Early in my career, my mentor told me that no voter, resident, or elected official ever wants to be “educated.” Instead, as people, as humans, they want to be inspired. At FCP, we’ve continually challenged ourselves to help advocates and social changemakers tell powerful stories that move people to action.
To be clear, this is a critical moment for democracy. Progressives and social changemakers do face formidable challenges.
As I see it, we are about to enter an era of a resurgent and unrestrained Trump administration. They will be encouraged by global anti-democratic movements. They will have a clean sweep of the branches of government and engage in behaviors that leverage fear, division, and misinformation to consolidate power.
It is easy to feel discouraged. But after two and a half decades of fighting for social change, we know that transformative change often emerges from moments of deep crisis.
For our clients, philanthropy, social enterprises, and progressive organizations, this is not the time to retreat—it is a call to action, a time to recommit to year-round engagement and bold, hopeful communication that centers on solutions and collective power. That’s my two cents. Now, how do we do it?
Communicate with the Language of Resilience
The rise of anti-democratic rhetoric and policies is undeniable. Efforts to roll back voting rights, restrict bodily autonomy, and censor education threaten the very fabric of our democracy. This moment underscores the urgency and importance of our work to create a more equitable future. As author Rebecca Solnit writes, hope is not about unquestioning optimism but recognizing the possibility of action and agency even in dire moments. She said this in 2016.
We can acknowledge the gravity of the situation while emphasizing the resilience of those fighting for justice. Messages like, “We are in the fight of our lives, but we have the tools, the vision, and the community to win,” can balance urgency with empowerment.
Celebrate the Power of People in Action
The power of grassroots movements, fueled by the collective action of individuals like you, has been a driving force behind progressive victories. We celebrate movements that started small yet eventually pressured governments into adopting ambitious civil rights, climate, education, and individual autonomy. These successes demonstrate the strength of collective action, proving that every contribution, no matter how small, is a vital part of the more significant movement.
Only we can tell and amplify these stories as evidence that change is possible, even against daunting odds. Only we can offer hope while reminding supporters that their engagement has tangible results.
Invest in 24/7/365 Communications
One of the critical lessons of recent years is the need for year-round communication to counter opposition narratives. Right-wing media ecosystems, powered by disinformation and culture wars, operate continuously, shaping public opinion far beyond election cycles. Progressive organizations must do the same—not as a reactionary measure but as a proactive strategy.
This means:
- Skill-building. As communicators, we need to be radically generous in sharing what we’ve learned about storytelling and the new tools to do so.
- Building digital campaigns that speak directly to diverse communities.
- Partnering with trusted messengers to share clear, factual, and inspiring narratives.
- Addressing disinformation head-on while offering hopeful alternatives
Communication cannot be episodic; it must be relentless. As UnidosUS Vice President Clarissa Martínez De Castro noted, meaningful outreach must go beyond election-year efforts to create a continuous dialogue with communities about their needs and aspirations.
Define the Future with Solutions
Our opponents use fear and hopelessness to garner support. Nearly every conversation ends with radical visions of terror, failure, and personal harm. But fear-based messaging has its limits.
We win when we offer hope and solutions rather than just problems.
- On climate: “We can create millions of green jobs and secure a livable planet for you and your family.”
- On healthcare: “Medicaid expansion and Medicare-for-All proposals will ensure no one has to choose between medicine and rent.”
- On democracy: “We can end gerrymandering and protect voting rights, ensuring your voice is heard.”
Despair is contagious. As a young teen lifeguard, I learned that the only way to rescue a drowning person is to throw them a rope, a stick, or a buoy – a solution. We win when we offer a vision of what can be achieved, and the byproduct is that it motivates people far more than doom and despair.
Go Big to Go Home: Build Broad Coalitions
The best way to counter a bulldozer is with a crowd. We are about to face a political blitzkrieg of policies springing from every corner of Washington that sow fear, apply retrogressive policies, and infringe on our civil liberties.
These actions will remind us that so much binds us as Americans. We share core values like valuing access to opportunity and fundamental fairness. Our messaging can and should emphasize these shared values, positioning issues like climate action, gun safety, and healthcare as common-sense solutions for all. When we define our policies and tell stories that benefit everyone, organizations can broaden their appeal and strengthen their coalitions.
Inspire Action Through Positivity
Hope inspires action. We aren’t saying to ignore challenges. Instead, we choose to focus on positioning them as solvable through collective effort. Here are three ways to inspire others:
- Show or remind people what winning looks like with video, images, and storytelling
- Celebrate milestones, like expanded healthcare coverage or local victories over harmful policies.
- Make winning real: Highlight the courage and determination of individuals (And groups) who continue to fight for justice.
- Resilience rules: Remind supporters that history is shaped by those who refuse to give up, even in adversity.
As daunting as this moment may seem, it is also filled with opportunity. If we choose, we have the chance to mobilize, to inspire, and to create a better world. If not, we cede the public dialogue to ongoing communications efforts that do otherwise.
As Frederick Douglass said in 1857 when times were dark, “If there is no struggle, there is no progress.” We can and must embrace the struggle of this moment with hope in our hearts and determination in our work. The future depends on it.
– Dan Cohen, Founder & Principal, FCP Communications