1. Strategic Communications Technical Assistance Webinar November 16, 2016

2. Instructions for Participating
To hear the audio portion of the webinar, calling in via phone is necessary
Conference Number (to join the audio for the webinar): (800)
Participant Code:
Please put your phone on mute and don’t put the call on hold
Use the Q&A box to ask questions and be sure to indicate your city

3. Cities United Executive Director
Remarks
Anthony Smith
Cities United Executive Director

4. Strategic Communications - Technical Assistance Webinar Agenda
Robert Pérez
Introduction
Training goals
Icebreaker
Why messaging matters
Cities United messaging
Communications best practices
Louisville case study
Questions and next steps

5. Goals
Robert Pérez
Equip cities with messaging and tools to help build momentum and will locally
City leads, mayors and city leaders see and understand the value and impact of Cities United
Messaging and talking points include localized examples of data and impact and reference role of community partners in creating change

6. Icebreaker: Start with Why
Via chat function, each person shares their name, affiliation and use one word to talk about why this work is important, or, the name of the person they want to bring in the room that inspires them to do this work
Icebreaker: Start with Why

7. Why Messaging Matters

8. Why Messaging Matters Influence target audiences
Robert Pérez
Influence target audiences
Change the conversation
Speak with one voice
Create an echo chamber
Answer the ‘so what?’
Begin with why messaging matters: Start with explaining what we mean by messaging. Share that we require unified and consistent messaging to succeed; group discusses what’s working, how they are talking about the work locally, how can we be better at it, what are challenges standing in the way?

9. Cities United Messaging
Share messaging platform, emphasize need for local data, examples of impact and lifting up of community partners and community stories
Cities United Messaging

10. Why Cities United
Robert Pérez
We are committed to realizing the promise of healthy and vibrant cities where all our families and neighbors can thrive.
African American men and boys—who represent significant populations in many of our cities— face unique barriers to live their lives to the fullest potential. They are disproportionately impacted by violence and other systemic barriers that prevent them from succeeding in life.
Cities United is a national movement of nearly 90 mayors across the country who are successfully leading the way to uplift African American men and boys, while confronting the urgent crisis they face.
Together with other city leaders, law enforcement, young people and their families, and community advocates, we are creating safe, healthy and hopeful communities.
Elevator pitch

11. Why My City
Robert Pérez
My city is involved with Cities United so we can access crucial tools and resources to build on and accelerate efforts to reduce violence and improve outcomes for African American men and boys in our community.
[INSERT SPECIFIC BARRIERS TO OPPORTUNITY THAT AFRICAN AMERICAN MEN AND BOYS ARE FACING IN YOUR CITY.]
Cities United brings us together with youth, philanthropy and community leaders to share ideas and solutions to end violence against African American men and boys and restore hope to the families and communities devastated by its wake.

12. Communications Best Practices

13. Communications Best Practices
Robert Pérez
Lifting up diverse voices – from youth to health officials, to community and faith leaders
Ensuring communications for violence prevention work is not “siloed” and paints the broader picture
Weaving in and highligthing stories of impact into communications
Building communications efforts into campaigns

14. How Cities United Can Support Cities
Robert Pérez
Cities United working with Wonder to provide technical assistance to cities to help build will and momentum for support
Assistance includes both city specific trainings and hands-on implementation
Cities United can help serve as a messenger/validator in championing the work being carried out in cities
Cities United can lift up and amplify stories of impact

15. Brandyn Bailey Louisville Case Study
Robert Pérez
Brandyn Bailey
Communications and Community Outreach Coordinator
City of Louisville, KY 

16. Discussion and Next Steps
Group provides feedback, reflections and questions
Discussion and Next Steps

17. Thank you! Bilen Mesfin Packwood Debayani Kar
Wonder: Strategies for Good
For Additional Information
For information about joining Cities United:
For current Cities United Partner Cities, to request technical assistance: