Communicate Your Message in Ways They Can Hear:

Strategies that Work with Policy Makers, the Media and Lay Audiences

Researchers, academicians and practitioners are often frustrated when their findings and recommendations are not taken into account as policies and programs are developed or implemented. This workshop offers proven tools to interject timely information and perspectives into policy debates and into the public’s awareness.

The material and discussion will show the myriad of ways research results and/or best practices knowledge can be communicated to inform and persuade policy makers, the media and the general public -- in ways that engage their minds and their hearts.

Participants will expand their skills in: identifying the audiences they want to reach; deciphering the most effective way to communicate their message to each audience; and, presenting their ideas in jargon-free language. They will understand the journey of information and research data from professional circles to lay publications and audiences.

In shepherding that journey of ideas, participants will see how they can be proactive in the process by using strategies such as press releases, letters-to-the-editor, op-ed pieces, issue papers, fact sheets and media outreach. They will become adept at interpreting child and family issues, including interconnections among the issues, to the audiences they want to inform.

The workshop will assist researchers, academicians and practitioners in making compelling cases for sound policies and sufficient and adequately funded programs that support family and child well-being. It provides new skills and approaches that participants can apply immediately in their own settings and includes practice exercises to gain proficiency in implementing those skills and strategies. 

Miriam Stein, MSW, LICSW, is an advocacy/media consultant and trainer. She is committed to helping people who care deeply about social injustices become skilled in expressing their views to decision/policy-makers, the media and lay audiences. Ms. Stein’s extensive, diverse experience includes direct service with low-income families and lobbying and media work focusing primarily on policies and programs to support and empower families and children. Her positions include: Director of Governmental Affairs at the National Association of Social Workers, MA Chapter; Director of Communications at the Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition; Adjunct Instructor and Lecturer at schools of social work; and, Social Worker at a Head Start Center. Currently, she is the consultant to an interfaith Advocacy Network to End Family Homelessness.