Although our communities — and public health generally — are facing an onslaught of new and varied challenges, it’s important to remember that we already have many of the tools we need to resist injustice and advance health equity. Power mapping or power analysis — a visual aid developed by community organizers — is one […]| Berkeley Media Studies Group
When the Department of Health and Human Services began the process of laying off 10,000 federal employees and terminating billions of dollars of federal contracts in March, public health organizations across the country watched with dread. We knew that the administration’s policies and rhetoric against science, diversity, equity, and inclusion would obliterate much of the […]| Berkeley Media Studies Group
Heart racing. Hands trembling. The room was cold and still. All I could see were tiny dust particles catching the light. In that moment, I found myself face-to-face with the elected leader I had voted for, supported, and believed in, now seated across from me in a quiet office on the sixth floor of California’s […] The post Storytelling strategies for policy change appeared first on Berkeley Media Studies Group.| Berkeley Media Studies Group
What makes some health policies feel controversial while others are embraced as common sense? It’s not the data — it’s the narrative. Strong public health narratives are why people today overwhelmingly accept drunk-driving laws or tobacco regulations that keep airplanes, restaurants, and other common spaces smoke-free. But those policies — and the narratives surrounding them […] The post Changing public health narratives is possible with the right infrastructure: A conversation with...| Berkeley Media Studies Group
As we move ever closer to legislation that will significantly curtail the federal funds that flow to states, communities, and individuals for health and wellbeing, it’s vital that voices in the movement for health equity speak up consistently and effectively. Harmonized framing is one of our most powerful forms of resistance in this moment — […]| Berkeley Media Studies Group
You wouldn’t know it from news coverage, but U.S. residents are more united on many issues than we realize — even seemingly controversial ones. For example, recent research found that more than 80% of us support diversity, equity, and inclusion, and want to help end divisiveness. However, we mistakenly believe that only 55% of people […] The post The ‘spiral of silence’ makes us think we’re more divided than we are. Here’s how to break it. appeared first on Berkeley Media Studie...| Berkeley Media Studies Group
In 2020, amid a global pandemic and a national reckoning with deeply rooted racism and white supremacy, folks increasingly came to acknowledge racism for what it is — an existential threat to public health. In response, more and more communities began to make formal declarations that racism is a public health crisis. To better understand […] The post What advocates and journalists can learn from news narratives about declarations of racism as a public health crisis appeared first on Berke...| Berkeley Media Studies Group
For public health professionals and communicators focused on equity and justice, this year, in many ways, was overwhelming. In the wake of the election, we face deep uncertainty and an environment more hostile to the future we long for. At the same time, we are met with communities and advocates across the country renewing our […] The post Top 10 public health and social justice media bites of 2024 appeared first on Berkeley Media Studies Group.| Berkeley Media Studies Group
Brian Malte, Executive Director of the Hope and Heal Fund, is a nationally recognized leader in the gun violence prevention movement and deeply believes all people and communities have a right to be safe and free from firearm-related violence, deaths, injuries, and trauma. Over his 30-year career, he has led community-based movements and strategic policy […] The post ‘A vehicle of hope’: Hope and Heal Fund’s Brian Malte on narrative change and firearm violence prevention appeared firs...| Berkeley Media Studies Group
As the policies and upheavals of this administration bring fear, uncertainty, and pain to our communities, BMSG staff are processing and grieving this moment alongside all of you, dear readers. Many of us are bouncing back and forth between calling our legislators and binging garbage TV with a pint of ice cream in our hands. […]| Berkeley Media Studies Group
Today’s political climate can leave advocates feeling dejected. However, it can also be an opportunity to adapt existing strategies to meet this moment and continue to support communities and causes that are more important than ever.| Berkeley Media Studies Group
