Dear ROPnet,
Rural Oregon needs a seat at every table where decisions are being made about us. Social distancing and divisive, anti-democratic rhetoric have made it harder to approach conversations with our neighbors about the issues that matter most. We know this will only get harder as election-time rhetoric ramps up. To meet this moment, we’re hosting a training series, On Message with Meaning: Communications Deep Dive, so we can get our points across both face-to-face and through the media. Register below to reserve your spot!
On Message, with Meaning: Communications Deep Dive
This fall, we are hosting a series of three virtual trainings to build concrete skills while discussing critical issues: immigrant justice, housing for all, and the gay agenda–aka inclusion for all ;). Register now using the links below, and tell your friends to register as well for interactive workshops that will level up your communications in time for 2024.
ROP friend and movement communications expert Robert Bray joined us at the Rural Caucus and Strategy Session in May to share a messaging model that can be applied to any issue! After rave reviews, we are opening up the opportunity to anyone in rural Oregon working to advance democracy in their hometown.
Join us in shifting dominant narratives in rural Oregon to improve the lives of all who live here. Immerse yourself in strategic communications, values-forward messaging, audience targeting, and effective and persuasive spokesperson skills. The series is for rural Oregonians to engage with their neighbors in face-to-face conversations, digitally, and via local, state, and national media.
Each interactive session will connect human dignity leaders across rural Oregon so that we can learn from one another, practice together, and build stronger relationships across the state. We’ll practice how to communicate our values in a way that breaks down complicated issues into clear statements and moves our target audiences without repeating the opposition’s messages. Register below for all three, or pick your favorite!
Session 1: Values-Based Messaging Featuring Immigrant Justice
Thursday, October 12th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm PST
We will focus on Immigrant Justice with a deep dive into using the VPSA (Values, Problem, Solution, Action) messaging model. Whether you are eager to trade notes on how to best talk with your neighbors about migrant justice, or just want the nuts and bolts of values-forward messaging, we’d love to see you there. Register here to attend the session via video or phone call!
Session 2: Spokesperson Skills Featuring Housing for All
Monday, October 23rd, 6:30 – 8:00 pm PST
We will focus on Housing for All, with a deep dive into honing spokesperson skills and “elevator pitches,” with a particular focus on talking to your audience through the media. Benton County human dignity organizers with Stop the Sweeps and Sunrise will join Robert Bray to workshop effective messaging when it comes to advancing housing justice. Register here to attend the session via video or phone call!
Session 3: Managing Misinformation, Advancing Queer Inclusion
Monday, November 6th, 6:30 – 8:00 pm PST
We will focus on Queer Inclusion, with a deep dive into managing misinformation and pivoting to our side’s strategic messaging. Anti-2SLGBTQIA+, and especially anti-trans, rhetoric is running rampant these days. Whether you are preparing to return home for some tense family dinner table conversations over Thanksgiving, or working to support queer and trans students in the classroom and at school board meetings, we would love for you to join us! Register here to attend the session via video or phone call!
For the full training immersion, join us for all three sessions, or pick one or two sessions most relevant to your local efforts. Questions? Reach out to emma@rop.org!
We can’t wait to see you on Zoom!
Warmly,
Emma and the ROP Team