Post on 17-May-2015
description
transcript
Make it Ma(er. Tell great stories.
Kris1n Wolff (CSW) Melodee Hagensen (CSW) Sharon Parry (RWS)
http://www.flickr.com/photos/goddessofrockandroll/3273189855/
Storytelling basics
Break
Engaging (L)EOs
Why?
There have been great societies that did not have the wheel, but there have been no societies where people did not tell stories. -Ursula LeGuin
http://www.flickr.com/photos/oreilly/6739579/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/caninest/4395380130/
The truth is more important than the facts. -Frank Lloyd Wright
Why here and now?
WIBs, programs, policy-makers are doing good work.
Photo credit: Flickr friend iscg http://www.flickr.com/photos/88158121@N00/2905760814/in/set-72157607641553198/
Policy
Program Engagement
Leadership
Results?
Is that it? With whom do you share what? How?
Andy Goodman Speaks the Truth
There’s a better way.
1. Use story structure
2. Build a (social) library
3. Share & Tell (stories)
Building blocks of story
21% of out-of school youth were unable to obtain employment the second quarter after completion.
21% of out-of school youth were unable to obtain employment the second quarter after completion.
1 in 5 young people can’t find jobs, so we’re …. And it’s changing… You could help by…
Build a (social) library. Flickr (home, Michigan) YouTube (youth, contest, SDWP) Facebook (DOL, “the couv”) Wikis (wearemedia, wearemedia for NAWB) Twitter (workforce)
Experts
Community engagement matters. Stories engage.
Photo credit: Flickr friend Ian Sane http://www.flickr.com/photos/31246066@N04/4350033809/
“Be ruthless.”
900 Victors Way, Suite 350 Ann Arbor, MI 48108 734.769.2900 www.skilledwork.org
kwolff@skilledwork.org (@kristinwolff, @skilledwork_org) mhagensen@skilledwork.org (@melodeekay)
Thank you!
Break
EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY - WORKING WITH ELECTED OFFICIALS AND OTHERS
-Sharon Parry, Real WorkForce Solutions
KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE
What is his/her position on workforce issues?
What are his/her hot button issues? Can these be tied to workforce?
What local workforce issues could be of particular importance to him/her?
What is the relationship with his/her political party?
Who are his/her key staffers on workforce issues?
GATHER FACTS AND DATA
Make sure your information is relevant to your audience’s interests. Number of individuals and/or businesses helped. Average wage rate of placements. Special characteristics/demographics of individuals/
businesses assisted. Human interest angle. Type(s) of funding used and approximate dollar
amount invested. Benefits to individuals/businesses/community at
large. Review information with a third party to check
for problems/issues.
PRESENT YOUR STORY
Secure an introduction
Issue an invitation (and play the waiting game)
Include others
Tell your story – succinctly!
Provide collateral materials
Make a request (if applicable)
Follow up and say “Thank You”
TIPS FOR THANK YOU NOTES
Open with a direct thank you.
Reference your organization’s name.
Discuss your meeting – its importance/significance.
Re-emphasize key points, successes, or needs.
BUILD A WORKING RELATIONSHIP
Follow his/her work Website News stories Meetings with staffers
Make your organization the “go-to” place for workforce information Brochures Program results Rapid Response updates Special Events Labor Market Information Newsletters / Annual Reports / Meetings Press Releases
STANDARD PRESS RELEASE FORMAT
PRESS RELEASE DISTRIBUTION
Elected Officials Newspapers Radio stations Television stations Local blogs Facebook page Schools and training institutions, as applicable
TIPS FOR WORKING WITH THE PRESS Less is more. Provide key information only. Providing too many statistics or details
may result in an inaccurate or confusing story.
Watch your mouth. Only say things that you would like to see printed in the newspaper or reported on the evening news. Don’t get too casual during interviews!
Nothing is off the record. Reporters jump at the chance to get a scoop. Do not provide “off the record” information – even if you are promised anonymity.
Reporters are not your friends. Their job is to report the news. If it is bad, they will not
fall on their swords to try and protect you. Bad news is sexier than good news. Don’t get dismayed if your story doesn’t make the
cut. It’s difficult to compete with all the bad news that’s going on out there. Slow news days are good news days. Speak with a reporter about your organization and
the services you provide. Invite them for a tour. Ask them to keep your organization in mind when they have a slow news day and need something to report.
Make news happen. Pitch a story to a reporter, i.e. human interest (former steelworker
becomes a nurse), healthcare (how health insurance impacts a customer’s job decision), foreign trade (jobs that have gone overseas in the past five years), or immigration (ongoing, unfilled job openings). Be sure to fully think through your idea – including any potential downsides – before you offer story suggestion.
CONCLUSION
To be truly effective, advocacy efforts must include: Broad base of support Working relationships built over time Mutual trust Ongoing communication Relevancy for your audience
Sharon Parry 402 Golden Bear Drive, Austin, TX 78738 (330) 284-2601 sharon@sharonparry.com www.realworkforce.com