In 2024, Stories Change Power is hosting a free webinar series to support more people than our small-by-design cohorts can serve, all with a goal of helping attendees take an effective and rewarding approach to advocacy.

While geared toward advocates, we know our range of topics is widely of interest and everyone is welcome, regardless of field or level of experience. 

Interested in sponsoring a webinar in this series? We'd love to hear from you: [email protected] 

JANUARY: Authentic Storytelling and Speechwriting

Michael Franklin, co-founder and Executive Director of Speechwriters of Color joined us to talk about the structure of an effective speech and how to structure a story in a way that resonates with an audience. He shared several examples of effective speeches to inform practitioners' communications efforts, including writing memorable speeches for voices in their organization. You can find Michael's list of inspiring speeches in this YouTube playlist. For reading, he recommends Speaking While Female, Sister Outsider, and the Political Speechwriter's Handbook.

FEBRUARY: Putting the KAI in Team: Understanding Work Styles to Promote Effective Advocacy Communication

Being an effective advocacy communicator means being a team player, and understanding how work style compares to the rest of your team can go a long way toward accomplishing your mission. Anne Collier, CEO of Arudia, shared insights into Kirton's Adaption Innovation Inventory (the KAI) to, as we say at Stories Change Power, "sing our parts from the same choir sheet."

Just as our roles on a team are all a bit different, so too are our preferred ways of getting things done. From how we organize our space to the way we solve complex problems, people vary in work styles and approaches. For example, your research and policy teams may gravitate toward rules and routines, while you prefer to work without boundaries - or perhaps the nature of your job responsibilities makes your day more fluid than the rest of your organization?

WATCH THE RECORDING to understand how awareness working and problem-solving styles can help achieve your team's advocacy goals. 

MARCH: The Dual Process Model: The Psychology Behind Political Ideologies

David Rosen, founder of First Person Politics, will join us to talk about the Dual Process Model. Political psychology is a powerful way to understand how people think and behave when it comes to power and politics, and political psychology has a lot to say specifically about political ideology. Understanding political ideologies is always important, but as 2024 unfolds, it's a crucial time to understand where they come from, how to measure them, how they relate to persuasion, and how they matter to your work.

Unfortunately, the conventional models of political ideology from political science and political consulting have serious flaws and may even undermine your advocacy efforts. Instead, you should consider the Dual Process Model, the most widely used model of political ideology in academic political psychology.

While this training will be of interest to anyone curious about what makes people tick in the political realm, it will help advocacy practitioners think about how to motivate and persuade people, and better understand where some of the fundamental cleavages in public opinion come from. Importantly, understanding the psychology behind political ideology will help shape your advocacy strategy and messaging.

WATCH THE RECORDING to understand what shapes political ideologies. 

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**BONUS** 

On Tuesday, March 19, we co-hosted a webinar on AI (Artificial Intelligence) and the public interest with the Public Interest Communications Education Network. In this discussion, three AI experts discussed the ethics, accessibility, and impact of AI to help clarify who is responsible for protecting the public interest and weigh the benefits and risks of using AI: Alisa Miller of Pluralytics; Becca Boycott of Meeting the Moment, and Nicholas Wittenberg of Armedia. 

WATCH THE RECORDING to understand the factors at play in AI and the public interest. 

APRIL: Grabbing the Third Rail: Taking a Deliberate, Direct, and Depolarizing Approach to Controversial Topics

In an era fraught with divisiveness, it may be tempting to shy away from tough topics. Since at least the late 1980s, issues that are so charged as to seem untouchable have been called “third rail,” a reference to the high-voltage line next to electric train tracks (like the Metro in DC or other subways around the world). Touching those controversial issues may seem like political or professional electrocution. But how can we create a just, equitable, and peaceful world if we don’t solve big problems?

Over the course of his filmmaking career, Lance Kramer, co-founder of Meridian Hill Pictures, has dived deeply into several seemingly intractable problems, including an attempt to pass bipartisan criminal justice reform during the Trump administration in "The First Step" and an effort to hold conversations across political divides during the 2016 election cycle called “The Messy Truth.” He has seen the benefits of addressing tough issues that are top-of-mind for your audience but that people aren’t talking about productively - yet. 

In an era when individuals and organiz ations may worry about being canceled, join us for a conversation about how to advocate around tough topics in a way that is deliberate, direct, and depolarizing in order to achieve your mission.

WATCH THE RECORDING for insight into the nuanced and intentional approach controversial topics deserve.

MAY: Empowering Voices Through Ethical Storytelling

Photojournalist Tara Todras-Whitehill shared how to amplify underrepresented voices in your advocacy efforts through visual storytelling. This webinar covered:

• The Core of Visual Storytelling: Discover how visuals forge powerful connections with audiences.
• Ethical Storytelling Practices: Navigate the complexities of power dynamics, consent, and responsible engagement with at-risk populations.
• Crafting Impactful Narratives: Learn techniques for creating emotionally resonant stories while maintaining ethical integrity.
• Practical Strategies: Gain valuable tools for engaging with communities respectfully and effectively.

WATCH THE RECORDING to understand the importance of and approaches to ethical storytelling. 

JUNE: When it Comes to Advocates, Are You Livin' on a Prayer? Without Data, You're Only Halfway There.

Advocacy is about influencing policymakers’ decisions by reaching their hearts and minds. To do that, you need the Right Messengers, i.e., your advocates. It may seem easy to identify your rockstars, but do you know how many potentially dedicated folks you're overlooking? If you're not relying on data, the answer is "no." Data has a key role in effective advocacy communications, including metrics about the people who care about your issue and can help keep up the drumbeat of your advocacy message.

In 2023, the National Apartment Association (NAA) implemented a new data-informed approach to advocacy. That approach boosted how its network of advocacy champions reaches policymakers and influences decisions.

In this webinar, grassroots advocacy and stakeholder engagement expert Seth Turner shared:

• How NAA correlates advocacy to influence and outcomes, including information about who takes action on their advocacy priorities;
• How that information helps identify prospective advocacy rockstars, facilitate their progress, and transform them into sophisticated advocacy champions; and
• How to use data to "identify your drummers" and thus boost your advocacy communications, regardless of the size of your team.

WATCH THE RECORDING to learn the importance of data in connecting with your advocates.

JULY: From Strategy and Subject Matter to Stories and Statements: Media Engagement for Advocacy Communication

Developing a media strategy in the current landscape can be daunting, even for seasoned professionals. In an ideal world, policy and communications teams collaborate to develop that strategy and advance their organization’s policy agenda. In July, we heard from two professionals who are living up to that ideal.

You’ll appreciate their dynamic partnership as they outline proactive and reactive strategies to effectively engage the media. Our expert panelists shared:

• How policy and communications teams can align to set and achieve strategic objectives;
• Practical examples of how messages are collaboratively crafted and communicated;
• What you can and can’t control - and how to nevertheless shape the narrative around your issue;
• How to cultivate relationships with journalists and media outlets; and
• How to use all elements of the PESO model of media engagement.

WATCH THE RECORDING to gain valuable insights and actionable strategies to advance advocacy efforts.

AUGUST: CASTing “The Other Side” in a Better Light: Correcting Political Misperceptions in Advocacy Communication

Political misperceptions worsen fears, and fearful people can do fearful things, including putting people, communities, and our country at risk. But there’s reason for hope. Research confirms it’s possible to correct political misperceptions, and doing so is one of the most important steps to take for the sake of our shared future.

More Like US is a U.S.-based organization dedicated to correcting political misperceptions by addressing information environments. Through TikTok, journalism, and lessons in the classroom, More Like US is changing misperceptions at scale. In this webinar, you’ll hear from James Coan, co-founder of More Like US, about:

• The CAST (Complexity, Admiration, Similarity, Togetherness) framework to see everyone across the political spectrum in a more accurate light;
• How More LIke US is working with TikTok influencers Left-Middle-Right to train other content creators on CAST to make popular depolarizing content; and
• How Harvard Psychology Professor Mina Cikara will test the effectiveness of this content.

WATCH THE RECORDING to hear from James Coan, co-founder of More Like Us, about the organization's work to depolarize U.S. politics and how this approach can inform your own advocacy.

SEPTEMBER: The ABCD of Bursting Our Media Bubbles: How AllSides Uses AI, Bias Ratings, Conversation, and Diverse Perspectives to Strengthen Our Democratic Society

We talked with Clare Ashcraft from AllSides, a public benefit corporation that helps people strengthen our democratic society through balanced news coverage, media bias ratings, and diverse perspectives. AllSides' mission is to "Free people from filter bubbles so they can better understand the world — and each other." We discussed: 

• Media bias ratings, including how ratings are determined and how they can support your own "media diet" and advocacy work; 
• Red Blue Translator; 
• AllSides Bias Checker;
• Topics pages; 
• The Similarity Hub; and 
• Ways for advocates/ communicators to make use of these resources. 

WATCH THE RECORDING for actionable str ategies and tools for finding and generating balanced news and messaging to foster a more informed and connected society.

OCTOBER: Working Well: Being Effective and Impactful without Burning Out

Burnout is avoidable - and you can keep it from sneaking up on you. By taking some intentional steps, you can get clear on why work feels like it does, have enough energy for what matters most, and build a work environment that sustains rather than depletes you.

Executive and leadership coach, Krista Padgett shared how to heed the early warning signs of burnout. We explored six elements that keep you engaged and energized, and actions you can take now to have a healthier relationship with work. 

WATCH THE RECORDING for insights into the Areas of Work Life - workload, control, reward, community, fairness and values - and concrete actions to help you get and keep a healthy relationship with work.

NOVEMBER: From Academia to Action: How to Connect Policymakers With Academic Research to Inform Public Policy

When you hear the words "academic research," what comes to mind? Likely not "short, digestible, and memorable," which is how policymakers often need information. If you recognize the value of data-informed policy but are stumped by how to convey reliable, in-depth research to those with the power to implement it, you're not alone.

Dr. MaryEllen McGuire, President and founder of PNPI (Postsecondary National Policy Institute), and Dr. Laura Perna, Vice Provost for Faculty, University of Pennsylvania, recently penned an article to address this conundrum. Join us to hear the actionable insights they outlined in “Connecting Policymakers with Academic Research to Inform Public Policy'' to ensure policymakers and their staff see -- and act on -- academic research. 

You'll learn:

• How academics can write with policymakers in mind and where to consider sharing their work; 
• How to build relationships with policymakers; 
• Ways to work with trusted intermediaries and journalists; and 
• How leaders of research institutions can encourage and assist their faculty and staff in reaching out to decision-makers in Washington, DC, and beyond. 

In the course of this discussion, Dr. McGuire will share how PNPI encourages, engages, and educates both current and prospective policymakers who work on federal higher education policy issues. You'll learn about PNPI’s Summer Scholars Program, content boot camps, and researcher spotlights, as well as their new higher education data tool, the PNPI Explorer. Advocates, communications professionals, academics, and higher ed leaders will leave with actionable next steps. As always, everyone is welcome to join regardless of field or level of experience.

REGISTER TODAY to join us Friday, November 15 at 2 pm ET / 11 am PT.

DECEMBER:

Details of this conversation about durable skills in advocacy coming soon.