ASDCT3 2/12: Getting The Message Out

The second webinar in the 12-part series of Train The Trainer (T3) by the Association of State Democratic Chairs (ASDC) is called Amplifying The Message.  Democrats have facts and reality on our side, but that doesn’t necessarily do us much good in an age of infosmog so thick and toxic it can be fatal.  That challenge becomes doubly tough because the very name Trump is itself a brand which has been heavily hyped and causes immediate reactions in people.  The complexity of this situation is unprecedented.  Like our Democratic forebears, we have no choice but to accept the reality of the challenge given to us and work through it for the sake of our children and children’s children.  

This webinar was packed with information and insight, and included a particular section on Moving Your Neighbors Blue in red or purple areas given by former Missouri Lieutenant Governor Joe Maxwell.  That section alone could support several diaries and discussions.  He encourages us to be advocates as much as activists.  We have to patient, and consistent.  We have to for positive things and not push hard on negative things we are against.

T3-Session Two:  Communications:  Amplifying The Message

DNC Department:  Communications

Outline:

Media Landscape

State & local papers Wire services Community paper Constituency papers Political blogs Local TV Social Media

Message Delivery Tactics

Press release Statement Press conference or event Protest or petition delivery Interview Photo releases Video releases or advertisements Social media posts Creative digital content

Best Practices

Best Practices for TV Coverage Best Practices for Press Coverage Make Press Releases Engaging Best Practices for Op-Eds and Letters to the Editor Best Practices:  Drive-Time Radio Use Real People & Appeal To Emotions Best Practices for Talking About Trump Better Practice:  Talk About Ourselves (We The People)

Talking About Ourselves:  Issues

Economic growth, fairness  & opportunity Effective government Financial security National security Diversity & unity Freedom, equality & justice Taxes Immigration Jobs & wages Personal & shared responsibility

Moving Your Neighbors Blue

Meet them where they are Messages need to be based on values, not issues Stay out of the trap

Tools the DNC Can Offer

Sign-up for the talking points list service Daily clips Regional and constituency press department Relationships with national groups to enhance earned media events Research, digital and video assets Elevating local and state stories to national reporters Training

Resources:

VideoSlides

Twitter:  #ASDCT3

Email:  asdc@dnc.org

For information on how to register for these webinars, see my introductory diary in this series.