Sightline Flashcards

Talking Taxes: Dos and Don'ts

government, economy, budget and taxes
11/19/2009

Building on extensive research looking at how we talk about "government," FrameWorks Institute has set out to understand the underlying assumptions Americans hold about budgets and taxes. They are working to develop more productive strategies for communicating about these issues. This is Sightline's "snapshot" of their most recent research findings.

Green Jobs Messaging Guide

green jobs, clean energy economy, energy security
10/07/2009

There’s work to be done to counteract lingering skepticism and ensure that the buzz about green jobs is perceived as more than mere hype. By analyzing news media coverage of green collar jobs in 2009, we identify best practices as well as the biggest messaging opportunities moving forward.

Green Jobs Messaging Guide II

green jobs, clean energy economy, energy security
10/07/2009

There’s work to be done to counteract lingering skepticism and ensure that the buzz about green jobs is perceived as more than mere hype. By analyzing news media coverage of green collar jobs in 2009, we identify best practices as well as the biggest messaging opportunities moving forward.

Cap and Trade—In Pictures

cap and trade, gas prices, images and metaphor
08/04/2009

We all rely on "mental shortcuts" to make sense of new information. Often, metaphor and analogy—or pictures—help us get a handle on abstract ideas. Right now, far-reaching climate and energy policy stands before Congress—all the more reason to come to the table equipped with the most compelling illustrations of how smart policy works.

Energy Policy: Messaging Checklist

cap and trade, clean energy economy, opinion research, energy and climate, green jobs
06/25/2009

At a moment when the most sweeping climate and energy bill ever is moving in Congress, polling shows that the American public is hungry for action. But it's not a slam-dunk. Our job now is to keep the momentum going with smart communications that preempt the shallow (but loud and consistent) claims made by those who oppose real climate and energy solutions.

Cracking the Communication Code

images and metaphor, values messaging, storytelling
05/01/2009

Thom Hartmann -- talk radio host and communications expert -- likens communication to other familiar tools. Like scalpels or screwdrivers, our words are tools that help us to be effective in our work. This Flashcard pulls together three lessons from Hartmann's recent book, Cracking the Code: How to Win Hearts, Change Minds, and Restore America’s Original Vision (Berrett-Koehler Publishers).

Budget Talk: Swapping Bad Habits for Powerful Messages

government, budget and taxes
03/12/2009

This month's Flashcard, developed in cooperation with the Washington Budget and Policy Center, is informed by extensive messaging research conducted by Public Works: The Demos Center for the Public Sector.

Cap and Trade: Winning on Economic Terms

cap and trade, energy and climate, gas prices
02/05/2009

Lawmakers are pioneering legislation to cap global warming pollution and put our communities at the forefront of a new energy economy. But every step of the way, lobbyists from the fossil fuel industry and big business are on the attack to make sure their profits are protected. More than ever, we need to win on economic terms, connecting the dots between energy security, economic recovery, and smart climate policy.

Roadmap for a New Landscape of CHOICE

family planning, abortion and reproductive health
01/14/2009

Much has changed since Roe v. Wade. Today, a growing number of Americans believe abortion either should be legal but restricted, or legal but only in narrow circumstances. How can advocates and policymakers move forward in this "pro-choice but..." landscape? Recent messaging research gives us a roadmap for effectively navigating this new terrain.

Winning the Climate Fairness Debate

cap and trade, energy and climate, gas prices
12/08/2008

As we speak, climate policy is being written--nationally and locally. It’s imperative that we make sure policy is fair and works for everybody. Sightline's talking points this month: tips for winning the debate on climate fairness and the economic benefits and opportunities in smart energy policy.

Talking Regulation, Post-Economic Meltdown

regulation, economy, government
11/03/2008

Alan Greenspan announced it and polls show it too: There's been a sea change in attitudes about regulation lately -- across the political spectrum. Tragically, it's taken staggering losses in our retirement savings, jobs, and homes, and a crisis of financial security on a global scale to change minds. But, today, as our economy suffers the consequences of deregulation, policymakers can -- and must -- boldly and confidently reclaim responsible regulation as friend, not foe.

Prescription for a Healthy Energy Economy

energy and climate, gas prices, clean energy economy, green jobs
07/30/2008

Gas prices are volatile. When prices are high it gets everyone talking. Let's shift the conversation to real remedies and real energy stability. Our prescription: smart energy policies that will renew our economy, cut global warming pollution, and help us kick an unhealthy fossil fuel habit. Why remain captive to skyrocketing fuel prices when we can stabilize our economy with efficient transportation and clean, abundant sources of energy like the sun and wind?

Sprawl-free Life: Freedom, Character, and Convenience

smart growth, sprawl, walkable
05/22/2008

Talking about smart city planning in terms of our core values -- quality of life, family, freedom, choices -- and emphasizing convenience and community character will set the stage for broad support of policies that make sure we build family-friendly and climate-friendly places to live--with limited sprawl.

Understanding the "Political Brain": A Gut-Check Guide

images and metaphor, values messaging, storytelling
03/13/2008

"In politics, when reason and emotion collide, emotion invariably wins." So says Drew Westen, renowned psychologist, neuroscientist, and author of The Political Brain. This Flashcard is Sightline's quick "gut-check guide" for the policy-driven communicator -- our take on the key lessons from Westen's research. He reminds us that our data, facts, and policy solutions must not only compete in the marketplace of ideas but also in the marketplace of emotions.

Talking to Your Grandma About Cap-and-Trade

cap and trade, clean energy economy, energy and climate, energy security
02/04/2008

A fair cap-and-trade system is a climate policy solution we can get excited about. Here are tips for taking cap-and-trade from meetings with fellow policy-wonks and to a broader audience without losing momentum. We also point out cap-and-trade policy essentials -- the ingredients for effective, efficient, and fair policy -- as well as the most common pitfalls and offer some tips for avoiding them.