Communications
Communications teams are a key driver in advancing an organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts. Working in close collaboration with the communities they serve, communicators choose the stories, words, and images that shape the realities of the non-governmental organization (NGO) community and the communities they serve.
Below are some of the recommendations and resources compiled by our community on the topic of communications.
Recommendations
- Assess existing content and practices: Non-governmental organization (NGO) communications teams must look within and assess outbound communications through a content audit.
- Prioritize transparency: NGO communications teams must dedicate the time and effort to communicate their organization’s diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) vision and goals.
- Show respect: NGO communications teams must ensure that all content is collected and used ethically, truthfully, thoughtfully, and with respect for people’s dignity and culture.
- Use asset-based language: Instead of focusing on deficiencies, NGO communications teams should use asset-based language to emphasize individuals’ and communities’ strengths, aspirations, and contributions.
- Reduce harm: Create a Harm Reduction Checklist to ensure all promotional content is respectful of its corresponding subject matter and does not contribute to harmful stereotypes.
Resources
- A Progressive’s Style Guide by Hanna Thomas (SumOfUs.org) & Anna Hirsch (ActivistEditor.com)
- Report: The Communications Network: Race & Racism
- How to Make your Communications Team a Catalyst for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion by Big Duck
- DEI and Communications Workshop Notes from the SISGI Group
- How to Make Your Online Content Accessible Digital Culture Network