Is it possible to use humour to make a serious point? Absolutely.
While it’s true that humour is not always a good tactic for non-profits to get their message across, as we have warned you about in Bad Non-profit Ads: How Ad Agencies Fail the Non-profit Sector, sometimes non-profits get it just right and humour works brilliantly to inform the public about the importance of a cause. Take these videos for example:
1. Follow the Frog
This video starts out with a staggering fact that makes you pay attention: that the equivalent of one football field of rainforest is being destroyed every 78 seconds! It then takes you through an absurd, ridiculous and very funny scenario about what you shouldn’t do about this, and leaves you with one, very simple thing you can do – follow the frog! It’s a clear message that I bet donors are going to remember, and in that way, they have completely achieved their objective.
2. A Public Service Announcement not approved by AJWS
This video has a lot of star power and is very funny. It’s also very effective at educating the public about this organization, and clearing up any misconceptions about what they do, who supports them, and what they are all about.
3. Change the Odds
This one is also very funny and uses humour to make a powerful point – the odds of getting cancer in your life are huge: 1 in 2 for men and 1 in 3 for women. They have effectively made the case that the problem is real, and you walk away from this video much more aware of just how big it is.
Need a video for your non-profit? Check out Room Temp Productions