A reflection on the weird parade of life and grime that this obnoxious pandemic year has spurred.

Triumphs and Laments of 2020

A reflection on the weird parade of life and grime that this obnoxious pandemic year has spurred

Regular

Hey—are you on a quest to tell better stories? With experience writing for brands and organizations in a cause-based space? Cool. Please apply.

We are hiring: Copywriter

Hey—are you a digital whiz? With experience running paid, organic and emergent digital programs for brands and organizations in a cause-based space? Cool. Please apply.

We are hiring: Digital Analyst

We Are Hiring: Social Media and Content Manager (Closed)

Hey—are you a social media whiz? With experience writing, crafting and producing social media content for brands and organizations in a cause-based space? Cool. Please apply.

We are hiring: Social Media and Content Manager

A government official outreach guide for student activsts

How do I contact elected officials?

A student activist’s guide to making connections that create social change.

The jingle? Dead? Not in 2020—not if you think about it.

Now Is the Time for Jingles

Back in September, I witnessed something that jogged some much-lodged information out of my skull. 

As COVID-19 has driven us apart, online community hubs, like Ethel's Club, are finding ways to safely bring us back together and redefine an online experience.

Connecting in Crisis

The last eight months have redefined the word “community” for all of us. 

With the election behind us and much to happen these upcoming weeks, it's important to take a mental moment for ourselves. Here's a playlist to help keep it chill.  

Keep it chill

My iPhone screen time was up last week by 86%. 

Manifestation doesn’t just come in the form of furniture you need showing up near an oversized trash can. Manifestation is bringing something tangible into your life through attraction and belief. If you think it, it will come.

The Magical Dumpster and Manifestation

Amanda Oleander's paintings encourage us to take a second and appreciate the little things. Let it ground you, let it feel special. Then wholeheartedly soak it in.

Grounded by the Little Things

In efforts to encourage the let’s-all be-happy-and-ignore-the-chaos-for-a-little-bit ways, this’ll be short and sweet.

If you are feeling overwhelmed right now, you are not alone. Let this year's World Mental Health Day be both a celebration of those invisible milestones and a reminder that help is out there and there is no shame in seeking it out.

Have You Considered Therapy?

There’s a meme circulating that says something along the lines of: When I tell you to go to therapy, I don’t mean that I think you’re crazy. I mean that I think you deserve someone to listen to you, without judgment, and help you process your feelings.

WE ARE HIRING CREATIVE DIRECTOR (Now Closed)

Calling all creative brains—we're hiring for a Creative Director. Learn more about this latest opening in the flock and see if you're right for the role.

We are hiring: Creative Director

NSL Bites: Yvonne Force Villareal on the Power of Public Art

Yvonne’s statements on public art providing accessibility inspires work that can guide humanity and create opportunities for pause in new ways as we enter this new creative period.

The Power of Public Art

I’ve been thinking about this clip of Yvonne Force Villareal and what she said about the power of public art leading up to my trip to Marfa last week:

Ruth Bader Ginsburg paved the way for women across the country to become architects of their own success—and encouraged us all to never give up on a good fight.

Here's to a Heroic Fight

Ruth Bader Ginsburg was a hero of ours at Black Sheep, for obvious reasons. Without her work, quite frankly, who knows if Black Sheep would exist. 

Why Originality is Wildly Unpopular (According to Neuroscience)

Originality is the courage to oppose and the insight to see how that opposition can change what we see in front of us.

When we think of the word “originality,” we think of the act of creation.

It's time to step back and envision all of the ways we’ve mirrored our beloved plants and adapted this year.

Phototropism

There’s not a single person on Earth who would call me a green thumb. I’ve never been able to keep a plant alive for more than a week, and that includes succulents. 

We Are Hiring Chief of Staff (Now Closed)

New role for a visionary Chief of Staff at The Black Sheep Agency

Now hiring at Black Sheep in Houston for Chief of Staff

Because a lot has happened (and not happened) since 1971.

Alarmed (But Resolute)

Due to our country’s most recent events, I’ve been considerably more aware of time (specifically what feels like the lack thereof).

Take your (socially constructed) time.

Due to our country’s most recent events, I’ve been considerably more aware of time (specifically what feels like the lack thereof). 

Adriano Celentano - Prisencolinensinainciusol

Adriano Celentano's song, "Prisencolinensinainciusol,” perfectly captures what American English sounds like to Italians. Something else to uncover from this nonsensical tune: Celentano’s intention to break down language barriers and inspire people to communicate more.

Prisencolinensinainciusol

Don’t be frightened by this extremely long, non-sensical word.

The world is loud with urgency, and it’s easy to feel stretched thin by everything demanding our attention. We get it. That’s why we’re channeling our energy, creativity and care into a focused set of Social Impact Areas—issues that move us and guide the work we do every day.

These are the issues that stir us up and move us forward—areas where we’re choosing to go deeper instead of trying to do it all at once. They give shape to our research, creative work and client collaborations, helping us stay grounded in what matters most.

For 2025, we’re digging in on three core impact area themes: 

We believe joy is fuel for change. It connects us, uplifts us and reminds us what we’re fighting for. From LGBTQ+ rights to building more inclusive workplaces, we’re elevating the moments that make us feel seen, celebrated and free.

Everyone deserves to feel safe. But right now, too many people don’t. We’re examining the systems that shape that reality—from reproductive rights to housing, climate, and community violence—and working toward a world where peace, dignity, and protection are the norm.

Young people aren’t just the future—they’re leading right now. We’re showing up to support their vision, amplify their voices and make sure the next generation has the tools, mental health support and community power to dream big and drive change.

These themes aren’t limits—they’re launchpads. Inside each one lives a network of vital, interconnected issues: from LGBTQ+ rights and work culture to gun safety, reproductive healthcare, mental health and climate justice. We’ll be writing, building, reflecting and co-creating throughout the year, and we’d love to have you in the mix.

Want to follow along, get inspired or share your work with us? Sign up for updates here.

Progress takes all of us. By learning, building and taking action together, we can push for a future that’s more just, joyful and secure.

So much needs fixing. Where do we even start?

Finding Focus in a Noisy World: Our Social Impact Areas

Semi-Condensed

How do you stay focused when everything feels urgent? We’re grounding our work in three Social Impact Areas to explore the issues that matter most and move with more purpose in 2025.

The Black Sheep blog is turning up the volume on community engagement, social media strategy, Houston happenings and what it means to lead a purpose-driven life.

The Black Sheep Agency | Social impact and nonprofit blog

We like to type as much as we like to listen.

We're not shy.