SPN communications training positions state think tanks for success in 2019
Ever wondered what secrets were behind compelling, successful communications and marketing of state-based, free-market policy solutions? Here’s a hint: There are no secrets—only strategy.
On December 12-14, 2018, 14 state-based communications leaders joined State Policy Network’s Communications Team for a workshop that focused on how to increase the success of communications efforts by developing a communications strategy that aligns with the organization’s goals.
Representing 12 organizations and 11 states, these leaders and their organizations have big visions for improving opportunity and quality of life for individuals, families, and communities in their states. They produce innovative ideas and critical research focused on free-market, state-based policy solutions that can change Americans’ lives for the better. As fiercely independent organizations, their work often covers a range of issues—from education and healthcare to workplace freedom and criminal justice reform.
Having ideas and the research to back them up is imperative. But creating change that’s grounded in these ideas requires educating and activating key audiences and decision makers. That’s where communications leaders come in.
When armed with a strategy, communications leaders can more effectively reach the right audiences at the right time and build their organization’s credibility and influence as a voice for free-market policy solutions in their state.
SPN’s communications workshop brought these state-based communications professionals together to support and accelerate their growth as strategic thinkers and leaders. Throughout the workshop, participants learned the elements of communications strategy — everything from goal-setting to media relations to digital marketing — and began building their own plans for 2019. Participants also had opportunities to exchange best practices and new ideas so that they could help each other refine and accomplish their communications goals.
“SPN’s Communication Workshop helped me to think proactively and strategically about the communication efforts at Cardinal Institute and gave me the tools to create greater value for our organization. It also gave me the opportunity to learn from my peers at other state-based think tanks and gain insight from each of their efforts that I can take back to West Virginia and adapt to our unique policy landscape.” — Amanda Kieffer, Cardinal Institute (West Virginia)
“As a first-time attendee to the SPN Communications Workshop, it completely exceeded my expectations. What I learned re-affirmed some of what we were already doing as an organization and provided numerous ideas and examples of what we can do better. There is no doubt we will become more credible, effective, and visible because of what I learned at the conference. I look forward to attending more SPN events to advance my skill set and meet more great people.” — Dan Steele, Tax Education Foundation (Iowa)
“The SPN Communications Workshop was a hands-on, efficient way to learn what is and is not working within the free-market network. Every group should be sending someone from their organization.” — Jarrett Skorup, Mackinac Center for Public Policy (Michigan)
To learn more about SPN’s communications trainings, please contact Meredith Turney at turney@spn.org.
