Our best ideas have a better chance of survival—and success—when we tell good stories, connect to people’s lives, strike an emotional chord, and reinforce shared values. In short, a smart policy is only as persuasive as our ability to convey why it matters.
Sightline distills the best communications research into tools to help you do just that as you work toward equity and sustainability.
Here are some of our messaging resources from 2016. Thanks to all who contributed to our brain trust this past year! And to all our Flashcard readers, you have my deep gratitude for the good you all do everyday—in words and deeds.
Onward to 2017!
1. Wisdom for Talking to Kids About Climate Change
Stories, experiences, and wise words from colleagues who are parents as well as water protectors, teachers, scientists, activists, and policy experts.
2. Talking Turkey About the Electoral College
The 2016 election got lots of Americans talking about our democracy. Here are choice quotes to bring to your family gatherings.
3. Six Tips for Talking Housing Affordability Solutions
Our top messaging takeaways from Sightline’s audit of media coverage of Seattle’s Housing Affordability and Livability Agenda (HALA).
4. Five Secrets of the Tea Party’s Success
Today, more than ever, we need strategies to channel political energy (a.k.a. fear, anger) toward satisfying and effective action. Here’s how the Tea Party supercharged their grassroots (and how you can, too).
5. Money is Breaking Our Democracy. So, Now What?
How do we talk about democracy solutions so that people feel empowered and inspired? Here are messages to move Americans from cynicism to action.
6. Video: 3 Climate Messages That Win
A quick video explainer shows how you can use three top-performing messages that, together, build support for global warming solutions.
7. Looking for Better Climate Photos? Help Is Here
A guide to the best pictures to capture emotions and spur action—and an extensive photo library to mine! (Hint: At ClimateVisuals.org, polar bears are out, people are in.)
