Resilience, Activism and Strategic Storytelling: New Issue of Journal of Public Interest Communications Examines Pathways to Social Change
The latest issue of the Journal of Public Interest Communications, Volume 8, Issue 2, examines how strategic communication and authentic storytelling drive social change through the lens of activism, resilience and documentary filmmaking. Through academic analysis, practitioner perspectives and critical review, this edition explores how effective communications can amplify underrepresented voices and build stronger communities.
The centerpiece article analyzes how U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-Mo.) leveraged personal narrative and strategic messaging in her advocacy for extending the eviction moratorium during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study examines how Bush, drawing on her own experience with homelessness, used social media and strategic communications to mobilize support and ultimately influence policy.
“This issue demonstrates how effective communication strategies can both amplify marginalized voices and strengthen communities,” said Kelly Chernin, Journal co-editor. “From grassroots activism to documentary filmmaking, we see how authentic storytelling and strategic messaging work together to create meaningful change.”
Featured Articles
The latest issue includes the following articles, all of which are available for free:
Editors’ Essay: “The Power of Community and Resilience” by Kelly Chernin and Joseph Radice
- Reflects on how communities demonstrate resilience and mutual support in the face of natural disasters and other challenges
- Emphasizes the importance of highlighting community strength rather than focusing solely on devastation
- Draws from firsthand experiences in Western North Carolina and Southwest Florida to illustrate how community bonds and mutual aid emerge during crisis recovery
“Calling All Activists to the Capitol: The Case of Cori Bush’s Advocacy for an Eviction Moratorium Extension” by Oluseyi Samuel Adegbola
- Analyzes how Bush used personal narrative and strategic messaging to advocate for policy change
- Examines media coverage of politician-led activism compared to citizen protests
- Reveals how Bush strategically framed her messaging through four key themes: reminding and defining, connecting and broadening dialogue, personalizing and contrasting, and calling for action
“Beyond Bars: Crafting Freedom Stories with the Seattle Clemency Project” – Practitioner Q&A with Brooke Kaufman and Jennifer Smith
- Explores how strategic storytelling can support justice reform and second chances
- Provides insights on ethical approaches to sharing stories of transformation
- Details their comprehensive interview process, including lived experience compensation, multi-stage interviews and participant review procedures that ensure dignity and agency
Book Review: “Crafting Contemporary Documentaries and Docuseries for Global Screens” by Sol Ricco
- Reviews Phoebe Hart’s examination of documentary filmmaking in the post-COVID era
- Discusses ethical considerations in documentary storytelling
- Analyzes how filmmakers can balance creative vision with subject agency while adapting to new funding models and work-life considerations
Strategic Storytelling for Social Change
The research in this issue highlights how strategic communication, grounded in authentic storytelling and ethical practices, can effectively advocate for social change while amplifying marginalized voices.
“This collection of work shows that effective public interest communication requires both strategic thinking and genuine respect for the communities whose stories are being shared,” said Joseph Radice, co-editor. “Whether through social media activism, documentary filmmaking or grassroots advocacy, authentic storytelling remains central to creating meaningful change.”
Access this issue and other publications at www.journalpic.org.
Published by the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications, the Journal of Public Interest Communications is an open-access, peer-reviewed publication dedicated to the theory and science of strategic communication for social change. It offers a platform for global academics and practitioners to publish cutting-edge research and case studies on topics related to the emerging academic discipline of public interest communications.
Posted: December 18, 2024
Category: Center for Public Interest Communications, College News
Tagged as: Journal of Public Interest Communications, Public Relations
