by: Heather Gehlert and Katherine Schaff
posted on Friday, December 17, 2021
Check out BMSG’s top picks of the year. These selections can help advocates communicate more effectively about everything from breakthrough infections to the science behind vaccines to the need for prevention.
Tags: media bites, metaphors, public health
by: Heather Gehlert and Katherine Schaff
posted on Wednesday, December 08, 2021
In this blog, we go behind the scenes to explore strategic communication insights from a housing justice coalition’s recent policy wins and challenges, as well as implications for future campaigns. Advocates share lessons on rapid-response data collection, tailoring frames to different audiences, building a diverse group of spokespeople, and more.
Tags: coalition building, health equity, housing justice, media advocacy, narrative power, strategic communication
by: Heather Gehlert and Katherine Schaff
posted on Monday, October 26, 2020
The years of organizing that build the foundation for visible moments of social change are often hidden from view. In this blog, we go behind the scenes to learn how Bay Area organizers used the tools of media advocacy to further efforts to prevent police violence and invest in community health.
by: Katherine Schaff and Shaddai Martinez Cuestas
posted on Monday, July 06, 2020
Housing policy is complex, and communicating about it can be tricky, especially when you are talking with a reporter. Still, just because you aren’t in full control of the message doesn’t mean you can’t shape the narrative. A recent event with local journalists shed light on how advocates can do just that.
Tags: coronavirus, COVID-19, health equity, housing, strategic communication
by: Katherine Schaff
posted on Wednesday, September 25, 2019
When advocates reach out to BMSG for help shaping the public narrative and advancing policy change on a particular public health or social justice issue, they often are eager to improve their ability to write op-eds or speak with reporters. But public testimony is another powerful way to deliver compelling messages that reach decision-makers. In this blog, our health equity coordinator offers tips for doing so, based on her recent experience providing public comment at San Francisco City Hall.
Tags: community organizing, media advocacy, public comment, public testimony
by: Katherine Schaff
posted on Wednesday, May 29, 2019
BMSG’s latest news analysis offers insights into how Bay Area housing justice and public health organizations are leveraging the media to support their policy agendas and elevate the connection to health. Based on those insights, here are seven recommendations for practitioners and advocates working to make safe, affordable homes a reality in their communities.
Tags: health equity, housing, racial equity
by: Katherine Schaff
posted on Thursday, October 25, 2018
Use these tips to strengthen your op-eds, comments to the Federal Register, and other messages opposing the administration’s proposed public charge expansion — and to frame the issue in ways that further public health and social justice goals.
Tags: communication, immigration, public charge, public health
by: Katherine Schaff
posted on Thursday, June 14, 2018
New case studies show how much progress California health departments have made toward addressing racial and health inequities through innovative solutions, community power-building, and effective communication.
by: Katherine Schaff
posted on Thursday, February 15, 2018
It’s being described as a public health crisis, but is news coverage of the opioid epidemic advancing public health goals?
Tags: health equity, opioids, public health
by: Katherine Schaff
posted on Wednesday, December 11, 2013
Making the case for a society that supports health for everyone is easier said than done, even for the most seasoned public health advocates. Here are some tips to help ensure that the messages we use strengthen, rather than stymie, our social change efforts.
Tags: advocacy, communication, health equity, public health
