Debateville
Amplifying the voice of our youngsters
Debateville is a Brussels-based non-profit that builds the self-confidence and talent of young people through debating and speaking skills. As a pro bono project, we developed the strategy, brand story, visual identity, website and communication tools behind its slogan 'Your voice, your force'.
The story behind the work
What was the challenge?
Debateville is a Brussels-based non-profit founded by Sophie Buysse. Since 2019 it has used a debating and speaking skills programme to unleash the self-confidence and talent of young people. The goal is a society where a teenager's future follows their aspirations and their socio-economic background plays no role. The mission and vision were crystal clear. Sophie Buysse told us that to open doors, the social start-up needed a solid identity and communication strategy, one that works in conversations and in the field. The audience was wide: children, parents, companies, schools, investors, press and students, each with their own needs and purposes. Debateville also has a lot to say, and getting the right message to the right target group is not self-evident. Getting young people on board was and is the main goal.
What choices did we make?
We started from the strategy. We set Debateville's proposition and tone of voice, which gave the organisation the direction it needed. Because we value the power of words, we wrote a brand story about the origins and strengths of Debateville and the importance of language, the essence of the initiative. A brand that backs its words with deeds must radiate that. So the visual identity stands out in the streets, translates the brand's ambitions towards its stakeholders and appeals to the imagination of young people. For the website, we first fine-tuned the UX design in close cooperation with the Debateville team. With name, tagline, brand story and visual identity defined, we examined the various messages, defined them and linked each to the most suitable channel.
What did we create?
We delivered the strategy, including proposition and tone of voice, together with the name, tagline, brand story and visual identity. The identity is tailored to Debateville's energetic character and its young target group. The website allows accessible interaction between children, parents, companies, schools, investors, press, students and the organisation. After defining the communication pillars, we also designed them: the website, social media messages, offline gadgets and tools, and the templates that let the team work independently and efficiently. They took shape very quickly. The whole project was done pro bono.