The draft opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization leaked from the Supreme Court this week is NOT the final decision, but the preview it offers of how the court might rule confirms our greatest fears — a “full-throated” repeal of Roe v. Wade. Should this decision become final, its impact could extend far beyond the right to access abortions. We must respond to this moment with a vision of what full rights look like for all of us, our children, and generations to come.
Moments of great fear and anxiety call on us as advocates, influencers, artists, and cultural strategists to be voices of clarity and inspiration and to move audiences into action. We channel anger toward a shared sense of the power we feel when our voices rise up in unity, and we tell stories to bring our values to life.
In the buildup to the Court’s final decision, emphasize the potentially far-reaching consequences of this threat to the right to privacy under the law. This draft opinion paves the way to not only criminalize our right to decide what’s possible for one’s own body but also who we choose to marry and love, and how we choose to raise our children. Visit our rapid response guidance for quick messaging tips and use the links below to pivot audiences toward solutions and action.
The Senate Judiciary Committee is expected to hold confirmation hearings in late March for The Honorable Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination to the Supreme Court. Her story – and eventual confirmation — marks a historic moment to celebrate in our nation’s journey towards greater opportunity and equal justice for all.
The importance of Judge Brown Jackson’s nomination to break down barriers of systemic racism and sexism in our government and its threat to white supremacy has already resulted in dehumanizing and undermining attacks on her character. To contextualize the significance of this moment for the future of our country, we must uplift:
The value Judge Brown Jackson’s distinguished legal career will add to the Supreme Court as it makes key decisions impacting equal rights;
The important perspectives Judge Brown Jackson brings because of her experiences and knowledge that is new and currently unrepresented on the High Court; and
The powerful message of opportunity Judge Brown Jackson’s nomination, and confirmation, sends to Black women and women of color who strive toward greatness despite the systemic hurdles and prejudices that they experience.
As you talk about Judge Brown Jackson’s nomination, lean on our quick tips and the resources below. Look for opportunities to connect her story to the countless Black women whose leadership and brilliance strengthen our systems of government, and lead with the shared values of Equal Justice, Diversity, and Opportunity.
We all deserve to live in communities where we feel safe. And true community safety includes feeling safe from violence by the state, which includes the police. Achieving this vision requires centering values that promote human dignity to prevent harm, ensure equal justice, and focus on restoration, not punishment.
Across the nation, however, local print and television news headlines are filled with reports of crime and violence. Without nuance or context, headlines describing crime trends add oxygen to narratives that threaten to stimy political momentum and public support for criminal justice reform. We’ve seen this before. The Philadelphia Inquirer’s latest investigative report on the roots of systemic racism in America, “Lights. Camera. Crime,” details the rise of “infotainment” television news that stoked racist stereotypes about BIPOC communities and clouded audiences’ perception of decreasing crime rates throughout the ’90s.
To help you message the moment, we’ve updated our Criminal Justice Reform Phrase Guide. Our people-first language grids provide quick reference points for how to avoid dehumanizing labels that foster stigma and fear. Be sure to check out tip #2 for VPSA guidance to pivot away from dominant narratives and toward an affirmative story about how systemic reforms to our criminal legal system provide a roadmap toward true community safety.
The vision of a truly inclusive democracy and racially just society is what drives much of our work. Yet racism in our communities and government remains a defining feature of our democracy, not a fixture of our history. From tip lines for parents to report the teaching of critical race theory in Virginia schools to the preservation of the filibuster to impede voting rights, we must remain resolute and clear in our commitment to tell an affirmative story about racial justice in the United States.
As we engage in national conversations around critical race theory, voting rights, and criminal justice proceedings, particularly with the backdrop of Black History Month, remember to lead with the values of Equality, Community, and Voice.
The Opening Ceremony for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing kicks off a month filled with major sports media events. Upcoming events include the Super Bowl on Feb. 13 and the NBA All-Star Game, which occurs the weekend of Feb. 19 – 20. On top of this, the Washington Football Team announced its new name today, after retiring its racist original name and mascot last year in response to years of work by Indigenous advocates, including our Creative Change alumna Suzan Harjo.
This historic change reminds us that we, as advocates, are uniquely positioned to help shape narratives with a lens towards equity, justice, and systemic solutions. And you don’t have to be an expert sports analyst to add value to the conversation. Here are the potential narratives we’ll be tracking around this month’s sport events:
Olympic athletes taking a stance on social justice issues during the Games, including anti-Asian racism throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Critique of China’s human rights record as host of the Winter Olympics.
Change the Name advocacy beyond the Washington Football Team.
Creative interventions for racial justice during the Super Bowl halftime show, which will feature Dr. Dre, Snoop Dogg, Eminem, Mary J. Blige and Kendrick Lamar.
Rely on our 5 tips to decide how and when to comment on these and emerging sports narratives. Cite the values of Voice, Equality, and Community.
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