Berkeley Media Studies Group

Congratulations to our partners at CACHI on celebrating their 10 year anniversary! This Thursday, CACHI will be hosting a webinar reflecting on successes, challenges, and lessons learned from the past 10 years. Register here: https://vist.ly/5b7xp

As we approach the Fourth of July, many conversations will center on a powerful shared value: freedom. For many, the term evokes ideas of rugged individualism, but when used with intention, strategic communicators can reclaim freedom to have a more collectivist meaning. Advocates can call for freedom from oppressive systems and the resulting inequities, show how past and present policy decisions shape whether we're truly free to live healthy, thriving lives. Learn more about freedom framing in this blog from our partners at :

Framing "Freedom" - FrameWorks Institute The idea of “freedom” is important to Americans. It’s a value that resonates with a lot of people, and consistently ranks among the most important. It’s a uniquely powerful motivator, with broad appeal across the political spectrum. No wonder, then, that we as communicators often appeal to t...

As the anniversaries of the deaths of Alton Sterling and Philando Castile near, we’re revisiting news narratives of police violence, which often center around questions of compliance — regardless of what actually happened. In our latest blog, BMSG’s Charles Udeze draws on one family’s story in the aftermath of their son’s death to show how advocates can challenge problematic police narratives. Read more: https://vist.ly/59qzt

Trainer spotlight! This week, we're celebrating two years with Jocelyn Polanco, whose thoughtful coaching has helped advocates communicate complex issues with confidence. In that short time, Jocelyn has supported community leaders working on everything from improving park and green space equity to preventing su***de in rural farm families. Whether she's leading a training or helping someone prepare for a national media interview, she brings dedication, care, and calm to every interaction. Please join us in wishing Jocelyn a happy work anniversary — if you've had a chance to work with her, we'd love to hear your congratulations or a favorite memory in the comments!