Aug 6, 2008
Myths and Realities to Nonprofit Communications
Today Chicago Area Fair Housing Alliance invited me to present to their regular members meeting today.Flummoxed by the “presentation” (too long for an elevator pitch, too short for a workshop), I thought a bit and came up with (repackaged, I suppose, to be honest) the following, which at least engendered a lively dialogue although I am not sure if everyone in the room bought each and every one of these myths or realities.I promised the group I’d put them up on the blog to give folks a chance to react back and continue the conversation online. Here they are:
- Myth: Communications is not part of what we do. Reality: Communications goals are the goals that help you achieve your program or development goals
- Myth: We just do not have the time and resources to do communications. Reality: A little bit of work here and there over time will move your agenda forward
- Myth: Spread the word about your good work as widely as possible. Reality: Who is your audience? Go deep, not broad.
- Myth: Give people the facts. Reality: It’s not about the facts, it’s about the story
- Myth: Be careful and controlling of the message to avoid the distortions journalists inevitably put on your work. Reality: You have to give up some control in order to get your story out.
- Myth: Fax/email more journalists to get better response to your news releases. Reality: Pitch it!
- Myth: Everyone in the office shares responsibility for communications. Reality: Someone should coordinate it
- Myth: When we explain who our organization is and why we exist, we describe ourselves differently depending on who we’re talking to. Reality: Have one message for all audiences (change the words not the message).
What do you think? Are the myths really common enough to attain mythical status? And are the realities real enough that they trump their mythical counterparts?
I might challenge the first myth – I think that most NP’s, including nearly everyone there this morning, knows that communications are part of what they do. That said, I think there is a related myth – that you need to be a communications professional or consultant to do it well. While most of CAFHA is struggling with how to get out word out effectively, there are tons of examples from tons of groups that know how to get their word out to the right people without ever hiring a media professional (no offense to CMW ; ).
[...] Media Workshop has posted some Myths and Realities to Nonprofit Communications. Do you agree with the myths and realities? I may come up with a list of my own . . [...]