Story framing and messaging for immigrant

rights Created by :Nancy Meza

Take out a blank piece of paper Write down current anti- immigrant and pro-immigrant language, slogans,

words, sentiments that we hear Don’t hold back ! How does this language affect policy ? Does it ?

Framing Exercise

• The immigrant / immigrant rights narrative has been heavily crafted and created by those who are not directly affected by the immigrant reality

• Both anti immigrant and immigrant rights organizations and entities have created a skewed view of the immigrant reality

• Messaging and framing has been heavily focused on policy and campaign strategy vs. an end goal of humanizing and fighting for basic human rights and dignity for immigrants and the working poor

• What are some of the limitations of this framing and messaging that has not been created by us ?

What does all of this have to do with messaging,framing and storytelling ?

Believe it or not words like “ Amnesty” and “ Legalization” were not always negative

How have we shifted so much from a family reunification , legalization and amnesty framework ?

Immigrant Sentiment over time

“Reframing is changing the way the public sees the world. It is changing what counts as common sense. Because language activates frames, new language is required for new frames. Thinking differently requires speaking differently”- George Lakoff – “ Don’t Think of an Elephant!”

Why is Framing and messaging so important?

Counter Frames & Messaging

 

Don't Think of An Elephant!

Recognize what conservatives ( anti- immigrants )  have done right by framing the issue from their perspective.

How To Take Back Public Discourse

• If we keep their language and argue against it, we reinforce their frame.

We must speak from our moral perspective at all times. Define values and speak using them, drop the language of policy wonks.

How To Take Back Public Discourse

• The truth alone does not set us free -- we must frame the truth.

How To Take Back Public Discourse

Be proactive, not reactive. Play offense, not defense

Don't negotiate your values. It alienates our base and helps our opposition gain those in the middle.

How To Take Back Public Discourse

Create your own media be your own media source

“ Don't hate the media, be the media”

Human stories that touch the heart are more powerful than any soundbyte or statistic

In the quest for immigrant rights we cannot lose our own dignity and humanity

The power of social media platforms