What we do
We support pro-democratic civil society with their strategic communications effort to reach persuadable audiences at scale, with empathy and in support of open society values. We provide the evidence base, strategic analysis, message framing, testing and narrative mapping needed for civil society organizations to create content that furthers democracy and protects human rights. We also advise and, at times, lead collective campaigns.
The challenges we’re addressing
Attacks on democratic values and open societies are spreading faster than ever in Europe, Eurasia, and beyond, coalescing into a challenge to democracy itself. We’re witnessing increased dysfunction in communities and societies due to increasing polarization on several social issues.
As a result, pro-democracy NGOs and CSOs confront various systemic challenges and crises. All too often, their communications are geared toward a small cadre of activists and fail to activate base supporters, resonate with persuadable audiences, and grow support to counter illiberal and authoritarian actors.
Public support of NGOs and CSOs is eroding as extreme parties, and politicians discredit them and undermine their legitimacy. Illiberal actors consciously use media and data-driven strategies to spread fake news and disinformation, stir fear, and intensify societal polarization. And, as our survey research demonstrates and other indicators confirm, public support for democracy is falling.
Some of the most momentous issues of our times are debated entirely within polarized echo chambers, especially in the digital space. In several European countries, media ecosystems, contoured by conflict-promoting algorithms, now favor the spread of negative frames on open society issues. Accordingly, bolstered by sophisticated communication strategies, right-wing messaging, conspiracy theories, and hate speech have increasingly become a hegemonic force in the digital sphere.
NGOs and CSOs recognize this challenge. There needs to be an increased understanding of public opinion, messaging know-how, targeting savvy, social media listening skills, and digital communication tools to respond effectively.
Our approach is designed to equip NGOs and CSOs to confront these pressing issues head-on and help civil society be more intentional and strategic in their communication and programming.
Our approach
Our methodology is grounded in the analysis, implementation, evaluation, and applying evidence-based research and data (such as polling, segmentation, focus groups, content creation and testing, message testing, social listening, and network analysis). Through the coordination and training of CSOs in human rights, we promote a public debate that supports equal, diverse, and sustainable societies.
Build evidence and knowledge to repair broken or missing links
Digital research and social insight
Public opinion research
Repair
Apply evidence and knowledge to build power
Increased knowledge and confidence in strategic communications
Evidence-based communications and campaigning to expand the base, reach the middle, and neutralize adversaries
Build
Scale communications to increase impact, influence, and reach
Strategic partnerships and alignment between different movements through evidence-based communications