Child Advocacy 360's national research is complete, and we can now say with certainty that "good news" about programs that improve the lives of vulnerable, disadvantaged kids - helping them to become responsible citizens - can make a significant difference in building stronger neighborhoods, villages and cities.

What the research tells us:

• We see and hear so many "problem stories" about youth in the media - and so few "good news" stories about rewarding work being done with and for young people.
• The research is a call to "Give good news a chance! Tell stories about "Who's Doing What That Works." Why not, at long last, highlight solutions and not problems?
• And don't, according to the research, depend on the press to get your message out. In fact, the press is plagued with reduced staffs, meager resources and, for the most part, continues to believe: "If it bleeds, it leads."

What can we - ordinary citizens, parents, family members - do to make a difference where we live and work?

Permit me to offer a suggestion that does not involve stuffing envelopes, volunteering for after school programs, providing transportation and the like – although the evidence is clear that those activities do contribute mightily to program sustainability.

Here’s my idea:

If you belong to a church, community group or other organization serving children’s needs, step back and take a look at how well your group communicates its successes, its progress, its promise, to your own stakeholders: the families of the kids getting help, the members of your group whose votes and money you need, and elected officials. Sure, you can try the local paper, but what you need is local loyalty and enthusiasm.

          
You’ll be surprised how frequently your own common sense about good story telling is on the right track; if it’s not, find a qualified  friend whose professional guidance can be called upon. Most essentially, monitor the results. Keep score!  Put your scorecard and – why not – brag about it on your web site, in emails, flyers, and report on results at every meeting.
And, think about this: Tweet your good news on Twitter, and post on your Facebook page if you have one.

I just finished a story for our own newsletter about an organization that has found success with informal roundtables where members share ideas on keeping their own stakeholders engaged.

And, with this small advisory, I also urge you to go to the top center of our home page— www.childadvocacy360.org —where you will find an executive summary of the research and a very practical 4-pager on smart messaging. Let me hear from you. Hershel
  —Hershel Sarbin, Editor