Issues
When it comes to communication and engagement, every issue has its own unique set of opportunities and obstacles.
The Topos partners bring together years of research and strategic success across the entire spectrum of public interest issues: from global warming to nuclear weapons, children’s health and sustainable food systems; from good governance and privatization to immigration, unionization and rural development; and from energy policy to racial disparities.
In every issue area, communications, advocacy and outreach can struggle when audiences are not engaged or responding as positively as they should. Below are a few examples to illustrate our own work in these kinds of challenging situations.
Arts and Health
Americans tend not to recognize the ways in which the arts contribute to our lives beyond individual enjoyment and enrichment. It is helpful to clarify the topic through references to particular experiences, and to point out the concrete and surprising physical health benefits that doctors are taking so seriously that they prescribe arts experiences.
Supplemental Security Income
The most basic and important insight from the research is the importance of reminders and reinforcement about who SSI is for.
Engaging Marginalized Communities
“This place has a lot of potential, so if people are willing to invest in this environment, they would see the potential themselves. There are artists, singers, dancers. They have super potential here.”
Money in Politics
Americans are angry about the corrupting influence of money in politics, but they are also cynical about the likelihood of reform. The right framing gets people engaged and feeling hopeful about government.
Economy Boosting Jobs
While people are sympathetic to low wage workers’ financial struggles, they also believe businesses can’t afford to pay more right now. It is critical to frame job quality policy as a way to improve the economy.
Unions
We need to revive unionization and collective bargaining as accessible, common sense solutions for working Americans.
Poverty and Low-Wage Work
Public perceptions of poverty make it exceedingly difficult to achieve policy changes necessary to improve the lives of low-wage working families, but the right framing mobilizes public support.
Communicating Climate Change
Overall, the American public has frustratingly low levels of concern about climate change. Talking about the issue in ways that connect the dots can be one of the most helpful strategies for engaging new support.
Taxes
Getting people to see taxes in a different light can help clear the path for progressive reforms.
Child Policy
New research confirms the effectiveness of grounding child and youth advocacy in stories about solutions, not problems.