What to do now after the election results
Written by katie test davis
At Forthright, we condemn white supremacy, xenophobia, and all forms of hate and oppression. Alongside our clients and partners, we stand firmly committed to the fights for justice, equality and a sustainable future.
While it may be tempting to succumb to panic and emotional language given the very real challenges we’re up against, we want to invite you to take a deep breath and remember what you know – and be honest about what you don’t.
After these election results, it’s up to us to advocate even smarter and harder for and with those we serve. We’re not giving up. And I know you’re not giving up, either.
Here’s where to start.
Now: Prioritize Your Team
We recommend pulling out your crisis communications best practices.
That means your very first step is talking to your team. Some of your staff may be feeling disbelief, worry about future funding, anger, fear. Ensure they’re hearing from top leadership within your organization, quickly.
Offer your staff a chance to process their feelings within the organization as well — ask them what they need and empower them to share their emotions with the team.
Focus on your closest partners, supporters and those you serve next. Ask yourself, “what do these election results mean for my organization, our partners and those closest to us?” and “what can we offer?”
Once you’ve answered these questions, draft communications to your close partners, those you serve and your supporters.
Then, it’s time to focus on your stakeholders. They may be interested in your stance and action steps going forward. Share your plan with them – even if that plan is, “we’re figuring it out.” Once you’ve communicated with all of these audiences, it’s time for a public statement as needed.
Use this resource to decide if your organization should make a public statement at this time.
Soon: Build a Smart Post-Election Strategy
Once your team is ready, sit down and think about your communications and outreach strategy.
Step 1: Ask, “How did the election impact your organizational goals?”
Did this outcome impact potential funding streams?
What goals may need to shift in your organization?
What might you need to prioritize that you haven’t been? Alternatively, what needs to get put on the back burner?
Does your work (location, content) put your organization and your team in harm’s way in the coming months? What can you do to keep everyone safe?
Here’s a bit of good news. You know this administration’s playbook. You know what the campaign platform was. It’s predictable.
So ask yourself:
What worked in the past in this political environment? What did you do well?
What went wrong? What should you learn from?
What should you repeat? What should you avoid repeating?
Step 2: Think through your target audiences.
Who do you need to reach to accomplish those aforementioned goals?
Does the current landscape change any of their values? Their barriers to action?
Step 3: Pick your outreach priorities.
Now this – this is an important one. Think through the top 2-3 organizational priorities and goals that communications can most effectively support NOW. Find your highest and best use as a communications team and prioritize those.
For example, if your organization is going to face funding cuts because of a reduction in federal grant programs in the next two years, you may want to focus on storytelling so your fundraising team has new stories to share with donors. This means putting social media on the backburner, giving you more time to gather stories.
People are nervous and uncertain, and as a result, everyone wants to focus on that big thing now. But you’ll be much more effective if you focus your time and energy on accomplishing a few priorities WELL instead of overextending yourself.
Step 4: Create messaging and a tactics plan.
Your messaging needs to be clear, simple and have a single call to action. You may feel tempted to write your messages from a place of panic. Don’t. Charged language leads to compassion fatigue and burnout.
Instead, write messages that:
Use short words
Have short sentences (14 words of fewer)
Don’t have jargon
Are at an 8th grade reading level
Your post-election plan should specifically focus on the priorities you identified and agreed on above. A good tactics plan includes:
Your goal
The audience you need to reach to accomplish your goal
The messages your audience needs to hear to take your desired action
Where your audience gets their information so you can meet them where they are
A timeline and calendar to make sure you’re getting in front of your audience regularly
It’s time to get to work.
You’re not alone.
We’re here alongside you.
We’re unwavering in our focus.
We will create a better world for children and families, no matter what.
Ready when you need us.
