Thread by @intldogooder

In my communications consulting work, I advise #globaldev organizations to no longer view communications as an “add-on” service department, first beholden to the #fundraising function of an organization. /1

At this point in history, communications departments can and must be developing narrative change strategies that support the vision of the world they and their partners are building. #DevComms /2

In this week of #GivingTuesday, it may appear that #narrativechange work is at odds with proven fundraising practices. how-matters.org/2018/12/04/giv… /3

#GivingTuesday reminds us that the skills and practices of #communications professionals in the #nonprofit sector have been adopted from the private sector’s marketing toolbox. how-matters.org/2016/11/02/10-… /4

Communicators in the #globaldev sector must be re-tooled to service a shift in consciousness and values in the public sphere, to change the operating assumptions held by the society at large and inspire wider collective action. how-matters.org/2019/08/04/rei… /5

This is a tall order, especially because communications must bridge “us” versus “them” mentalities that are becoming an increasingly dangerous part of the political zeitgeist in many countries. /6

Narrative change strategies in the #globaldev sector can help change the collective, implicit, and often harmful understandings held in society of “doing good” or “helping others,” something @ICrabtreeCondor knows a bit about: collective.healingsolidarity.org/events/globald… /7

Shifting the mental models of our organizations' donor bases means focusing on the ends *and* means of fundraising. Beyond simple, transactional messaging, #DevComms can specifically engage with donors to support their learning processes & further their political education. /8