Integrating Strategic Communications into Ongoing Organizing Work

“We’re interested in exploring new ways that Pushback Network members can support and learn from each other. This investment in strategic communications, using the best tools currently available, and staying open to those coming down the pipeline, is just one of the characteristics that will help define Pushback in the coming years, and may just redefine the political and social context for our next generation of progressive organizers.”
- Hill Carmichael, Greater Birmingham Ministries

PBN is working this year to develop new and refined communications strategies that effectively articulate the values and beliefs of Pushback Network, move public consciousness to support progressive agendas and build bridges between our base constituencies and other communities.

Stories from the Ground

State alliances are engaged in developing and employing strategic communication plans that shift the terms of public debate on issues/themes being prioritized as well as message development, media influence and strategic targeting of base and swing/independent voters. PBN explores communications strategies to deepen grassroots leadership in the electoral arena and engage electoral volunteers and precinct leaders into on-going community organizing.

Highlights from the states

  • New Mexico partners initiated development of an issue-oriented radio program targeting southeastern New Mexico markets.
  • California partners began an alliance-wide assessment of technological capacity in order to develop common database training programs, identify technology needs specific to each PEP group, and make recommendations on tailored resource plans.
  • In response to a long-term re-framing initiative, the Mississippi Dept. of Education named the 2008 legislative package the Quality Education Act of 2008. This victory reflected a shift in thinking and messaging from a focus on “adequate education” to “quality education.”
  • New York partners began work fine-tuning a web-based, interactive, enriched voter database with remote query and real-time data entry capability available to all five regions.
  • KFTC developed a non-partisan voter guide detailing candidates’ positions on a broad range of critical issues. The voter guide was distributed to 8,000 voters in the primary election and 10,600 voters in the general election. A companion website was visited by nearly 4,000 people.