Community Engagement

Meaningful community engagement is at the heart of successful policy; it is not a box to be checked, but a continual process of investment and feedback. It's about who shows up to participate, and also about those who aren't in the room. Second Steep brings considerable experience with all aspects of community engagement, including:

  • Identifying key stakeholder groups
  • Demographic research
  • Targeted outreach
  • Conducting focus groups and listening sessions
  • Survey building and analysis
  • Community workshops and events
  • Qualitative analysis

See examples of my work here.

Policy Research

From microfinance in developing country markets to minimum wage policies in Seattle, to housing market studies and policy development for local government, Second Steep brings a vast breadth of experience to each project. My specialty is taking complex questions and (maybe even boring) data and translating them into something that is engaging and relevant to the audience: whether they be a policy maker, a business owner, or a busy parent.

Policy research may include any of the following:

  • Feasibility studies
  • Program assessments
  • Primary research
  • Needs assessments
  • Logic models
  • Policy briefs
  • Research papers
  • Recommendations/summary of findings

See examples of my work here.

Program Implementation

Sometimes, you just have to take a few steps to know if you're heading in the right direction. Second Steep has experience launching numerous pilot programs, developing program policies and guidance documents, and performing program evaluations. I especially enjoy working on thoughtful solutions to sticky problems, with an emphasis on cost-effectiveness. Aspects of this work may include:

  • Pilot studies/programs
  • Policy manuals
  • Compliance
  • Behavior change communication
  • Social marketing
  • Strategic communications
  • Stakeholder engagement
  • Program evaluation

See examples of my work here.

About Second Steep

The second steep is when you think you have almost reached the peak, only to realize there is another summit ahead. It is the second brew of oolong tea, when the flavor opens and changes into something completely new. The second steep is a bit of a surprise – one that may mean you put your head down and carry on, or just sit back and notice what's already working.

Second Steep is the consulting business of Kate Bartholomew. Over my 18 years in public service and non-profit work, it has not been the peaks of ribbon-cutting ceremonies or publications that have brought me the most fulfillment. Rather, it has the quiet progress of working toward something bigger than myself, the new perspectives gained when something doesn't turn out as planned, and the relationships slowly built along the way. Put another way, I enjoy the slog.

Hiking, bike touring, and a good cup of tea are some of the things that bring me the most satisfaction in my personal life, and so the name makes a fitting analogy for the determination, patience, and good humor that are embodied at Second Steep.

Get in touch

Email Kate