create a new language, create a new voice presented by anika fassia, l.l.m.s.w. policy analyst...
TRANSCRIPT
Create a new language, create a new voice
Presented by Anika Fassia, L.L.M.S.W. Policy AnalystMichigan League for Human Services
Michigan LeagueFOR
Human Services
Michigan League FOR
Human Services
The Michigan League for Human Services is a state-level policy organization focused on the needs of Michigan’s low-income families and individuals. The League was founded in 1912 and is a private, nonprofit charitable organization.
1223 Turner St. Suite G-1, Lansing, MI 48906-4369 (517) 487-5436Fax: (517) 371-4546 Web site: www.MiLHS.org
A United Way Agency
Michigan League FOR
Human Services
A new story for Michigan
From the Motor City to the UP, we in Michigan value hard work, respect and community. Our hands have built things that changed the world, reached out to our neighbors in need and formed an iron fist to fight for what was right--even when it was not easy. Michigan built the American middle class where people earned enough to buy what we made.
Today, some say we can no longer afford to support strong public structures like quality schools, good roads, and safe neighborhoods, but we, Michiganders, know that our fate is linked. We must embrace the values of our past in order to build our future. We must invest in our people, places and public structures to make our state strong and our families secure. Strong schools, good paying jobs and a healthy environment are the foundation on which to create opportunities, build a strong middle-class, drive innovation and secure a better Michigan for generations to come.
Michigan League FOR
Human Services
Building Will for the Common Good
Lead with something the positive
Define the issue in terms of systems and NOT individual
Limit negative imagery/language and blaming
Describe public structures as the foundation
Always include solutions and policy recommendations Public Works
Michigan League FOR
Human ServicesA Good Quality of Life
Strong Public Structures:
Economic Security
Healthy Families
Equitable Education
Michigan League FOR
Human Services
Building Will for Investments in our Future
Before writing about taxes, lead with their purpose
Their purpose should invoke a common value
This is not about us versus them
Do not reinforce anti-tax frames
Always include solutions and policy recommendations Public Works
Michigan League FOR
Human ServicesTalking about the economy….
DOMINANT PERSPECTIVES
The economy is “free” and “natural”—have to adapt
Individual character and luck determine outcomes
Everyone competes for their own interest
Government’s role is minimal and reactive
Individuals are consumers and workers
A NEW ECONOMY
The economy is man-made and intentional-policy matters
Systems and structures affect outcomes
Everyone’s interests are connected and interdependent
Government’s role is fundamental and proactive
As citizens, we all have the ability to shape the economy we need
Public Works
Michigan League FOR
Human Services
Talking about the budget Lead with Values Explain how the budget impacts all of us Lengthen the time horizon Employ a practical tone Social math Don’t lead with money Don’t invoke consumerist thinking Avoid technical jargon Don’t ignite crisis thinking
Public Works
Michigan League FOR
Human Services
Talking about Poverty & Inequality
Indicate the obstruction, not the person behind it Describe communities by their situation, not by their
class Economic differences explained by inequitable
access Excessive inequality leads to economic instability Not a zero-sum game Providing context to economic security programs
Anat Shenker-Osorio
Michigan League FOR
Human ServicesWriting about race
Lead with Shared Values: Opportunity & The Common Good
Show that it’s about all of us Over document barriers to equal opportunity
– especially racial bias Acknowledge the progress we’ve made Present data on racial disparities through a
contribution model instead of a deficit model
Opportunity Agenda
Michigan League FOR
Human ServicesWriting About Race
Be thematic instead of episodic: Select stories that demonstrate institutional causes over stories that highlight individual action
Carefully select vehicles and audiences to tell the story of contemporary discrimination
Be rigorously solution-oriented Link racial justice solutions with broader
efforts to expand opportunity
Opportunity Agenda
Michigan League FOR
Human ServicesResources
Public Works
Center for Social Inclusion
The Opportunity Agenda
Anat Shenker-Osorio
Michigan League FOR
Human Services
“All men are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly.”
- Martin Luther King Jr.
1115 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Suite 202, Lansing, MI 48912-1658 (517) 487-5436Fax: (517) 371-4546 Web site: http://www.MiLHS.org
A United Way Agency
Michigan League FOR
Human Services
More information about us [email protected]
WWW.MiLHS.org
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