EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION for the 2026 North American Social Marketing Conference
The North American Social Marketing Conference ignited by SPARKS 2026 (NASMC26) will take place October 1–3, 2026 in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada.
Lack of Awareness & Understanding of Social Marketing
Today’s BLOG is more of a “happening” than a “sighting.” I decided about a week ago that perhaps AI could help in distinguishing and disseminating the Social Marketing Discipline.
The Recycling Society
A local TV news story this week featured a program of The Recycling Society, a nonprofit organization in the U.S. with a program influencing students in elementary schools to increase recycling.
Volunteer opportunity Global Brand Identity
iSMA is looking for a volunteer to assist with the development of a globally relevant brand guidelines for social marketing.
Are you OK?
My understanding is that many of us get confused by whether something is compostable versus recycle versus garbage.
Clear Messaging
My understanding is that many of us get confused by whether something is compostable versus recycle versus garbage.
On Your Left!
I always appreciate when walking my dog when someone comes from behind on a bike and says “On Your Left!”
Medication Misuse
The City of Mercer Island and the Drug Enforcement Administration will host DEA’s National Prescription Drug Take Back Day to collect tablets, capsules, patches, and other solid forms of prescription drugs.
Your Vote Matters
These messages are not selling anything—they’re encouraging a civic behavior for the public good, which makes them social marketing.
Support for Caregivers
Caregivers should do 5 “Behaviors” that will help their patient. An acronym was used as way to easily remember what to do was: ALOHA
The Power of a Commitment to a Clear, Doable, Behavior
About 5 years ago I made a promise to a couple of environmentally concerned community members that on each of my daily walks with my dog downtown I would pick up 2 pieces of litter.
Volunteers Needed
We need volunteers to assist with the development and promotion of a new resource center for those studying and practicing social marketing.
Blog Team
Nancy Lee, MBA
iSMA Blogger
Nancy Lee has an MBA in Marketing and more than 25 years of Social Marketing experience. She is a teaching associate at the University of Washington and an adjunct faculty at Boise State University. She teaches an online course for the International Social Marketing Association which provides an opportunity for students to earn a Certificate of Completion: Introduction to Social Marketing. In addition, as President of Social Marketing Services, she conducts seminars and workshops on social marketing around the world in 16 countries.
She has also served as a strategic advisor in the development of more than 100 social marketing campaigns, primarily in Washington State, including ones with a focus on protecting the environment (litter prevention, natural gardening, wildlife habitat protection, recycling, trip reduction, water quality, and water and energy conservation); improving public health (teen pregnancy, sexual assault, physical activity), preventing injuries (seatbelts, not texting and driving, pedestrian safety). She works part-time for C+C in Seattle as a strategic advisor for social marketing campaigns.
She has coauthored 13 books on Social Marketing, 10 with Philip Kotler.
Yue XI
Chair of Communications
Yue Xi is a PhD candidate at Griffith University specialising in e-waste reduction, holding a Master’s degree in Business with a focus on organisational sustainability and international business. Her research focuses on addressing e-waste challenges, aiming to divert e-waste from landfills. Since 2018, Yue has received extensive training in Marketing, Social Marketing, Organizational Sustainability, and the Circular Economy at prestigious institutions, including the University of Queensland, the University of Amsterdam, and Griffith University.
Yue has contributed to a wide range of projects, including public health, environmental sustainability, and wildlife conservation, all aimed at driving behaviour change and fostering lasting impact. Her expertise lies in participatory design methodologies, including co-design, design thinking, and the Creating Collective Solutions process. These approaches have enabled her to collaborate effectively with stakeholders and develop innovative, actionable solutions to complex social and environmental challenges.