fund grantees included Project H.E.L.M. (Harbor Education Life-Safety Mindset). Project H.E.L.M. teaches youths boating skills and life skills to help them navigate life on water and on land. Read the Thinkinc. news release that helped garner this coverage »
Thinkinc. reached community media to spread the word of the Field Foundation’s innovative Leaders for a New Chicago grants. The Field Foundation, with support from the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation supports leaders of color who are often left out of the philanthropic process.
“Stop turning your back on Middle America.” That’s my message to the Democrats during my enjoyable time on “The Ben Joravsky Show.” Hear about that and what I’ve been up to lately. Watch the interview »
Thinkinc. worked with the Chicago Independent Venue League (CIVL) to create a formidable force that took on a City of Chicago-backed project to use public funds to build a billion-dollar megadevelopment that threatened the city’s independent music scene. Indy venue owners formed CIVL and called Thinkinc.
Within a week, Thinkinc. generated widespread media coverage and fervent community support that would have a big impact. Read more »
Jesus “Chuy” Garcia, a charismatic, down-to-earth Chicago community organizer and officeholder chose Thinkinc. to handle his announcement for congressional election and his October 2018 decision to decline a run for Chicago mayor. Garcia relied on Thinkinc.’s longstanding ties with Chicago and national media as well as influential community leaders.
Thinkinc. has the power to get your message heard. Explore the highlights of our recent media wins with influential TV and radio news programs, newspapers and blogs across the nation. Read more ›
