Communications Resources
Far too often, when talking about people living with health conditions or who engage in certain activities, we put the emphasis on that condition or activity–reducing people to one thing they have or do. By using people-first language and putting the person before the condition, we can change the narrative. Moreover, as we continue to be accomplices and allies to our transgender and gender-diverse siblings, we acknowledge that our communication must reflect inclusion.
Inside you will find the result of a collaborative effort of over 40 progressive movement organizations to express a shared story, vision, and values of the change we aim to make in the world. The Fight Back Table has created a populist meta-narrative for this moment that both undermine the right-wing narrative and can be adapted to tell an issue-specific story that links to a wider collective vision.
Inside this Toolkit for Communicators, you will find key insights on how to make the most compelling cases for SSI, as well as the public perception. Learn about the kinds of communications approaches that are most likely to engage interest, stick with people, and shift thinking in constructive directions.
The latest addition to the HIV JUSTICE Toolkit, this toolkit provides an introduction to the topic of HIV criminalization and the importance of engagement with media to change narratives around this unjust practice. The toolkit also includes reporting tips for journalists, designed to educate writers and media makers around the nuances of HIV criminalization, and the harms of inaccurate and stigmatizing coverage.
Trainings & Tutorials
Messaging for Impact (State Legislative Advocacy Series)
This webinar, hosted by PWN’s communications and policy departments January 27, 2021, covers the basics of messaging your issues or bill for different audiences, including: your community; fellow advocates; and lawmakers (or other key decision-makers). Presented by Jennie Smith-Camejo, Barb Cardell, and Tana Pradia.
Reporting with Care: Updating How We Talk About HIV in the Media
HIV is making a resurgence in the news as President Trump’s “End the Epidemic Plan” launches, pharmaceutical companies release cutting-edge methods of treatment, more well-known personalities publicly disclose their HIV status, and cases of people being arrested for not disclosing their HIV status continue to make headlines. When communicating information about HIV and HIV criminalization, it is important to be thoughtful about using correct, accurate language and educating readers or viewers about what we know about HIV today in order to effectively deliver your desired message without contributing to stigma and misinformation.
This one hour webinar discusses:
– Clear methods of HIV message delivery HIV preferred language
– Review HIV science of treatment & prevention
– Discuss HIV criminalization in the media
– Explore how there are no one-size-fits-all solutions, and how to tailor your messaging to specific communities
– This webinar will provide guidelines and resources for you and your group to create a more inclusive, non-stigmatizing approach to talking about HIV as World AIDS Day approaches.
Media Strategy in HIV Criminalization Reform Campaigns – After HIV Is Not A Crime III Webinar Series
For advocates working on campaigns to repeal or reform HIV criminalization laws in their states, the question about when it is and isn’t a good idea to seek press coverage, how to talk about the campaign to the press, and what options are available for controlling the message are all fundamental strategic questions. PWN Communications Director Jennie Smith-Camejo talks strategy and best practices in this webinar based off the in-person breakout session at HIV Is Not a Crime III Training Academy in 2018 as part of the After HINAC III webinar series.
Choosing Frames, Changing the Narrative: Values-Based Messaging 2.0 for Advocates
What is a messaging frame? How do the metaphors and frames we choose affect how people respond to our issues and proposed solutions? How can we tie our personal narratives to the larger issues we care about? Our special guest presenters Anat Shenker-Osorio, Charles Stephens and Dr. Andrew Spieldenner break down the basics of good messaging and share tips and considerations for advocates in this important webinar.
Using Social Media for Effective Advocacy
Positive Women’s Network – USA and the United States People living with HIV Caucus hosted this fun and informative webinar on effective social media advocacy. In the webinar, Tiommi Luckett, PWN-USA Communications Assistant/BLOC Project Coordinator, addressed:
- How social media can support your advocacy?
- How to manage your online presence?
- Gain skills to resolve conflicts online?
- How to assess your virtual communication style?
Learn the value in addressing people living with HIV with people first language and its importance eliminating the stigma associated with a positive diagnosis.
Making Media Work for HIV Justice
This is a community webinar giving an overview of media engagement for advocates who are working to oppose HIV criminalization. The objectives of the webinar are:
- Introduce attendees to key concepts and practices highlighted in the “Making Media Work for HIV Justice” toolkit,
- Illuminate these concepts and practices through firsthand experiences and knowledge of expert panelists,
- Inform attendees on other materials not covered in the webinar that are available in the toolkit.
Presenters: Olayide Akanni, Journalists Against AIDS Nigeria; Janet Butler-McPhee, Canadian HIV/AIDS Legal Network; Chikondi Chijozi, Center for Human Rights Education Advice and Assistance; Nic Holas, The Institute of Many-Australia; and Jennie Smith-Camejo, Positive Women’s Network.
Moderator: Olivia Ford, Freelance Editor/Author “Making Media Work for HIV Justice
Learn how to use free tools from Google to create, share and collaborate on projects in word processing, spreadsheets and presentations! Did you know Google has free programs just like Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint you can use to create documents, store them online and share them easily with others? Learn the basics and some tips to get started with this training.
Presenter:
Jennie Smith-Camejo, PWN-USA Communications Director
Learn how to get your event covered by media and your messages heard to a broader audience!!
Our Story, Our Narrative
PWN-USA members Christina Carta and Asha Molock explain how taking control of their own narrative and sharing it the way they want helped them build confidence and make a difference in the lives of others.
This is a basic overview of how to use social media to amplify your advocacy and make a difference, presented in May, 2015, by former PWN Communications Director Olivia Ford and communications consultant Erin McKelle.
Learn how–and why–to write a press release. Presented in 2014 by former PWN Communications Director Olivia Ford and former PWN Legal Fellow Nerissa Irizarry.