Shifting the Narrative: Equity Tools for Social Good Communicators

Catalytic tools for social good communicators to advance their race and equity communication skills.

Client
The Communications Network
organization type
Membership
Project Timeline
2018
2020
project type
Communications

Project Overview

As a global network that connects social impact leaders, The Communications Network is no stranger to understanding the importance of racial equity work and the power of learning. Their network can ignite change and promote conversation, so we gave them tools to help steer those conversations. Our goals for this project were to:

  • Advance DEI and anti-racist communications in the social impact sector,
  • Curate a comprehensive digital DEI report and tools for communications professionals with strategic tactics, self-assessments and best practices, and;
  • Provide sustainable approaches to internal and external DEI communications

Project Approach

Our extensive research and analysis process helped shape our work. To better understand the current state of racial equity communications in social impact, we facilitated interviews with The Communications Network DEI Work Group, surveyed internal team members and led informational interviews with key stakeholders. Insights gained from these conversations were used to inform tactical, everyday DEI tools for foundation and nonprofit communications professionals.

Project Results

In the social impact sector, race and racism education is essential. It provides a foundation for addressing other social issues through a realistic lens—because every issue overlaps racism. Foundation and nonprofit leaders needed a resource hub to help them strengthen their missions around anti-racist communication. Our results were a product of active listening and deep research: 

  • ComnetworkDEI.org, an ever-evolving digital toolkit for social good communicators with messaging, communication strategies and resources.
  • Webinars that continue the conversation around equity and race.
  • Race and Racism: Doing Good Better, a report that provided insights from practitioners in the field and key observations regarding communications about race and racism.

Let's shift the narrative.