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Two Penny Project Guidebook
January 2008
Providers Council of the Massachusetts Council of Human Service Providers, Inc.
This goal of this guidebook is to build support for human services by finding new ways for human service providers and their supporters to communicate about the valuable services they deliver. The guidebook is a great resource on how to reframe discussions about human services and in particular, the role of government in providing funding and support to human services.
Clarity on the budget
The Boston Globe, November 17, 2007
An op-ed by Noah Berger, the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center and Stephen Crosby, McCormack Graduate School at the University of Massachusetts
In this op-ed, the authors explain how a new state government website is increasing transparency in the state budgeting process by making important information accessible. While many op-eds on state budgetary issues might focus mostly on the "money" details, in this one, the authors remind their readers of the mission and purpose of government--the things we do together that we cannot do alone. The authors successfully work to address a key hurdle unveiled in our research -- that ordinary Americans need to be reminded of government's unique role so that budget and policy questions are given the context they need for more productive consideration.
The Responsibilities We Share
Massachusetts Teachers Association, Oct/Nov 2007
Commentary by Noah Berger, the Massachusetts Budget and Policy Center
Although the purpose of this commentary is to discuss ways to improve the state's revenue system, the commentary is purposefully not only about taxes or money. Instead, it carefully frames the discussion to focus on the purpose of those tax dollars--achieving quality of life for the people of Massachusetts, supporting "things that most of our families need that we cannot provide alone," and "invest(ing) in the long-term strength of our communities, our economy, and our families." In addition, the commentary offers pragmatic solutions. It explains the need for closing tax loopholes in a reasonable way without blaming businesses or corporations for the loss of revenue. Our Talking about Government research concluded that focusing on the mission and purpose of government--not just the dollars and cents being spent in taxes--helps to open up audiences to discussions about taxes and government. In addition, the research demonstrated the importance of a pragmatic, reasonable tone to help inoculate against a "politics as usual" mindset.
Oklahoma's Fiscal Outlook
Jan 2008
A presentation by Alliance for Oklahoma's Future
In this presentation on the state's fiscal outlook, the Alliance situated tax policy questions in the context of Oklahoma's common goals as a state and the need to support the public structures that allow the state to meet those goals. As our Talking about Government research recommends, this presentation frames the discussion in the context of government's mission. It also emphasizes the collective ownership of government by using "we" and "our" when talking about government.
Why School Breakfast?
A flyer from the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger
This example includes two versions of an outreach flyer prepared by the Vermont Campaign to End Childhood Hunger. The first is the version the Campaign used before they attended a Public Works training; the second was revised after the training. While both versions explain why school breakfast is important, the second incorporates framing techniques from the training. In it, the Campaign re-ordered their concepts, highlighting first the benefits of school breakfast. They also have a more positive opening explaining why breakfast is important, unlike the first version which starts by stating the problem.
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