In calmer political times, the most effective way to frame solutions to difficult social problems was to follow a time-tested structure: grounding your message in shared values, then telling a causal story that defines the problem, its consequences, and how policy or administrative changes could help address it. That approach still holds value—but we’re no longer operating under the same rules of engagement that made traditional framing strategies work
This workshop is about learning to frame the frame: how to identify and communicate the meta-values that protect the possibility of your work.
In today’s polarized and fast-moving political landscape, it’s easy to feel like our messages are getting lost or dismissed. Framing with values and metaphors aren’t just old strategies — they’re powerful, time-tested tools that give you a fresh edge right now.
In this two-part, interactive workshop series, you’ll learn how to identify and use values that engage different audiences, and harness the power of metaphor to make complex or abstract issues vivid, memorable, and actionable. These skills will give you a versatile framing toolkit you can apply to any issue—whether you’re speaking to policymakers, the media, or the public.
Everyone talks about the power of storytelling—but not every story moves us toward meaningful systems and policy change. Yes, personal stories can inspire. But poorly framed stories can reinforce stereotypes and obscure the broader issues at stake. To support meaningful change, our stories need to do more than evoke sympathy—they must illuminate the causal drivers of social problems and guide audiences toward policy solutions and systems change.
Too often, important data gets buried in complexity.
In this workshop, we work through real examples to practice framing and visual strategies that help audiences make sense of data — not just look at it. We’ll focus on clarity, narrative, and the choices that strengthen or weaken understanding. The goal: to help your data support learning, insight, and better decisions.



