Moving Americans to Action: A Message Guide for Democracy Advocates

May 3, 2016

Moving Americans to Action: A Message Guide for Democracy Advocates

The subject of money in politics exists in a unique place within American political discourse. Virtually all Americans, across party lines and demographics, recognize that there is something fundamentally wrong with our democracy today. And yet, while 91 percent agree that money in politics is a problem, only 9 percent believe that we can reduce its influence in the next few years.

Plainly stated, the greatest challenge to addressing the problem of money in politics is the public’s cynicism and hopelessness. The aim of Moving Americans to Action: A Message Guide for Democracy Advocates (downloadable below) is to overcome that obstacle. 

(Important: The guide is an internal resource for advocates. It is not for public consumption or to be broadly disseminated on social media or other online mediums.)

Past message frames allowed us to effectively explain the depth and severity of the issue of money in politics and played an important role in establishing voters’ understanding of the problem. The extensive research synthesized in this guide challenges us to re-work, de-emphasize, and, in some cases, abandon these frames as we adopt new messages that will help us win the debate about “when” and “how” we ensure government is truly of, by, and for the people. By offering a positive aspirational message with actionable solutions we can move voters from cynicism to action.

This guide is only a resource, however. It won’t get the message out on its own. The onus is on each of us to craft the most resonant messages for our target audiences, to explore creative ways to reach them where they are, and to exercise the message discipline that will help us move Americans to action.

Email Tyler Creighton (tyler@rethinkmedia.org) with any additional questions.