Katie Ford

My early takeaway from PRSA Oregon #CommCon2024 is that the public is facing a real trust issue when it comes to innovations like AI and other emerging tech (and in general). Which raises the question: how do we address the trust crisis in a way that is both authentic and effective? #communications #publicrelations

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As a communicator, I often say that one of the biggest parts of my job is actually to listen. In order to do so effectively, communicators must also become effective advocates for transparency, critical thinking, and – increasingly - digital literacy. This couldn’t be truer today, when misinformation can run rampant, and with the responsibility for it extending well beyond just a few individuals or platforms.   By encouraging open and inclusive dialogues, we can combat a tide of misinformation and move the conversation beyond just the loudest voice in the room – which, far too often, might not be an accurate or trusted one.   #Misinformation #DigitalLiteracy #Communications https://lnkd.in/evvikbC2

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To Build Donor Trust, Counter What Caused It To Erode Simply put, so many current and potential donors have come to distrust what they can't see, feel or touch. While there will always be some mega-donors who want to take on macro solutions, the majority of donors are increasingly gravitating to the small, local, accessible, missioned-focused organization. They are looking for much more than "giving opportunities." They want to: ▫️ Look into the eyes of the people who they might invest in ▫️ See how motivated they are ▫️ Interact with leaders who recognize the need to change and adapt ▫️ Know how well they listen and incorporate what they hear ▫️ Be treated to straight talk; to know what is and isn't working ▫️ Entrusted with real work ▫️ Be a part of a team that puts service above self ▫️ See where real differences can be made If your organization is still speaking from on high through adspeak and hoping for unquestioning, unengaged support, you're not only failing to build trust, you're letting it further erode. Nothing builds trust better than creating opportunities for people to see, feel, and touch mission in action; nothing builds community better than giving people a reason to believe, a way to belong, and a chance to make something better.

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Do you want to learn education trends from Strategies 360's research across Washington state and the West and how to develop research-backed communications tools to share your story with the people who need to hear it? Learn more and RSVP to a webinar on May 29. https://lnkd.in/g3WBSanK #webinar #research #eduation #communications

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As evidenced by the dynamics of the presidential election, women continue to be held to a different, much stricter standard than men. In my book "WOKE: A Cultural Competence Guide for Communicators, I delve into why and how women continue to struggle for equality and representation. "Women’s quest for equality is the longest-running struggle in the history of the world. Men have ruled over humanity for millennia, and nowhere has their dominance been more pronounced than over the lives and bodies of women. Although women have made great strides toward equality in the last few decades, they continue to be held to a different standard than men, and society holds many unconscious and deeply rooted biases against them. Nevertheless, women continue challenging traditional gender norms, advocating for equal rights, and reshaping female empowerment narratives." https://lnkd.in/gsTAMAbc

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📝 Effective storytelling is easier said than done. Connecting and engaging with your target audience takes strategy, the right content, effective outreach and constant calibration. 👏🏻 Bravo to The Communications Network for this lesson-filled resource that breaks it down for communications professionals on every level. 💡I am bookmarking this! https://lnkd.in/e-W8StPJ

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How are you using #AI in health communication?

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On Friday, I had the privilege of joining a panel at the California Women Lead Annual Conference with leading communicators Cassandra Walker Pye, Crystal Young, and Sallie Poggi (she/her) to explore what it takes to productively engage with a multigenerational workforce. The discussion touched on important themes shaping the way we communicate and connect today. One key takeaway was the importance of clearly identifying stakeholders and building trust in an era of growing skepticism. Across generations, people consume information in vastly different ways, making it critical for communicators to be both adaptive and creative. Meeting people where they are—on their terms and at the right time—is no longer optional; it’s essential. We also explored how to build long-term relationships that enhance credibility and demonstrate authentic partnership, especially by collaborating with allies who share our vision. Another cross-generational topic was the impact of Gen Z in elevating mental health as a workplace priority. Their leadership in this space has influenced Gen X and Baby Boomers, prompting a shift in how mental health and work/life balance are viewed across generations. This shift highlights the power of diverse perspectives to create meaningful cultural change. It was an honor to be part of this discussion and exchange ideas with such an inspiring group. The evolving workforce dynamic continues to challenge us, but it also presents incredible opportunities to grow, adapt, and lead with empathy. What are your thoughts on engaging a multigenerational workforce? I'd love to hear how your organization is navigating these shifts! #Aventivworkplace #communicators #CAWomenLead

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As the first anniversary of Oct. 7 approaches, how have your #ERG programs evolved over the past year? Is there more space or structure at work for interfaith dialogue and inclusive, intersectional comms? Please share this with your comms people doing the work and let me know if you're comfortable sharing your efforts for an upcoming Ragan Communications and PR Daily story. [email protected]

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Kudos to Daniel Stid for his piece in The Chronicle of Philanthropy. As donors *and* organizations look to craft their 2025+ strategies it's imperative that the focus isn't solely on resistance. We must bring ideological, programmatic and messaging diversity to our work now more than ever before. We CANNOT use the same playbook again. https://lnkd.in/eQxJjuv2

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Why I like being hired by people who know me: They trust me. A friend launched an organizing business in Portland. She asked me to write her website. When I started to do the work, I asked who would design the website. She had no idea. Could I do it? Sure. I don't have experience with Squarespace. But I'll learn. She trusted me because she knows me. I came up with page sections, wrote all content, found pictures, made it all work with mobile, added SEO boosters, and hit publish. She loves it. I'm glad she, a professional organizer, trusted me to organize her professional offerings despite not knowing before how to use the software. Software can always be learned on the fly, especially something as intuitive as Squarespace. Writing cannot. It's important for anyone hiring a copywriter to remember that.

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✨ PDM Consulting: 2024 Year-In-Review As 2025 approaches, we’re proud to celebrate a year of transformative work, meaningful partnerships, and impactful advocacy. From designing custom trainings to advancing critical conversations at the intersections of social justice, PDM Consulting is honored to have collaborated with many passionate changemakers. Here’s a look back at the highlights of our year. 🌟 2024 Highlights 🚀 Key Milestones - Expert Facilitation: Delivered 20+ tailored lectures, workshops, and trainings on DEI, LGBTQ+ justice, health equity, and reproductive health/rights/justice. - Powerful Advocacy: Supported organizations in creating strategies that centered equity, inclusion, and justice across industries. - Community Impact: Partnered with nonprofits, labor unions, and advocacy groups to amplify the voices of marginalized communities and participate in digital brainstorms for moving forward technologically. 📣 Speaking Engagements -Keynote presentations at national conferences, including a standout performance at the Institute for Women’s Policy Research’s 2024 Power+ Summit, where we focused on intersectionality in the movement for reproductive rights and justice. - Panelist for critical conversations on post-election on LGBTQ+ advocacy in a changing landscape. 💼 Trusted Partnerships - Worked with 10+ diverse clients, from corporations to nonprofit organizations providing consulting that fostered organizational growth and deeper alignment with social justice principles. 📊 By the Numbers - 10+ Clients served across nonprofits, corporations, and advocacy organizations. - 20+ Events where Preston Mitchum delivered keynote addresses or served as a panelist. - Positive Feedback from clients, highlighting our expertise, professionalism, and tailored approach. ✨ Looking Ahead to 2025 As we step into the new year, we’re more determined than ever to champion: -Racial and Reproductive Justice: Voting rights; Economic Empowerment; Abortion Access; Contraceptive Equity - Gender Equity: Fighting against Sexual Assault and Gender-Based Violence; Protecting against Discrimination; Promoting Title IX - LGBTQ+ Liberation: Ensuring Gender-Affirming Care for Transgender and Nonbinary People; Supporting Mental Health Funding and Services; Ensuring Previous Legal Protections To all our clients, collaborators, and supporters—thank you for trusting us and joining us on this journey. Let’s continue creating sustainable, impactful change together. 📩 Ready to Work Together? Let’s connect in 2025 to bring your vision to life. In solidarity, Preston Mitchum Founder & CEO, PDM Consulting

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When thinking back to my time as a nonprofit CEO, I recall many sleepless nights wrestling with funding challenges. Conversations often focused on writing grants, annual campaigns, and donor engagement, but the results stayed the same. It wasn’t until we started thinking differently that we saw real change. 🚀Imagine a nonprofit and philanthropic world where innovation drives fund development, creating sustainable impact within our organizations, where new ideas are celebrated, and risks are seen as opportunities.  🌟 In my latest Coaching Innovation Blog, Innovating Fund Development for Greater Impact, discover how embracing innovation can transform your organization's approach to funding. ❓How can nonprofits elevate their fund development strategies to create greater impact? 🧠 Cultivate a Culture of Innovation: Encourage an environment where creativity thrives, and risks are part of the growth journey. 🔍 How can you foster a culture of innovation? Reflect on your organization's openness to new ideas and discuss your risk tolerance and risk threshold. 💡 Innovation Pop-ups: Organize regular brainstorming sessions to bring together diverse perspectives and generate innovative new fund development strategies. When we create a culture of innovation that leverages technology and embraces diverse funding sources, we can transform our organizations and the communities we serve. How have you leveraged innovation to support fund development? 🔗 Check out the full article at www.Jordansydnor.com . 

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The October monthly episode of our For Immediate Release podcast explores critical communication trends. Shel Holtz, SCMP, and I discuss six compelling topics, including Reddit's potential for crisis comms, the state of blogging in 2024, ethical concerns in celebrity news coverage, workplace connection challenges, and AI's impact across industries. In a blog post, I've set out some key takeaways that present opportunities for communicators, including leveraging Reddit for stakeholder engagement and preparing to guide organisations through AI adoption. Read more and listen now for valuable perspectives and insights on navigating today's complex communication landscape. https://lnkd.in/e5_CcMR2

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"Acknowledging not only the visible but also the invisible requirements of family life may be an important first step toward creating a system that works for your family this summer and all year round," Rice's Eden King and Mikki Hebl write in Psychology Today. #family #families #familylife #familydynamics #psychology

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In times like these, I'm eternally grateful that I get to set the culture for so many (the Pea Nation team, our clients, and core communities I cherish). Here's my hot take: For brands:  "This is certainly not the time for business as usual. I am advising clients to take a pause, and for us all to be gentle with our minds, bodies and hearts. Lead with empathy and humanity, not with what's best for the bottom line. This means that my peers, specifically white male and female leaders, need to be comfortable staying on mute and taking a back seat. The work will always be there." For teams: "It's quite simple - create the space for those most impacted to process in their own ways. Do not try to tell or show people how to feel. There should be space made for a range of feelings, including grief - coupled with the awareness that we all are processing this differently. Any energy + asks rooted in 'get back to work' or 'now is the time' is harmful as it pushes those most vulnerable into a survival mode that does not benefit them or their communities."

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The Far Side of Fundraising Tip of the Week Clever words - be they in the form of a case for support, an appeal or a solicitation - cannot make up for a poorly conceived fundraising initiative. Like it or not, philanthropy is a marketplace. Some things have strong donor appeal, some very little. Strategic fundraising entails putting forward concepts that advance mission and resonate with philanthropic values. It is foolish to believe that donors will respond to whatever you want or need if you have charismatic fundraisers making compelling appeals. It's even more foolish to attempt to do so when you give fundraisers the wrong vehicle and less than clever words.

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Ignore donor engagement at your own peril -- doing so will be a $500 million mistake. BWF recently conducted a study with 12 higher education partners following the giving patterns of over 12,000 donors whose first gift was under $1,000 and went on to make a gift of over $25,000. These donors gave to colleges and universities both public and private, large and small. We found that: # On average, these donors made 42 gifts totaling nearly $400k # This represents nearly $500M per institution  # The donors in question had been giving for an average of 26 years  # Their current capacities averaged over $1M Want to learn more? Download our complete report. https://lnkd.in/ej5ckhEj

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“…they [politicians] are most likely to declare and treat something as a crisis when persistent issues that mostly impact marginalized communities begin to affect more privileged and dominant groups.” This is the central tenant of Dara Strolovitch’s new book, When Bad Thing Happen to Privileged People: Race, Gender, And What Makes A Crisis In America. While context-specific to the United States, I would argue the concept and manifestation on conflict politics applies to the relationship between the Global South and North. Take for instance global warmings influence on mosquito-borne illnesses. Rising temperatures due to climate change have extended the territorial range of the mosquito that carries dengue, substantially increasing incidence of the disease in much of South America. In fact, a recent report on climate change and health in South America, published by independent expert group the Lancet Countdown, detailed how the potential for dengue transmission by the Aedes aegypti mosquito increased by 54% between the periods 1951–1960 to 2013–2022. And yet, the threat of mosquito-borne diseases did not garner significant attention in the U.S. until Anthony Fauci contracted West Nile this past August. Subsequently, news outlets from the Washington Post to Wired covered how climate changes expands the habitats of insects and will likely increase the incidence of deadly mosquito-borne diseases. Whether it’s the global climate crisis, emerging outbreaks or threats to democracy, persistent issues that mostly impact marginalized communities are not given “crisis” status until more privileged and dominant groups are affected. An important phenomenon to consider, both within the U.S. and the broader global context. Check out Strolovich's book here: https://lnkd.in/d9K5cNhZ

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