Todd Herring

WOKE: A Cultural Competence Guide for Communicators is a resource that encourages communicators to gain cultural competence by delving deeper into the rich histories of America's growing multicultural communities to speak to and about them with knowledge, empathy, and solidarity. It provides basic information, compiled from various sources, on the histories and experiences of marginalized communities that have traditionally suffered discrimination and exclusion in the United States. The book also contains an analysis of the State of U.S. Media, A Basic Guide to Public Relations, and a primer on Cultural Competence and Culturally Competent Reporting in a Multicultural Society. https://lnkd.in/gGEwpkcC

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Nonprofit organizations play a vital role in addressing critical social issues and supporting those in need. However, a question lingers: Are we doing enough to tackle the root causes of these challenges, or are we primarily focused on alleviating symptoms? It's a complex issue with valid arguments on both sides. Some would argue that nonprofits, by their very nature, are designed to provide immediate relief and support to those facing hardships. This invaluable work undoubtedly improves countless lives daily. Others contend that without addressing systemic issues like poverty, inequality, and injustice, we are merely applying band-aids to deep-rooted societal problems. True, lasting change requires challenging the underlying factors that perpetuate these issues. So, what's your perspective? Are nonprofits doing enough to drive systemic change and confront root causes, or should we be shifting more focus and resources toward prevention and long-term solutions? #nonprofitimpact #socialgood #systemicchange 

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Community engagement isn’t just a checkbox—it’s the foundation of successful, sustainable projects. As 2024 winds down, now is the time to plan for more inclusive, transparent, and impactful work in 2025. Understand the multifaceted nature of community engagement and how mutual decision-making leads to sustainable outcomes. Explore this concept further in the linked article. Hummingbird offers the tools and expertise to make your community engagement efforts successful. #HummingbirdConsulting #SystemsChange #CommunityImpact #Equity

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🔍 Looking for best practices to foster inclusivity in your utility's communications? Our newest blog post takes on the topic of inclusivity and goes into detail about: ❗ The importance of inclusive communications 🎯 Why utilities need to focus on understanding their diverse communities 🖊️ How to create inclusive communications 📱 What channels to use to engage with diverse communities 📈 Strategies for measuring your utility’s inclusivity efforts After all, inclusivity is more than a buzzword; it's a critical component of effective customer engagement and community building. By understanding the diverse needs of your community, you can ensure equitable communications. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ex3MEJhC    

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Attention orchestra fundraising professionals: are you silencing your donor relationships? Discover the five communication mistakes that could be driving your donors away – and how to create a harmony of lasting support! Here’s the breakdown: 1. Poorly Defined Communication Plan 2. Overreliance on Single Communication Methods 3. Inadequate Recognition and Appreciation 4. Failure to Highlight Achievements and Outcomes 5. Sporadic and Unplanned Communication Read the full guide to transform your donor engagement strategy and keep the music playing. #nonprofitfundraising #donorrelations #artscommunication #orchestralsuccess #fundraisingtips 

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Join us on August 22nd for the next #FlintForum! We'll take a look at how to build newsrooms that empower audiences living on a turbulent, climate-changed planet. What will we be covering? 💡What new tools are available for alerting the public in rapidly changing emergencies? 💡What are the barriers to accurately reporting on climate change and its causes? 💡How can newsrooms tell climate change stories outside of the weather report? 💡In a world rife with disinformation, where are the best places for audiences to get good, useful information? 💡What are the benefits and challenges of mobile-first and social media-driven news? 💡How can we empower people rather than just inform them? Register today! #ClimateChange #Broadcast #MediaProduction #ClimateNews

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🌟 Struggling with Community Development Challenges? Join Us at the Pathways Symposium 2024! 🌟 ⁉️Are your community development projects falling short of making a lasting impact? ❓️Finding it difficult to create truly inclusive and sustainable initiatives? 🛑You're not alone. Many community leaders and professionals face these hurdles. It can be frustrating to see efforts not fully translating into the desired change, especially when the stakes are so high. 🎉There’s a solution! Join us at the Pathways to Developing Holistic and Inclusive Communities Symposium on May 24, 2024, at Transform GSO in Greensboro, NC. This one-day event is designed to equip you with the strategies, tools, and insights needed to overcome these challenges. Why Attend? ✅️Expert Insights: Learn from top industry leaders like Dr. Shinika McKiever and Timica Melvin, who will share innovative approaches to community audits and strategic planning. ✅️Hands-On Workshops: Engage in interactive sessions that turn theory into practice, ensuring you leave with actionable plans. ✅️Diverse Perspectives: Hear from experts like Dr. Bryle Hatch, Sherea Burnett, and Sofia S. Crisp, offering a rich, multi-faceted view on community development. ✅️Customized Roadmaps: Walk away with a tailored action plan to immediately apply in your community efforts. 🚀 Ready to transform your community development approach? Secure your spot today and lead the change! 👉🏾Register now: https://lnkd.in/euU8h3DS #PathwaysSymposium2024 #CommunityDevelopment #InclusiveCommunities #SustainableGrowth #GreensboroEvents

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When we talk about designing for accessibility, it's not just about addressing the obvious disabilities. It's about inclusivity for everyone, including those with changing abilities, including me. I've had low vision impairment my whole life and wear glasses/contacts to correct my vision, which would leave me legally blind without them. In 2023, I had 13 visits to the eye doctor and discovered my vision worse despite corrections, due to genetic dry eye syndrome and other complications. It's not technically a disability, but a "changing ability." Driving at night is different one day to the next. Some days, I can see a website just fine, while on other days, I have to strain to see anything with low contrast or I have to adjust my light settings. Sadly, I often encounter some digital equity advocacy websites with such low contrast designs that I cannot view them at all if on mobile. Creating truly accessible websites at the design layer (not just as an overlay) is more than just making digital experiences inclusive - it's about accommodating diversity of abilities. This is the lowest hanging fruit to reach every user, from those with low vision to those who are D/deaf or hard of hearing, and those with dyslexia. Here are some great posters worth sharing on accessibility. From my experience, I'd like to add two thoughts to the low vision section: Do: Provide a Dark Mode Option: This can reduce eye strain and be more comfortable for some users with low vision. (In other words, please help me reduce the need for Frownies at bedtime! If you don't know what Frownies are, please google and thank me later.) Do: Allow Users to Turn Off Animated Effects: If you must use an animated cursor or similar effect, provide an option to turn it off. Users with low vision or color blindness may struggle to see or differentiate the animated cursor from the background or other elements on the screen. (Googly eyes and Y2K stars are fine for Cookie Monster or arts and crafts, but problematic when completing a task on a website) This blog post is from 2016. I love seeing these and knowing how the UK government has actively promoted inclusive design capabilities for years, adopting an integrated approach and making huge contributions to the field

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Cultural creatives and engineers typically see the world through completely different lenses. I believe these times of systems change require interdisciplinary collaboration. My latest post on Substack is a call to dive into the complexity together and learn from each other’s wisdom.

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Becoming a strengths-based organization takes planning and strategy. It involves organizational buy-in. And it needs momentum to keep the strengths focus moving ahead. So says Tyra J. Duren, PHR of the Lawrence Group. Tyra has overseen the integration of #CliftonStrengths into her organization, beginning just before the pandemic started. In this episode of Called to Coach, Tyra shares from her experience how she has applied her own talents -- to her role, to embedding strengths at The Lawrence Group, and personally -- and has seen powerful results. Join us and be inspired on your organization's -- and your own -- strengths journey. https://lnkd.in/g8-kK7jK #gallup #cliftonstrengths

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What makes a community truly thrive? 🤔 It’s not just about platforms and brands—it’s about the human connections and shared experiences we build along the way. In a blog post shared on the Community Consultants Collective website, CCC member, Jon Ericson explores the evolving dynamics between community goals and brand expectations, reflecting on insights from Richard Millington and my own experiences as a community manager. Let’s rethink what communities really need to grow sustainably. Check it out and share your thoughts! 📖 Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gXqDrg8y #communitybuilding #humanconnection #communityleadership #brandstrategy

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In order help students thrive, we must create spaces where they feel safe to show up and contribute as their authentic selves. This applies in any space where humans interact. At the UW–Madison Division of Diversity, Equity & Educational Achievement #DiversityForum2024, Chevon Bowen, M.S., GSP and Dr. Michele Turner presented their breakout session, “Fostering Psychological Safety To Enhance Belonging And Community.” Key Takeaways: - The highest form of safety in a classroom is Challenger Safety where students feel no fear of negative consequences when they question something - Ensure that all are seen, heard, and respected - Difference is not a deficit - We have to do our own self-work - Where you CAN do something, make sure you DO something #culturallyresponsivepractices #community #belonging Meaningful Marks LLC #graphicrecording #visualstorytelling

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📰 Rebuild Local News, a nonpartisan nonprofit coalition, launched in 2020 to address the catastrophic collapse of local news. Its solution to the problem: public policy. “The severity—and the speed—of the collapse of local news is so immense, and the threat to communities and democracy is so severe, that we need a multipronged approach to solving it,” warns Rebuild Local News president Steven Waldman. The group proposes legislative and policy solutions like tax credits and subsidies to address the rapidly accelerating disappearance of local news outlets that are “simple, smart, nonpartisan, and First Amendment friendly.” Learn more about the organization’s work to reverse the rapid decline of local journalism 👉 https://lnkd.in/gDMmba3t Report for America #localnews #nonprofits

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Struggling to explain your nonprofit's programs in a clear, compelling way? Check out my step-by-step guide on simplifying complex information through visuals, plain language, and engaging tactics. #nonprofit #communication #engagement

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🚀 Is your nonprofit's message getting lost in the noise? Discover how to amplify your impact with expert marketing and design partners! This 6-step guide shows you how to make a compelling case for leveling up your outreach. From boosting donor engagement to maximizing event attendance, learn how to unlock your organization's full potential. Don't miss out on powerful strategies that could transform your nonprofit's future! #nonprofitmarketing #socialimpact #expertpartners

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"LPC's Playbook has been invaluable in providing a structured methodology for our project that is well-grounded in community engagement and focused on sustainable impact.” -True Soul Media Over 500 users have turned to our LPC Civic Media Playbook to map community information needs. Packed with decades of experience from Internews, it’s your go-to guide for creating equitable, community-centered journalism. Our Playbook is packed with everything we've learned along the way to Listen, Seed, and Cultivate equitable local news, including:  🔢 Identifying existing community data and providing hyper-local data sets for your community 🗺 Mapping existing local media and identifying gaps. ✍ Best practices for surveying communities including survey templates, question banks, and how to analyze data. 📣 Creating civic media projects and programming based on community feedback. 🗒 Easy to use templates to share your community listening results with stakeholders, funders, and more! Don’t reinvent the wheel—log in and start mapping!

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