Defining the Story of Our Democracy
Honoring the Legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This week, we pause to honor the life and work of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a leader whose vision of justice, equality, decency, and community continues to inspire us. His legacy reminds us that meaningful change begins with courage, collaboration, and clarity, values we hold close in our own work.
We re-read Dr. King’s remarks when he accepted the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize, and his words and vision are still a needed guide for us today: “Sooner or later all the people of the world will have to discover a way to live together in peace, and thereby transform this pending cosmic elegy into a creative psalm of brotherhood. If this is to be achieved, man must evolve for all human conflict a method which rejects revenge, aggression and retaliation. The foundation of such a method is love.”
As we reflect on his enduring impact, let’s use our communication talents to advocate and fight for a more equitable world.
This Week:
Our Nation’s Communications Roots
A PR Icon: Dolly Parton
The One Thing
Before We Go…
1. Our Nation’s Communications Origin Story
In strategic communications, we talk about knowing where you came from and telling your story consistently. On this inauguration day, here are links to our nation’s founding documents that define our democracy story.
2. PR Lessons from Dolly Parton
Dolly Parton once said, “Find out who you are, and do it on purpose.”
This philosophy has led her to do what few can claim: she’s created a universal appeal that has stretched decades and spans generations, socioeconomic classes, and political divides. This beloved icon, who infuses authenticity, humor, and joy into every project she touches, is a public relations genius that every strategic communicator should study.
This past weekend, January 19, was her birthday, and we thought it was a great time to explore some of the communications lessons that Queen Dolly has to offer.
3. The One Thing
Last week, we introduced a new section that gave you one thing you could do in around five minutes to make an impact on your communication efforts.
Your Task This Week: Do you have a staff page on your website? Check that it’s current and make any necessary changes.
3. Before We Go…
The news on the TikTiok ban is moving fast. Keep up with updates here.
Who is on what side of this issue continues to be, may we say, bonkers.
Apple is once again under scrutiny. The problem this time? The AI that summarizes the news stories it shares in its News app are frequently misleading and incorrect.
A star conservative writer for the Washington Post, Jennifer Rubin, resigned, taking a shot at Jeff Bezos and his overreaching editorial control as the owner of the paper on her way out.
We’re sharing her new “pro-democracy newsletter” that describes itself as “unflinching, unapologetic, and unwavering in its commitment to truth-telling.” Find The Contrarian here.
From Beyond Marketing: How luxury fashion brand The Row’s unique social strategy has helped grow them into a $1 billion company.