If an advocate shouts in a forest but there’s no one around to hear it, do they make an impact? Look here for resources that will ensure that your message is heard.
Craft a message that folks will remember!
Language shapes our work and our world. Learn how to ground your message in non-stigmatizing language about HIV and push others to do the same with this PWN-USA video below.
Download the slides here.
Download the slides here.
Review some techniques to effectively change the narrative on issues that matter to us and sway your audience with the PWN-USA webinar on values-based messaging below.
Download the slides here.
Download the slides here.
Stories are powerful tools that can help destigmatize HIV and highlight the need for change. But it might not always be right for you. Watch the PWN-USA video below to decide if, where, when, and how to share personal stories.
Download the slides here.
Download the slides here.
Once you know what you want to say, check out these tips on crafting talking points to help all of your fellow advocates stay on message.
Check out the webinar below, delivered 1/27/21, for tips on messaging your issue for different audiences and preparing to talk with legislators or give public testimony.
Check out the webinar below, delivered 1/27/21, for tips on messaging your issue for different audiences and preparing to talk with legislators or give public testimony.
Communicate your message to lawmakers!
In this section you will find an array of resources to let your elected officials know what they need when making policy. If they’re not speaking with and learning from women living with HIV, they can’t effectively represent our interests.
Start here with a quick online tutorial on engaging with lawmakers.
Start here with a quick online tutorial on engaging with lawmakers.
But wait! Before you can influence your legislators — formally or informally — you have to know where to find them. Our critical contact list will get you on your way.
Once you’ve located the key players, fill out this blank template and keep it updated so you have all the necessary contact information in one place for rapid response.
Critical Contact List:
Once you’ve located the key players, fill out this blank template and keep it updated so you have all the necessary contact information in one place for rapid response.
Critical Contact List:
- Find out who will be voting and when with these House and Senate Congressional Calendars
- Find the names of your state, local and federal representatives, here.
- Find the name, office, and party affiliation of any state or federal representative with these directories:
Public testimony provides an invaluable opportunity to convey your message to lawmakers in a formal setting.
Here’s PWN-USA Deputy Director Venita Ray on what public comment is, why it’s important, and her own experiences using public comment to mobilize around an important issue.
In the video below, PWN Policy Fellow Thandi Harris testifies at California Assembly session in support of CA Senate Bill 239, repealing the state’s HIV criminalization laws.
PWN-USA Georgia State Lead Shyronn shares how you can still provide public comment even if it’s not allowed during public hearings, and also some tips on giving public comment during hearings, in the video below:
The video below goes over some best practices to guide policymakers in the right direction during hearings.
Finally, this blog from the Berkeley Media Studies Group has great tips for giving public testimony on health equity issues. Check it out!
Here’s PWN-USA Deputy Director Venita Ray on what public comment is, why it’s important, and her own experiences using public comment to mobilize around an important issue.
In the video below, PWN Policy Fellow Thandi Harris testifies at California Assembly session in support of CA Senate Bill 239, repealing the state’s HIV criminalization laws.
PWN-USA Georgia State Lead Shyronn shares how you can still provide public comment even if it’s not allowed during public hearings, and also some tips on giving public comment during hearings, in the video below:
The video below goes over some best practices to guide policymakers in the right direction during hearings.
Finally, this blog from the Berkeley Media Studies Group has great tips for giving public testimony on health equity issues. Check it out!
When members of Congress are not in session, i.e. on recess, many come home and hold public meetings (like town halls) or office hours to hear from their constituents. These are two great opportunities to get their attention. No matter which you choose, the Congressional Recess Toolkit has you covered. It digs into how to make the most of your time and maintain your relationship with lawmakers.
- In-district visits to legislative offices are an effective form of advocacy that enable you to build relationships with congressional offices. This step-by-step video will help you learn how to schedule and prepare for meetings with lawmakers on their turf. Find out more about the who, what, where, why, and how of these face-to-face meetings with easy-to-understand slides from PWN-USA and AIDS Watch. But before you head out, Katie Willingham, former PWN-USA fellow, has laid out helpful tips from her experience organizing a lobby day during which a dozen people met with their state legislators.
- What about when lawmakers come to your turf? Check out these fact sheets on preparing for and following up after town hall meetings.
What is bird-dogging? Maybe your lawmaker is not listening, or maybe you don’t want to talk on their schedule.
Hold your legislators accountable and force them to address the issues that matter to us with this Bird-Dogging 101.
Want to see examples? Watch the video below as PWN-USA Executive Director Naina Khanna, urges Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to believe survivors of sexual assault prior to Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court Justice confirmation.
Here is PWN-USA’s resistance toolkit to mobilize to protect the ACA even when Congress was not in session. They might not have been working, but we were not going to let them forget us!
Here is a campaign that organized bird-dogging for single payer health care legislation in Iowa.
Hold your legislators accountable and force them to address the issues that matter to us with this Bird-Dogging 101.
Want to see examples? Watch the video below as PWN-USA Executive Director Naina Khanna, urges Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell to believe survivors of sexual assault prior to Brett Kavanaugh’s Supreme Court Justice confirmation.
Here is PWN-USA’s resistance toolkit to mobilize to protect the ACA even when Congress was not in session. They might not have been working, but we were not going to let them forget us!
Here is a campaign that organized bird-dogging for single payer health care legislation in Iowa.
Get word out on traditional media and social media!
Love it or hate it, we live in a digital world and social media has a ready-made contingent of possible partners. Do you have a Facebook account? Twitter? Instagram? YouTube? Does that list stress you out? This video from PWN-USA breaks down different social media sources and how to use them for policy advocacy in simple terms.
Download the slides here.
Download the slides here.
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?
The Community Toolbox has comprehensive guides on working with, and creating attention-grabbing stories for, the media. They will answer nearly any questions you have. Also check out this resource on preparing a winning media strategy; it has dozens of links to get your where you need to go. If you have something specific you want to elevate, this PWN-USA video will give you the tools you need to get the coverage you want.
Download the slides here.
Download the slides here.
We have a ton of great resources about effective use of media and social media; messaging and framing tips; toolkits; and more in our Communications Resource Center.
Check it out here!
Check it out here!