Strategic Communications Sarah Green and Blythe Thomas Discuss communication strategies that can influence policy outcomes. Learn how to develop the right story for the right audience. Leave with at least one engagement strategy. Learn from one another; share and reapply! AGENDA FOR TODAY WHO WE ARE = Diverse experience WHO ARE YOU? STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS Being strategic means communicating the best message through the right channels measured against well- considered organizational and communications-specific goals. GoalAudience ID External environment Key messages Channel STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS DEFINITIONS OF MEDIA GREAT NEWS STORIES = GREAT STORY TELLING NEWS VALUES Impact Timeliness Prominence Proximity Bizarreness Conflict Currency CHOOSING THE RIGHT STORY Who has the most influence over your success? CHOOSING THE RIGHT STORY: EXAMPLE CHOOSING THE RIGHT STORY Air cover HOW DOES SOCIAL MEDIA FIT IN? CHOOSING THE RIGHT STORY: SMALL GROUP WORK YOUVE GOT THE STORY NOW WHAT? Efficiency and effectiveness: Earned and social media Newsletter and website / owned channels Philanthropy and stewardship Advocacy / community resolutions CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE