I was so pleased to attend the 2009 national gathering of the Progressive Communicators Network (PCN), held in Chicago at the end of May. The conversations were rich, the connections were deep, and the insights were exquisite. What an amazing network!

Along with the great discussions (and party!), one of the highlights for me was the workshop on the story-based strategy model. We hadn’t done anything quite like this before. Patrick and I,  with support from Anasa Troutman of the Movement Strategy Center,  designed this session for this special group of skilled practitioners. It was such a wonderful challenge, and I felt myself growing into the moment. I was so humbled and honored to be in the space and share some of our “edge thinking.” And now you we can share it with you too!

Thanks to Nell Greenberg from Rainforest Action Network (who I recruited on-the-fly to shoot this low-fi video on our Flip Cam), the world can watch the workshop on smartmeme.blip.tv! Its about 45 minutes, and we go into some detail about the strategy model presented in RE:Imagining Change with examples to show each stage in the process….enjoy!

*You can download the slideshow from this presentation (its higher res than this video) at slideshare.net/smartmeme

* You can download the Story-based Strategy Campagin Model “Chart” handout HERE.

Pics from the workshop….

Anasa Troutman from the Movement Strategy Center opens the session on story-based strategy.

smartMeme workshop at the PCN national gathering, Chicago 2009

Doyle giving workshop at PCN national gathering, 2009 in Chicago

What PCN is all about:

PCN exists to strengthen and amplify the power, voices, and vision of grassroots movements that are working for racial, social, economic, and environmental justice. Network members use communication strategy, framing and messaging, and media tools to: 1) enhance the influence of social change movements on public policy and opinion; and 2) realize a world without poverty, racism, and other forms of oppression. The Network is a project of Spirit in Action, a movement-building support organization located in western Massachusetts.

A thousand THANK YOUs to the Progressive Communicators Network for bringing this amazing group together!

MAKE A DONATION TO PCN TODAY!

New from smartMeme: Changing the Story for Media Justice!

smartMeme was invited to collaborate with the SPIN Project on their newly released toolkit Whose Media? Our Media! – Strategic Communications Tools to Reform, Reclaim, and Revolutionize the Media

In communities across the country, inspiring campaigns of resistance and transformation are standing up to powerful corporations and bought-and-paid-for-politicians. The Battle of the Story is being waged daily to determine whether our collective mediascape will be a sterile corporate monoculture or a vibrant ecosystem of diverse voices and perspectives….
~ From Patrick Reinsborough’s contribution, It’s Time to Change the Story!

The Whose Media? Tool Kit is an impressive, comprehensive, change agent How-To Guide. Packed with tips, analyses and best practices, Whose Media? Our Media! walks you through the tools of strategic communications – planning, framing, messaging, creative campaign tactics — and offers special spotlights on digital media/Web 2.0, Ethnic Press and Funding the Work.

Whether you are a seasoned activist, or someone new to the movement trying to get your story out, this tool kit is an invaluable ally in the battle of the story.

smartMeme Says:

Don’t Leave Home / Take on Corporate Media

Without It!

You Can Download the Toolkit Here: [Download PDF (1.8 MB)]

Or order hard copy from SPIN.
*If you are a member of an organization that works for media reform or media justice, you are eligible to receive a free copy of this kit! If you would like a copy of this kit but do not fit the above criteria, you may order the kit for $15.00 (includes shipping and handling).

ENJOY!