Communications

Effective communications planning and media relations can be the key to increasing public awareness for your issues and securing funding for your organization.  Human stories and research findings on asset building can be invaluable when placed in the hands of citizens, reporters, and policymakers.  By effectively communicating your policy agenda and issues, your coalition will be more likely to advance its mission and add new members. 

Explore the pages in this section to learn about various methods of communication and proven media strategies.

General Resources:

Communications Planning and Media Relations

Description: This guide offers general advice and resources for successful communications planning and media relations strategies.
Author Name: National Community Reinvestment Coalition
Organization Type: National Intermediary


Crafting and Communicating Your Asset Building Message (2008)

Description: This presentation discusses why and how to communicate your asset building message through a variety of media.
Author Name: New America Foundation
Organization Type: National Intermediary


Communication & Marketing

Description: This is a discussion from the first meeting of the Asset Policy Learning Circle on communication and marketing. Topics include:
  • Finding asset building messages that resonate
  • Using supplemental information to support the asset policy message
  • Using effective and efficient communication vehicles
Author Name: The Learning Circle
Organization Type: Coalition


Media Outreach Strategies

Description: This guide will help you learn about various types of media outreach strategies that offer opportunities to get your issue covered.  Topics include:
  • Evaluating your media opportunities
  • News release stratetgies
  • Editorial boards; Letters to the Editor; Op-Eds and Commentary Pieces
  • Columns
  • Paid advertisements
  • Talk shows/public affairs shows
Author Name: Illinois Asset Building Group
Organization Type: Coalition