As a social change communications agency, we have noticed some patterns that we believe can help direct strategy and decision-making for nonprofits and foundations at this time.
The violent, dehumanizing, and unconstitutional behavior of ICE agents, as they intimidate, attack, and abduct Black and brown people across Minneapolis, Memphis, Los Angeles, and other cities around the country, is increasing. At the same time, local reports are showing an unprecedented level of on-the-ground mobilization by decentralized networks of everyday people of all backgrounds, working to protect their neighbors and de-escalate the violence that has engulfed their communities with the arrival of federal agents. Neighbors of all kinds are putting into practice on-the-ground communications tactics, information sharing, solidarity building, and mutual aid systems. In this article, we share some insights from what we are observing and how social change organizations can use them to inform their communications decisions.
- Facts vs. Misinformation
While there were a number of false stories that emerged quickly about what happened when Alex Pretti was killed, and what his intentions were, facts are prevailing according to early analysis. Accurate accounts from multiple on-the-scene observers and a cascade of emotional tributes from people who were present or knew Pretti shifted the narrative and spurred action toward an increasing likelihood of accountability. These communications have not only influenced people likely to already be sympathetic to criticism of ICE, but have also punctured additional narrative spaces, prompting substantial criticism in media outlets such as the editorial boards of the Wall Street Journal and New York Post. This is an important corrective to the ubiquitous narrative that we lack good options to deal with misinformation. This specific example can provide further insight into when and how misinformation can be effectively thwarted.
- Lived experiences matter and are contributing to the believability of what we are learning about events in Minneapolis and elsewhere.
When sharing about what they are witnessing, everyday people are speaking to media about their connection to the area and sharing their expertise. This situated knowledge is connecting with audiences. The rapid changes in everyday life are being chronicled through a spur-of-the-moment documentation that helps far-flung readers imagine events of this kind in their own neighborhoods and cities. This creates a powerful and personal connection through messaging that can prompt behavioral change—think of the thousands of people across the country participating in online and in-person observer trainings, and the massive peaceful protests that are only growing nationwide.
- Hyperlocal publications are taking an audience-first approach in their reporting.
This represents a shift from the traditional role of journalists reporting from a place of neutrality to being of service to the audience and actively reporting for the wider good of the community. Local outlets such as Sahan Journal are reporting on ways to help community members seeking medical aid while staying safe from ICE, and important information to know about Southeast Asian people deported in Minnesota. RacketMN is publishing daily reports on ICE activity and provided their entire archive of content pay-wall free during the state-wide strike. This shows a shift in the way the social change space has often thought about media. Local and independent news outlets often have deep local connections and can play an important role in maintaining lines of communication, promoting well-being, and meeting the immediate information needs of communities in a chaotic and unfolding environment. This also means tying together the larger series of events in simple, cohesive, and more effective narratives that are often left out of more mainstream media accounts of events.
The power of this type of information sharing is a reminder that many nonprofits are well-resourced to play a role in the news ecosystem. It is also a further reminder of the importance of local and independent media in the face of political consolidation or major legacy news sources and increasing censorship.
- Racial and multicultural solidarity in protest of the abuses being perpetrated sends a powerful message, and counter-narratives to obscure it are quickly being deployed.
The arrest of four Black journalists for their coverage of a protest disruption at a church service in recent weeks has drawn immediate attention. Don Lemon and Georgia Fort are both prominent independent journalists with significant national followings. Trahern Jeen Crews and Jamael Lydell Lundy are local journalists, activists, and former candidates for local office, whose simultaneous arrests have not been as widely reported. Of the group of people who confronted an ICE director who is also a congregation pastor during a church service he was officiating, only Black members of the press have been arrested. But videos of the event itself show multiracial participants in the disruptive protest. This appears to be an attempt to not only intimidate independent journalists and local activists, but also has been pointed out as an attempt to paint a picture for national audiences of angry Black people disrupting a worship service of White congregants, therefore playing into common racial tropes.
The nonprofit sector should not underestimate the ways that race is being used in many attempts to misinform and disinform national audiences. Taking stock of narratives like these and their counter-narratives—and how your organization is wielding them in response—should be a central component of your communications plan.
- We are witnessing the unexpected nature of shared power in narrative creation.
Multiple actors are addressing an evolving story like the killing of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, and the ongoing and relentless attacks on Black and brown people throughout Minnesota. We are seeing in real time the emergence of a non-hierarchical, leaderless movement that is gaining momentum. While still early in our observation of this phenomenon, it is a reminder that there is no perfect language that must be used to communicate in times of crisis. The major values underlying so many different communications are consistent: loyalty to neighbors, love of community, deep commitment to the protection of rights, particularly of the most directly targeted community members, and a vision of our country that is truly multiracial and supports immigrants. This is a reminder that a wide range of voices consistently speaking to an issue, rooted in facts, and using emotionally charged language that connects to common values can be highly effective. This is proof that narratives for community good need to come from within the communities themselves.
If your organization is uncertain about how to approach communications in the current environment, reach out for a confidential conversation.