Charu Adesnik’s Post

How does our #communications change and what can it achieve when trust, relationships, and community building are at the center? Honored to be invited by The Communications Network and Stanford Social Innovation Review to team up with Jim Canales to share what we've learned over decade exploring ways to use communications to advance mission and impact. Amidst worsening division, partisanship, and distrust, today’s communications need to build trust, bridge divides, and help make breakthroughs possible. https://lnkd.in/ewqWmUQG

The Power of Communication in Driving Social Change! Effective communication is at the heart of any successful movement for social change. Whether it's raising awareness, mobilizing action, or influencing policymakers, the ability to communicate a compelling message is essential. In today's digital age, the channels and tools for communication have expanded dramatically. Social media, online petitions, virtual events - these have all empowered grassroots movements to reach larger audiences and coordinate action like never before. But communication is about more than just the medium. The way we craft our messages, the stories we tell, and the emotional connection we make with our audience can be the difference between sparking change or falling on deaf ears. Great communicators for social change don't just inform, they inspire. They speak to people's values, tap into their hopes and fears, and make them feel part of something larger than themselves. Whether you're fighting for racial justice, climate action, or healthcare reform, honing your communication skills should be a top priority. Because when the right message reaches the right people at the right time, that's when true transformation becomes possible. What social causes are you passionate about, and how are you using communication to drive progress? I'd love to hear your thoughts. #communication #social #change #development

As an agency that brings heart and soul to communications to help amplify the impact of purpose-driven organizations, we stay true to these 4 core values: ✅ Integrity - We believe that maintaining the integrity of each and every individual is extremely important in the work that we do. The ultimate goal of our work is to amplify the messages of our clients, and those are messages of equality, respect, and integrity. 📈 Development - The core of our work is to amplify the impact that our clients are having. We believe that if we can help our clients to reach new audiences and create more awareness, then they can have more impact developing communities and individuals to live more fulfilling and dignified lives. 🤝 Connection - As human beings, connection is a basic human need. We want to harness the power of connection through online, global communications to bring awareness to nonprofits and social enterprises that are fighting for important causes every day. Having a deeper connection to ourselves, to each other, and to the world around us is how we can have purpose and fulfillment. ⭐ Authenticity - We value the uniqueness of each client and will never implement a strategy or content that doesn’t fit with the style or essence of the organization. We believe in being authentic and genuine through communications outreach in order to make real, valuable connections.

Our 4 core values at Sunflower Communications:

What is your market differentiation? Standing out in tough market or economic slope can be challenging. The power of being seen 🎥 can set you apart from competitors. Leveraging talent to enhance company visibility and promote positive social responsibility can have a profound impact. Let’s talk about how we can achieve that. In the social media world, your company is only as valuable as it APPEARS to be online. Including, the faces and characters delivering that message and product. Utilize employees as brand ambassadors to share the company’s mission, values, and positive impact on their social networks and communities. By aligning talent with social responsibility efforts, companies can enhance their visibility, build stronger community ties, and create a positive impact on society. Be okay with being seen. https://unalome-life.com/

The combination of politicized culture wars and an upcoming election cycle means that navigating a response to current events is more important, and challenging, than ever. With increased pressure to weigh in from both employees and consumers, there’s a tightrope to walk when determining not just when to say something – but  what to say if you do engage. At RALLY, we’re hoping to better understand the existing perceptions, attitudes, and considerations around how corporations are choosing to speak out (or not) on political and social issues in the lead up to the 2024 election. If you work in corporate social impact and are willing to share your thoughts, we’ve created a survey here - http://bit.ly/4bhBz9M. These anonymized, cross-sector learnings will fuel a discussion in June with communications, social impact and marketing leaders – more on that soon!

Let’s Return to Meaningful Communication for Development. In today's world, we often see organizations and individuals striving to drive positive change through digital platforms. While these tools have amplified our reach, I believe we are losing sight of what truly drives impact: authentic, grassroots communication. In the recent past, there is a noticeable growing focus on publicity rather than real change on the ground. Issues like #PovertyEradication #ClimateChange, female genital mutilation (#FGM), and even #CattleRustling are very complex. They require more than just social media campaigns—they demand community-based, participatory approaches. Let's go back to the villages, to reconnect with the communities directly affected by these challenges. Let’s engage local leaders, listen to the people's voices, and bring back the power of dialogue and collaboration in the most affected areas. I believe the key to lasting change lies in understanding the issues from the ground up and working together to develop solutions. Let’s refocus on communication that inspires participation, not just awareness. Let’s get back to causing real impact by driving conversations where they matter most: on the ground, in the communities, with the people.

⚠️ Why Companies Need Perpetual Grassroots Information Operations: In today’s fast-paced, high-stakes business environment, waiting until a crisis hits to rally public support or shift market opinion is a losing strategy. The truth is, you can’t build capital—whether it’s political, social, or reputational—when you need it most. That’s why companies must maintain perpetual grassroots information operations (IO). Having a consistent, strategic presence in the public conversation allows businesses to proactively shape their narrative, anticipate challenges, and mobilize support when it matters most. This isn’t just about defensive positioning—it’s about creating opportunities and steering the market in your favor. Companies that invest in long-term grassroots IO don’t just react to crises; they influence the conditions that define success. Whether it’s through opt-in communication platforms, advocacy networks, or targeted issue campaigns, perpetual engagement builds a reservoir of goodwill and credibility that’s always ready to be tapped. In a world where market conditions and public opinion can turn on a dime, companies that wait until they need influence have already lost the battle. Start building your grassroots infrastructure now—because when you need it, it’ll be too late to start. #Strategy #PublicAffairs #CorporateReputation #GrassrootsLobbying #InformationOperations #BusinessResilience

If you're working in journalism, you need to join Resolve Philly's experts Derrick Cain & Jingyao Y. for a series of webinars on Community Engagement next week! Whether you're just starting out or trying to brush up on new skills, it's a can't-miss event. https://lnkd.in/e4XGtJVV Community Engagement 101: The Basics of Building Trust September 24, 12-1pmET You may have heard the phrase “community engagement” before, but what does it really look like in a newsroom? Join Resolve Philly’s Community Engagement Director Derrick Cain and Program Manager Jingyao Yu for an introduction to the field. Tactical Community Engagement: Best Practices for Events & Outreach September 25, 12-1pm ET Motivated to begin engaging your community and building trust, but don’t know where to start? This session is for you. Supporting Community Engagement: Getting Buy-In from Leaders & Staff September 26, 12-1pm ET Community engagement is better when we do it together! Whether you’re looking to generate support among your teammates or direct reports, or you need to get buy-in from leadership, we’ve got tips to help you.

Should companies speak out about social issues? Some of the smart responses from some of my favorite #socialimpact agency pros including Phillip Haid Mollye Rhea and Mark Feldman: 🎯 Focus 🧭 Business alignment 📋 Intentional preparation Thanks, David Hessekiel, for this excellent round up of the experts!