messaging the movement

As social change activists and change agents, we are committed to a world in which everyone can thrive, a world of equality, gender equity, racial justice, freedom of sexual orientation and gender identity, disability inclusion and more.

Now, more than ever, in this time of uncertainty and unrest, we are aware that there are many who are not yet convinced this world is possible, people who have not yet made up their minds.

This intersectional messaging training draws on decades of social psychology to connect the dots between the evidence you already know and the language and messaging structure you need to create powerful, transformative and persuasive communications.

This workshop comprises two parts:

• September 25, 2025, 11:30am–2:30pm AEST. Values-based messaging and frames, vision-barrier-action message structure, theory and practice
• October 2, 2025, 11:30am–2:30pm. Suggested language on a variety of social justice topics based on current research, followed by workshopping messages.

Led by longtime communications strategist Ro (Phoenix) Bersten, the training will cover the theory and implications of values research, the concept of framing, understanding your organisation’s values and frames, understanding your opponent’s values and frames, and then explore practical applications of the vision-barrier-action message structure for your organisation’s intersectional social justice communications. The workshop brings together the Common Cause messaging framework, the latest research from messaging experts in Australia, the US, the UK and Aotearoa, and then offers an opportunity to workshop your own messages with the group.

Suitable for all communications, marketing, campaigns and policy staff.

It is possible to undertake session two by itself only if you have a solid understanding of values-based messaging. Please get in touch to discuss.