Our Priorities

Past Work

The Power of Intersectionality

People don’t experience issues in isolation. That’s why intersectionality is central to our work. We know that systems of oppression overlap and interact in people’s lived experiences. Our work reflects this reality – offering ways to communicate about specific issues while honoring their interconnections.

For nearly two decades, The Opportunity Agenda has developed powerful narrative tools across multiple intersectional issues including economic justice, criminal justice, and human rights while addressing cross-cutting dimensions of racial justice, gender equity, and LGBTQIA+ rights. These resources emerged from continuously evolving initiatives, and the insights remain relevant to today’s challenges. 

Explore these resources below. We hope they serve as versatile building blocks for your current work—ready to be reimagined and renewed in service of the more just and equitable world we’re collectively creating.

Economic Justice Messaging And Reports

Messaging Memo

The immigration experience, one of moving from a familiar home to an uncertain...

Quick Tips for Talking Immigration Issues

economic justice human rights immigration social justice
Research Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In The Opportunity Agenda’s Power of POP research series, we explore...

Power of Pop: What TV Gets Wrong About Getting By

cultural strategies economic justice gender justice immigration media representation racial justice
Discussion Guide

Art & Discussion Guide We believe that ending poverty is within our reach,...

We Can Thrive Together: Visioning Economic Justice for All

cultural strategies economic justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Research Report

INTRODUCTION Both research and our lived experience consistently show that the language we...

Shifting the Narrative

criminal justice cultural strategies economic justice gender justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

As we process, discuss, and continue to respond to the January 6th attack...

Moving Forward: Three Ideas for Talking About the Moment

criminal justice economic justice gender justice health equity immigration LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Increasing support for Paid Family and Medical Leave policies among key audiences Updated...

Telling a Story About Families and Opportunity

economic justice social justice
Messaging Memo

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps America, the systemic injustices in our country are...

Talking About COVID-19: Value, Problem, Solution, Action

criminal justice democracy economic justice gender justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Research Report

Literature Review & Effective Messaging Introduction Our nation can and should be a...

Public Opinion About Paid Family and Medical Leave

economic justice health equity social justice
Communications Toolkit

Poverty and economic opportunity are often difficult subjects for advocates to talk about,...

Talking About Poverty & Economic Opportunity Today: Three Core Pillars

democracy economic justice
Messaging Memo

10 Tips to Spark Change Our research report, Power of Pop: The Case...

Working with Cultural Influencers

cultural strategies economic justice health equity media representation racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Working people should have the right to stick together and demand fair treatment...

Talking about the Importance of Unions and Economic Security

economic justice social justice
Research Report

Executive Summary In recent years, the power of popular entertainment to inspire large...

The Case of the Cultural Influencers: Colin Kaepernick, Jimmy Kimmel, and #MeToo

cultural strategies economic justice gender justice health equity media representation racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

We need a new story about the U.S. economy; a story that recognizes...

Art that Tells a New Story About Economic Opportunity

cultural strategies economic justice
Messaging Memo

​On Feb 26, 2018, the United States Supreme Court heard oral arguments in...

Ten Tips for Talking About Janus v. AFSCME Council 31

economic justice
Messaging Memo

We all deserve to live in a society that promotes dignity, supports families,...

Census Data: A Fair and Accurate Count

economic justice human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

We all want to live in a country where everyone enjoys full and...

Quick Tips for Talking About Poverty and Taxes

economic justice
Messaging Memo

​  U.S. Census data released today tells a story of the kind of...

Census Data and Storytelling

economic justice
Messaging Memo

​Freedom, opportunity, respect, and dignity - just some of the core values that...

10 Facts About Public Attitudes Toward Economic Opportunity

economic justice human rights social justice
Messaging Memo

Two recent studies have alleged that Ban the Box policies hurt young men...

Expanding Opportunity for Everyone

criminal justice economic justice
Messaging Memo

Background Our nation aspires to be a place where everyone enjoys full and...

Talking About Economic Justice

economic justice
Messaging Memo

Recent executive orders pose grave threats to our communities and our values. As...

Messaging for Current Conversations

criminal justice economic justice gender justice health equity human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Research Report

HOW TO NAVIGATE THIS REPORT METHODOLOGY The analysis in this report is based...

A Window Of Opportunity II

economic justice
Messaging Memo

Our nation aspires to be a place where everyone enjoys full and equal...

Shifting the Narrative on Poverty

economic justice
Messaging Memo

Introduction Building public support to close the racial wealth gap requires a nuanced...

Public Perceptions and Attitudes Relevant to The Racial Wealth Gap

economic justice social justice
Media Analysis

On January 21, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments in Texas...

Coverage of Inclusive Communities Supreme Court Argument

economic justice
Research Report

Acknowledgments The Opportunity Agenda wishes to thank and acknowledge the many people who...

A Window of Opportunity

economic justice
Research Report

Understanding the Roots of Attitudes on Inequality Research Opportunity is a deeply held...

The Opportunity Survey

criminal justice economic justice health equity human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Research Report

Access to an affordable home under fair and sustainable terms is central to...

Progress and Peril III

economic justice
Messaging Memo

The case of Mount Holly v. Mount Holly Gardens Citizens in Action, which...

Upholding Equal Opportunity

economic justice
Fact Sheet

The meltdown of the home mortgage market, the scourge of foreclosures, and the...

Why Fair Housing, Fair Lending and Equal Opportunity

economic justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Background: This year, the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)...

Talking about HUD’s Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Regulations

economic justice
Communications Toolkit

To be effective in moving hearts, minds and policy over the long term,...

Vision, Values, Voice

criminal justice economic justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

On February 10th, the City of St. Paul, MN withdrew its petition to...

Talking About Magner v. Gallagher

economic justice
Research Report

Introduction This social science review centers on the topic of how communications in...

Media Representations and Impact on the Lives of Black Men and Boys: A Social Science Literature Review

cultural strategies economic justice media representation racial justice social justice
Media Analysis

Introduction As our nation struggles to recover from the worst economic downturn since...

Economic Recovery and Equal Opportunity in the Public Discourse

economic justice human rights
Fact Sheet

​ This memo provides guidance for discussing greater and more equitable job creation...

Expanding Opportunity for All: Economic Justice

economic justice
Messaging Memo

This memo offers communications ideas and guidance around messaging to promote an equitable...

Preserving the American Dream for All

economic justice
Messaging Memo

Introduction This memorandum recommends and discusses indicators to be used in evaluating geographic...

Indicators to Evaluate the Opportunity Impacts

economic justice
Legal Policy Brief

Acknowledgements We wish to acknowledge the assistance that a wide range of fair...

Reforming HUD’s Regulations to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing

economic justice gender justice LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

This memo offers communications advice for promoting greater and more equal opportunity during...

Talking Economic Recovery and Equal Opportunity

economic justice
Legal Policy Brief

I.   Introduction This memorandum discusses the contemporary relevance of residential integration to the...

The Relationship Between Racial Integration and the Duty to Further Fair Housing

economic justice racial justice
Messaging Memo

This document contains ideas and sample materials to use in media outreach around...

Sample Media Materials for October 30th Release of Data on Stimulus Spending

economic justice
Fact Sheet

When it comes to ensuring that the economic stimulus and recovery process promotes...

Ensuring Equal Opportunity in Our Nation’s Economic Recovery Efforts

economic justice
Messaging Memo

​ MEMORANDUM DATE:    July 17, 2009 FROM: The Opportunity Agenda, NAACP Legal Defense...

Proposed Metrics for Equitable and Expanded Opportunity in the Economic Recovery

economic justice
Research Report

Acknowledgements This report was written by Meredith King Ledford, MPP, and reviewed by...

The State of Opportunity in America

criminal justice economic justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

This memo sets forth themes and ideas on talking about immigration during the...

Moving Forward Together…

economic justice immigration
Communications Toolkit

What are Community Values and why are we promoting them now? Community Values...

Campaign for Community Values Message Toolkit

criminal justice economic justice gender justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Research Report

​Executive Summary This report assesses the state of housing in New Orleans one...

The State of Housing in New Orleans One Year After Katrina

economic justice gender justice human rights racial justice

Criminal Justice Messaging And Reports

Messaging Memo

When discussing how our criminal justice system treats immigrants, the words we choose...

Talking About Immigrants and the Criminal Justice System

criminal justice human rights immigration social justice
Messaging Memo

Five Tips for Language That Changes Hearts & Minds Momentum has grown for...

Criminal Justice Reform Phrase Guide

criminal justice
Research Report

INTRODUCTION Both research and our lived experience consistently show that the language we...

Shifting the Narrative

criminal justice cultural strategies economic justice gender justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Tips for Advocates Seeking Guidance on How to Add to the Conversation From...

Talking About Justice and Equity Through Sports

criminal justice cultural strategies gender justice racial justice
Messaging Memo

Narrative Principles for Promoting Truth in Education & How to Tell the Story...

Talking About the Attacks on Critical Race Theory

criminal justice education human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Narrative Principles for Discussing Supreme Court Cases As the Supreme Court prepares to...

Talking About the Supreme Court

criminal justice democracy health equity racial justice
Messaging Memo

As we process, discuss, and continue to respond to the January 6th attack...

Moving Forward: Three Ideas for Talking About the Moment

criminal justice economic justice gender justice health equity immigration LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Research Report

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Opportunity Agenda wishes to first acknowledge the decades of activism that...

Beyond Policing

criminal justice racial justice
Messaging Memo

Updated July 2020 As we strive to improve conversations about race, racism, and...

Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racial Justice

criminal justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps America, the systemic injustices in our country are...

Talking About COVID-19: Value, Problem, Solution, Action

criminal justice democracy economic justice gender justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

During these times of crisis and uncertainty, it is critical to pull together...

Justice Reform & Human Rights in a Time of Crisis: Releasing People from Detention

criminal justice immigration social justice
Research Report

INTRODUCTION In recent years, California has emerged as fertile ground for progressive criminal...

10 Key Facts About Perception of Fear, Safety & Criminal Justice in CA

criminal justice social justice

​Based on the acclaimed Broadway play, the Netflix Television Event American Son tells the story of...

Raising American Son: A Discussion Guide

criminal justice human rights racial justice social justice
Communications Toolkit

Due Process Core Message: Due process is a human right central to the...

Talking About Due Process and Racial Profiling

criminal justice democracy human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

This memo is intended to help journalists and media organizations produce fuller and...

When They See Us: Improving the Media’s Coverage of Black Men and Boys

criminal justice cultural strategies media representation racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Improving Media Coverage of Black Men and Boys This memo provides tips and...

When They See Us: Thirty Years Since the Central Park Five Case

criminal justice cultural strategies media representation racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Introduction This memo offers advice for promoting significant, principled criminal justice reform after...

Talking About Criminal Justice Reform After The First Step Act

criminal justice human rights racial justice social justice
Research Report

The Opportunity Agenda and the ACLU of California engaged in a collaborative initiative...

Californians & Criminal Justice Reform

criminal justice
Messaging Memo

Updated October 2020 The administration’s willful separation of children from their parents at...

Talking About The U.S. Border: Imprisoned Children, Lost Parents, and Separated Families

criminal justice human rights immigration social justice
Messaging Memo

Be cautious. Don’t comment until you’ve seen the facts and the lead party’s...

Six Tips for Responding to Supreme Court Decisions

criminal justice democracy gender justice health equity human rights immigration LGBTQIA+ justice social justice
Messaging Memo

On April 25, 2018, the Supreme Court heard Trump v. Hawaii, one of...

Talking About the Muslim Ban, Trump v. Hawaii

criminal justice human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

​This memo holds guidance for engaging strategic audiences in conversations about how to...

Building a Narrative to Address Violence in the U.S.

criminal justice human rights
Messaging Memo

Core Message: Due process is a human right central to the American justice...

Tips for Talking Due Process & Immigration

criminal justice human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

​Over the last several months, millions of activists, advocates, business leaders, and everyday...

Communications to Protect Dreamers and our Nation’s Values

criminal justice human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

In 2011, the U.S. Justice Department sued then Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio...

Tips for Talking about the President’s Pardon of Ex-Sheriff Joe Arpaio

criminal justice gender justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Research Summary

The past few months have seen an increased volume of rhetoric that manufactures...

Rise Above: Countering Fear-Based Messaging

criminal justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Two recent studies have alleged that Ban the Box policies hurt young men...

Expanding Opportunity for Everyone

criminal justice economic justice
Messaging Memo

​Protect Community Safety by Rejecting Enhanced Penalties1 We all want safe communities and...

Tips for Talking About Law Enforcement Enhanced Penalty Laws

criminal justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Recent executive orders pose grave threats to our communities and our values. As...

Messaging for Current Conversations

criminal justice economic justice gender justice health equity human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

​ Now, more than ever, our criminal justice system must keep all communities...

Ten Lessons for Talking About Criminal Justice Issues

criminal justice
Research Report

[caption id="attachment_2717" align="aligncenter" width="703"] Artwork by Alixa García[/caption]   Our criminal justice system...

Transforming the System

criminal justice democracy social justice
Research Report

Introduction Since our last meta-analysis of public opinion research on attitudes towards criminal...

A New Sensibility

criminal justice human rights
Messaging Memo

​The U.S.-­‐Mexico border and the communities surrounding it represent many things: billions of...

Talking About Policing Issues: Border Communities

criminal justice human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

A central goal of any community is the safety and security of its...

Talking Policing Issues

criminal justice
Messaging Memo

​ Usher’s new song and interactive video experience, “Chains,” are powerful statements on...

#DontLookAway

criminal justice human rights LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

As communicators, we’re always looking for new ways to engage with audiences and...

Talking Criminal Justice Reform Issues

criminal justice
Legal Policy Brief

February 12, 2015 President's Task Force on 21st Century Policing Office of Community...

Policy Recommendations to the President’s Task Force on 21st Century Policing

criminal justice
Messaging Memo

​ A recent brief by the California Budget Project explains California’s Proposition 47:...

Why Everyone Should Be Talking about California’s Proposition 47

criminal justice
Research Report

Understanding the Roots of Attitudes on Inequality Research Opportunity is a deeply held...

The Opportunity Survey

criminal justice economic justice health equity human rights immigration racial justice social justice

​More Americans today think that crime is decreasing than any year since 2005...

What Factors Affect Americans’ Perception of Whether Crime is Increasing or Decreasing?

criminal justice
Communications Toolkit

To be effective in moving hearts, minds and policy over the long term,...

Vision, Values, Voice

criminal justice economic justice human rights racial justice social justice
Research Report

Acknowledgments This research was authored by Topos Partnership with consultation from Janet Dewart...

A Review of Public Opinion Research Related to Black Male Achievement

criminal justice racial justice social justice
Research Report

Acknowledgements This report was written by Meredith King Ledford, MPP, and reviewed by...

The State of Opportunity in America

criminal justice economic justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Communications Toolkit

What are Community Values and why are we promoting them now? Community Values...

Campaign for Community Values Message Toolkit

criminal justice economic justice gender justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice

Racial Justice Messaging And Reports

Communications Toolkit

Download Toolkit INTRODUCTION The South is not a problem to be solved but...

Beyond Democracy: Mobilizing BIPOC Voters in the South – A Narrative Guide

democracy racial justice
Discussion Guide

INTRODUCTION Welcoming a baby into the world should be a time of joy...

Talking About Birthing Justice

cultural strategies gender justice health equity intersectionality racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Narrative Principles for Discussing SFFA v. Harvard and SFFA v. University of North...

Messaging on Affirmative Action

democracy education racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

In Brown v. Board of Education, the United States Supreme Court recognized the...

Taking Action & Responding to the Attacks on Honest and Inclusive Education

education gender justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

How to Talk About the Leak & the Purported SCOTUS Decision to Overturn...

What Now?! Talking About the Supreme Court

immigration LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Research Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In The Opportunity Agenda’s Power of POP research series, we explore...

Power of Pop: What TV Gets Wrong About Getting By

cultural strategies economic justice gender justice immigration media representation racial justice
Discussion Guide

Art & Discussion Guide We believe that ending poverty is within our reach,...

We Can Thrive Together: Visioning Economic Justice for All

cultural strategies economic justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Research Report

INTRODUCTION Both research and our lived experience consistently show that the language we...

Shifting the Narrative

criminal justice cultural strategies economic justice gender justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Tips for Advocates Seeking Guidance on How to Add to the Conversation From...

Talking About Justice and Equity Through Sports

criminal justice cultural strategies gender justice racial justice
Messaging Memo

Narrative Principles for Promoting Truth in Education & How to Tell the Story...

Talking About the Attacks on Critical Race Theory

criminal justice education human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Narrative Principles for Discussing Supreme Court Cases As the Supreme Court prepares to...

Talking About the Supreme Court

criminal justice democracy health equity racial justice
Messaging Memo

The past year has seen a marked increase in anti-Asian attacks across the...

Five Strategies for Talking About Anti-Asian Racism

gender justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

As we process, discuss, and continue to respond to the January 6th attack...

Moving Forward: Three Ideas for Talking About the Moment

criminal justice economic justice gender justice health equity immigration LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Research Report

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Opportunity Agenda wishes to first acknowledge the decades of activism that...

Beyond Policing

criminal justice racial justice
Messaging Memo

Updated July 2020 As we strive to improve conversations about race, racism, and...

Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racial Justice

criminal justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps America, the systemic injustices in our country are...

Talking About COVID-19: Value, Problem, Solution, Action

criminal justice democracy economic justice gender justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice

​Based on the acclaimed Broadway play, the Netflix Television Event American Son tells the story of...

Raising American Son: A Discussion Guide

criminal justice human rights racial justice social justice
Communications Toolkit

Due Process Core Message: Due process is a human right central to the...

Talking About Due Process and Racial Profiling

criminal justice democracy human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

This memo is intended to help journalists and media organizations produce fuller and...

When They See Us: Improving the Media’s Coverage of Black Men and Boys

criminal justice cultural strategies media representation racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Improving Media Coverage of Black Men and Boys This memo provides tips and...

When They See Us: Thirty Years Since the Central Park Five Case

criminal justice cultural strategies media representation racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

10 Tips to Spark Change Our research report, Power of Pop: The Case...

Working with Cultural Influencers

cultural strategies economic justice health equity media representation racial justice social justice
Research Report

Executive Summary In recent years, the power of popular entertainment to inspire large...

The Case of the Cultural Influencers: Colin Kaepernick, Jimmy Kimmel, and #MeToo

cultural strategies economic justice gender justice health equity media representation racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Headlines about the U.S.-Mexico border continue to fill our news feeds and screens...

Talking Border Issues Amidst the Government Shutdown

democracy human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

The First Step Act, which recently passed the Senate with wide bipartisan support,...

Talking About Race and The First Step Act

democracy human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Introduction This memo offers advice for promoting significant, principled criminal justice reform after...

Talking About Criminal Justice Reform After The First Step Act

criminal justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Messaging Strategies: Amplify the call for stopping Kavanaugh and for preventing any Trump...

A Visual Flow Chart: How to Stop Kavanaugh and #SaveSCOTUS

democracy gender justice health equity human rights LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice
Messaging Memo

Why This Is a Supreme Court Nomination Like No Other, and What We...

Disrupting the Disrupter

health equity racial justice social justice
Fact Sheet

Immigrant Representation on Television

cultural strategies immigration media representation racial justice
Messaging Memo

In 2011, the U.S. Justice Department sued then Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio...

Tips for Talking about the President’s Pardon of Ex-Sheriff Joe Arpaio

criminal justice gender justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Research Summary

The past few months have seen an increased volume of rhetoric that manufactures...

Rise Above: Countering Fear-Based Messaging

criminal justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

​ Shouting racist and anti-Semitic slurs, white supremacists brought hatred and violence to...

Rejecting Bigotry, Demanding Action

human rights LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

​  Introduction As we enter the half way point of Donald Trump’s first...

5 Key Facts: Online Discussion of Immigration in The Trump Era

immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

​ Last week, the city of Houston joined other Texas cities in a...

Speaking Out on SB4, Texas’ Harmful Racial Profiling Law

human rights racial justice
Messaging Memo

We all deserve to have our voices heard; our faces and experiences reflected...

Ten Tips for Putting Intersectionality into Practice

gender justice human rights intersectionality LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

​Protect Community Safety by Rejecting Enhanced Penalties1 We all want safe communities and...

Tips for Talking About Law Enforcement Enhanced Penalty Laws

criminal justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

On Monday, June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed portions of President Trump’s...

Talking About the Muslim Ban

human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Recent executive orders pose grave threats to our communities and our values. As...

Messaging for Current Conversations

criminal justice economic justice gender justice health equity human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Communications Toolkit

​ For generations, people of color have been the victims of unfair, biased...

Best Practices for Journalists

racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

On June 23, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Fisher...

SCOTUS Decision in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin

gender justice LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Fisher v. University...

Talking about the Supreme Court’s Decision in Fisher v. University of Texas

gender justice LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

​ Usher’s new song and interactive video experience, “Chains,” are powerful statements on...

#DontLookAway

criminal justice human rights LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Research Report

Understanding the Roots of Attitudes on Inequality Research Opportunity is a deeply held...

The Opportunity Survey

criminal justice economic justice health equity human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Fact Sheet

The meltdown of the home mortgage market, the scourge of foreclosures, and the...

Why Fair Housing, Fair Lending and Equal Opportunity

economic justice racial justice social justice
Communications Toolkit

To be effective in moving hearts, minds and policy over the long term,...

Vision, Values, Voice

criminal justice economic justice human rights racial justice social justice
Research Report

Introduction This social science review centers on the topic of how communications in...

Media Representations and Impact on the Lives of Black Men and Boys: A Social Science Literature Review

cultural strategies economic justice media representation racial justice social justice
Research Summary

Media Depictions and Media Consumption Acknowledgments This research was authored by Topos Partnership...

Opportunity for Black Men and Boys: Public Opinion

cultural strategies media representation racial justice
Research Report

Acknowledgments This research was authored by Topos Partnership with consultation from Janet Dewart...

A Review of Public Opinion Research Related to Black Male Achievement

criminal justice racial justice social justice
Research Summary

Acknowledgements This report was made possible in part by a grant from the...

In Play

immigration LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice
Legal Policy Brief

Acknowledgements We wish to acknowledge the assistance that a wide range of fair...

Reforming HUD’s Regulations to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing

economic justice gender justice LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Legal Policy Brief

I.   Introduction This memorandum discusses the contemporary relevance of residential integration to the...

The Relationship Between Racial Integration and the Duty to Further Fair Housing

economic justice racial justice

Gender Justice Messaging And Reports

Discussion Guide

INTRODUCTION Welcoming a baby into the world should be a time of joy...

Talking About Birthing Justice

cultural strategies gender justice health equity intersectionality racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Today, the United States Supreme Court took the dreaded step to overrule Roe...

Messaging Guidance for U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health

democracy gender justice health equity human rights social justice
Messaging Memo

In Brown v. Board of Education, the United States Supreme Court recognized the...

Taking Action & Responding to the Attacks on Honest and Inclusive Education

education gender justice human rights racial justice social justice
Research Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY In The Opportunity Agenda’s Power of POP research series, we explore...

Power of Pop: What TV Gets Wrong About Getting By

cultural strategies economic justice gender justice immigration media representation racial justice
Research Report

INTRODUCTION Both research and our lived experience consistently show that the language we...

Shifting the Narrative

criminal justice cultural strategies economic justice gender justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Tips for Advocates Seeking Guidance on How to Add to the Conversation From...

Talking About Justice and Equity Through Sports

criminal justice cultural strategies gender justice racial justice
Messaging Memo

The past year has seen a marked increase in anti-Asian attacks across the...

Five Strategies for Talking About Anti-Asian Racism

gender justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

As we process, discuss, and continue to respond to the January 6th attack...

Moving Forward: Three Ideas for Talking About the Moment

criminal justice economic justice gender justice health equity immigration LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps America, the systemic injustices in our country are...

Talking About COVID-19: Value, Problem, Solution, Action

criminal justice democracy economic justice gender justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Research Report

Executive Summary In recent years, the power of popular entertainment to inspire large...

The Case of the Cultural Influencers: Colin Kaepernick, Jimmy Kimmel, and #MeToo

cultural strategies economic justice gender justice health equity media representation racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Messaging Strategies: Amplify the call for stopping Kavanaugh and for preventing any Trump...

A Visual Flow Chart: How to Stop Kavanaugh and #SaveSCOTUS

democracy gender justice health equity human rights LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice
Messaging Memo

Be cautious. Don’t comment until you’ve seen the facts and the lead party’s...

Six Tips for Responding to Supreme Court Decisions

criminal justice democracy gender justice health equity human rights immigration LGBTQIA+ justice social justice
Messaging Memo

In 2011, the U.S. Justice Department sued then Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio...

Tips for Talking about the President’s Pardon of Ex-Sheriff Joe Arpaio

criminal justice gender justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

We all deserve to have our voices heard; our faces and experiences reflected...

Ten Tips for Putting Intersectionality into Practice

gender justice human rights intersectionality LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Recent executive orders pose grave threats to our communities and our values. As...

Messaging for Current Conversations

criminal justice economic justice gender justice health equity human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

On June 23, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Fisher...

SCOTUS Decision in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin

gender justice LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Fisher v. University...

Talking about the Supreme Court’s Decision in Fisher v. University of Texas

gender justice LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Legal Policy Brief

Acknowledgements We wish to acknowledge the assistance that a wide range of fair...

Reforming HUD’s Regulations to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing

economic justice gender justice LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Research Summary

This memo lays out recent research with African American audiences and offers ideas...

African Americans and Immigration

gender justice immigration LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice
Communications Toolkit

What are Community Values and why are we promoting them now? Community Values...

Campaign for Community Values Message Toolkit

criminal justice economic justice gender justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Research Report

​Executive Summary This report assesses the state of housing in New Orleans one...

The State of Housing in New Orleans One Year After Katrina

economic justice gender justice human rights racial justice

Human Rights Messaging And Reports

Messaging Memo

The immigration experience, one of moving from a familiar home to an uncertain...

Quick Tips for Talking Immigration Issues

economic justice human rights immigration social justice
Messaging Memo

When discussing how our criminal justice system treats immigrants, the words we choose...

Talking About Immigrants and the Criminal Justice System

criminal justice human rights immigration social justice
Messaging Memo

Today, the United States Supreme Court took the dreaded step to overrule Roe...

Messaging Guidance for U.S. Supreme Court Decision in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health

democracy gender justice health equity human rights social justice
Messaging Memo

In Brown v. Board of Education, the United States Supreme Court recognized the...

Taking Action & Responding to the Attacks on Honest and Inclusive Education

education gender justice human rights racial justice social justice
Discussion Guide

Art & Discussion Guide We believe that ending poverty is within our reach,...

We Can Thrive Together: Visioning Economic Justice for All

cultural strategies economic justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Research Report

INTRODUCTION Both research and our lived experience consistently show that the language we...

Shifting the Narrative

criminal justice cultural strategies economic justice gender justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Narrative Principles for Promoting Truth in Education & How to Tell the Story...

Talking About the Attacks on Critical Race Theory

criminal justice education human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

The past year has seen a marked increase in anti-Asian attacks across the...

Five Strategies for Talking About Anti-Asian Racism

gender justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Updated July 2020 As we strive to improve conversations about race, racism, and...

Ten Lessons for Talking About Race, Racism, and Racial Justice

criminal justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

As the COVID-19 pandemic sweeps America, the systemic injustices in our country are...

Talking About COVID-19: Value, Problem, Solution, Action

criminal justice democracy economic justice gender justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice

​Based on the acclaimed Broadway play, the Netflix Television Event American Son tells the story of...

Raising American Son: A Discussion Guide

criminal justice human rights racial justice social justice
Communications Toolkit

Due Process Core Message: Due process is a human right central to the...

Talking About Due Process and Racial Profiling

criminal justice democracy human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Headlines about the U.S.-Mexico border continue to fill our news feeds and screens...

Talking Border Issues Amidst the Government Shutdown

democracy human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

The First Step Act, which recently passed the Senate with wide bipartisan support,...

Talking About Race and The First Step Act

democracy human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Introduction This memo offers advice for promoting significant, principled criminal justice reform after...

Talking About Criminal Justice Reform After The First Step Act

criminal justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

The Opportunity Agenda is devastated and angered by the vitriolic and violent events...

Turning Our Sorrow and Outrage into Communications for Change

human rights social justice
Messaging Memo

In the run up to the 2018 midterm elections, a Media Matters study found...

Five Questions to ask when Crafting Messages about Refugees in the Current Climate

human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

Messaging Strategies: Amplify the call for stopping Kavanaugh and for preventing any Trump...

A Visual Flow Chart: How to Stop Kavanaugh and #SaveSCOTUS

democracy gender justice health equity human rights LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice
Messaging Memo

​Recommended Messaging on the Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court...

Messaging on the Nomination of Brett Kavanaugh to the U.S. Supreme Court

human rights social justice
Messaging Memo

On June 26, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court issued its decision in Trump...

Messaging Advice on The Supreme Court’s Muslim Ban Decision

human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

Updated October 2020 The administration’s willful separation of children from their parents at...

Talking About The U.S. Border: Imprisoned Children, Lost Parents, and Separated Families

criminal justice human rights immigration social justice
Messaging Memo

Be cautious. Don’t comment until you’ve seen the facts and the lead party’s...

Six Tips for Responding to Supreme Court Decisions

criminal justice democracy gender justice health equity human rights immigration LGBTQIA+ justice social justice
Messaging Memo

We all deserve to live in a society that promotes dignity, supports families,...

Census Data: A Fair and Accurate Count

economic justice human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

On April 25, 2018, the Supreme Court heard Trump v. Hawaii, one of...

Talking About the Muslim Ban, Trump v. Hawaii

criminal justice human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

​This memo holds guidance for engaging strategic audiences in conversations about how to...

Building a Narrative to Address Violence in the U.S.

criminal justice human rights
Messaging Memo

Core Message: Due process is a human right central to the American justice...

Tips for Talking Due Process & Immigration

criminal justice human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

Introduction This past February, as media reports began to circulate detailing a surge...

Redefining Sanctuary

human rights immigration social justice
Messaging Memo

​Over the last several months, millions of activists, advocates, business leaders, and everyday...

Communications to Protect Dreamers and our Nation’s Values

criminal justice human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

In 2011, the U.S. Justice Department sued then Maricopa County Sheriff Joe Arpaio...

Tips for Talking about the President’s Pardon of Ex-Sheriff Joe Arpaio

criminal justice gender justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Research Summary

The past few months have seen an increased volume of rhetoric that manufactures...

Rise Above: Countering Fear-Based Messaging

criminal justice human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

​ Shouting racist and anti-Semitic slurs, white supremacists brought hatred and violence to...

Rejecting Bigotry, Demanding Action

human rights LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

​Freedom, opportunity, respect, and dignity - just some of the core values that...

10 Facts About Public Attitudes Toward Economic Opportunity

economic justice human rights social justice
Messaging Memo

​ Last week, the city of Houston joined other Texas cities in a...

Speaking Out on SB4, Texas’ Harmful Racial Profiling Law

human rights racial justice
Messaging Memo

We all deserve to have our voices heard; our faces and experiences reflected...

Ten Tips for Putting Intersectionality into Practice

gender justice human rights intersectionality LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Media Analysis

Introduction In the weeks following the 2016 presidential election, and the almost immediate...

Power of Pop: Media Analysis of Immigrant Representation in Popular TV Shows

cultural strategies human rights immigration social justice
Messaging Memo

​Protect Community Safety by Rejecting Enhanced Penalties1 We all want safe communities and...

Tips for Talking About Law Enforcement Enhanced Penalty Laws

criminal justice human rights racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

On Monday, June 26, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed portions of President Trump’s...

Talking About the Muslim Ban

human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Recent executive orders pose grave threats to our communities and our values. As...

Messaging for Current Conversations

criminal justice economic justice gender justice health equity human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Media Analysis

Introduction  This report examines social media discussions of sex work, human trafficking, and...

Sex Workers Rights, Workers Rights, & Human Trafficking

human rights LGBTQIA+ justice
Research Report

Introduction Since our last meta-analysis of public opinion research on attitudes towards criminal...

A New Sensibility

criminal justice human rights
Messaging Memo

#FightForFamilies The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments on President Obama’s executive actions...

Talking United States v. Texas Supreme Court Case on DAPA and expanded DACA+

human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

​The U.S.-­‐Mexico border and the communities surrounding it represent many things: billions of...

Talking About Policing Issues: Border Communities

criminal justice human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

​ Usher’s new song and interactive video experience, “Chains,” are powerful statements on...

#DontLookAway

criminal justice human rights LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice

​ When drafting responses to the President’s announcement today, please keep in mind...

5 Tips for Talking About Border Communities

human rights immigration social justice
Messaging Memo

Overview Adopted in 1868 and part of the “Reconstruction Amendments,” section 1 of...

Talking about the American Citizenship Clause of the 14th Amendment

human rights immigration
Messaging Memo

​ When drafting responses to the President’s announcement today, please keep in mind...

5 Tips for Talking About Border Communities Without Talking about a Wall

human rights immigration social justice
Legal Policy Brief

​ Many Americans are frustrated with our immigration policies. But research and experience...

Immigration Policy Solutions: Supporting Child Migrants

human rights immigration
Research Report

Understanding the Roots of Attitudes on Inequality Research Opportunity is a deeply held...

The Opportunity Survey

criminal justice economic justice health equity human rights immigration racial justice social justice
Communications Toolkit

To be effective in moving hearts, minds and policy over the long term,...

Vision, Values, Voice

criminal justice economic justice human rights racial justice social justice
Media Analysis

Introduction As our nation struggles to recover from the worst economic downturn since...

Economic Recovery and Equal Opportunity in the Public Discourse

economic justice human rights

LGBTQIA+ Rights Messaging And Reports

Messaging Memo

How to Talk About the Leak & the Purported SCOTUS Decision to Overturn...

What Now?! Talking About the Supreme Court

immigration LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

As we process, discuss, and continue to respond to the January 6th attack...

Moving Forward: Three Ideas for Talking About the Moment

criminal justice economic justice gender justice health equity immigration LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Messaging Strategies: Amplify the call for stopping Kavanaugh and for preventing any Trump...

A Visual Flow Chart: How to Stop Kavanaugh and #SaveSCOTUS

democracy gender justice health equity human rights LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice
Messaging Memo

Be cautious. Don’t comment until you’ve seen the facts and the lead party’s...

Six Tips for Responding to Supreme Court Decisions

criminal justice democracy gender justice health equity human rights immigration LGBTQIA+ justice social justice
Messaging Memo

​ Shouting racist and anti-Semitic slurs, white supremacists brought hatred and violence to...

Rejecting Bigotry, Demanding Action

human rights LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

We all deserve to have our voices heard; our faces and experiences reflected...

Ten Tips for Putting Intersectionality into Practice

gender justice human rights intersectionality LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Media Analysis

Introduction  This report examines social media discussions of sex work, human trafficking, and...

Sex Workers Rights, Workers Rights, & Human Trafficking

human rights LGBTQIA+ justice
Messaging Memo

On June 23, 2016, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Fisher...

SCOTUS Decision in Fisher v. University of Texas at Austin

gender justice LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

This morning, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a decision in Fisher v. University...

Talking about the Supreme Court’s Decision in Fisher v. University of Texas

gender justice LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

​ Usher’s new song and interactive video experience, “Chains,” are powerful statements on...

#DontLookAway

criminal justice human rights LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Research Summary

Acknowledgements This report was made possible in part by a grant from the...

In Play

immigration LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice
Legal Policy Brief

Acknowledgements We wish to acknowledge the assistance that a wide range of fair...

Reforming HUD’s Regulations to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing

economic justice gender justice LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Messaging Memo

Experience from around the country shows that discussing racial inequity and promoting racial...

Ten Lessons for Talking About Racial Equity in the Age of Obama

LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice social justice
Research Summary

This memo lays out recent research with African American audiences and offers ideas...

African Americans and Immigration

gender justice immigration LGBTQIA+ justice racial justice

Or search by:

The Opportunity Agenda
Privacy Overview

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

close search

Hot Topics: