Comms: What Can YOU Do with It? – Cause Communications

Cause celebrates its anniversary in May: 47 years of “Communications for Good.” In honor of this milestone, we’re sharing a few special posts designed to pay it forward, so that you can experience the power of communications and strengthen your cause’s own impact.

Last week our founder, Chris Hershey, rounded up some powerful reflections on why communications is key to solving the world’s biggest challenges. Now, we’re sharing related reflection questions that you can use to spark dialogue and shape communications strategy in your own organization.

Why start with questions? The curiosity and intentionality embedded in the process are indicative of a “beginner’s mind” approach and steer teams towards greater collaboration and new perspectives. The results speak for themselves. Asking the right questions positions your team to gain internal clarity, align around a shared purpose, uncover new opportunities, and respond to community needs.

Here are eight prompts to get you started:

How do each of your communications goals advance your organization’s broader strategic objectives? If you find one with no direct connection, it may be time to rethink that goal.
Can you articulate your message in a simple, easy-to-understand way? Does it convey why your work matters? And do you have examples, including stories, that you can use to easily demonstrate what you say?
How does your organization’s work connect to national (or international) news or other hot topics? How can you join these conversations in meaningful ways that authentically relate to your work? What unique contributions can your organization make to these conversations?
How are you currently positioning your organization’s vision and invitations to get involved? Are you framing your issues in ways that make it clear “what’s in it” for your audiences and that accentuate shared values?
Are there opportunities for unexpected partnerships and collaboration? How can you multiply the power of your voice by joining with others seeking the same change?
Do you do an effective job listening to what others are saying about your organization and the issues that affect what you do? How well do you know the prevailing perceptions vs. making assumptions?
Do the changes you are advocating clearly articulate who and how people will benefit from the proposals? Do your advocacy messages similarly describe the harm or unfairness that needs to be addressed? Does what you are proposing seem reasonable, actionable, and achievable?
Do you routinely assess the effectiveness of your communications? How are you using evaluation to understand your impact and shape future strategy?

Take the insights and ideas that emerge from asking these questions and use them to drive more strategic communications – and bigger impact – for your cause.

Interested in getting more support exploring these questions (and figuring out what to do with the answers)? Reach out to Cause to see how we can help.