Training Series: Media Support

This training will last 90 minutes.

What is messaging? Messaging is the most important part of any action. The messaging of an action includes:

• The Target. Examples: Government figures, corporate leadership, etc.
• The Demand. Examples: Ban new fossil fuel infrastructure, move the East Boston substation to Logan Airport, protect 30% of Massachusetts land and water by 2030.
• The Imagery. Examples: Big red stop signs to indicate the need to urgently stop fossil fuel usage, coffins and pallbearers to represent climate-related deaths.
• The Communication. Examples: Outreach to journalists to ensure coverage of an action, creation of content for social media, sharing the messaging angle with other chapter members so they can explain when asked.

Messaging is a crucial part of the action planning process, because if an action and its messaging does not reach newspapers, television, radio, or social media, the public won't know the action happened, and the targets won't feel as much pressure to act as a result of the demonstration.

Who should attend this presentation? Anyone who wants to learn how actions convey messages should attend this presentation! Whether you're an action organizer, someone who wants to know more about messaging strategy, someone who enjoys creating content, or someone with a passion for journalism, you'll glean important tips and tools from some of XR Boston's experienced communicators. Rebels from other XR chapters or from other organizations are encouraged to attend, to share your perspectives and learn from a different angle!

Other sessions will include:

• Arrest support: Provides direct personal support for arrestable people. They have all relevant personal information, will take the call from the police station, provide support at the police station and makes sure everyone gets home safely.

• Peacekeeping & deescalation: Help guide people where to go and keep protest safe by blocking traffic block of streets for us along the parade route.

• Media Support: Helps facilitate the interactions between the group and the media. Prepares press releases, coordinates photography, live-streaming, and footage to edit.