Spitfire Sparks
Stay ahead with the latest communication trends, best practices and tools to amplify your work and reach your goals.
Use the filters to find the information you’re looking for.
Every few months, yet another democracy campaign launches with the same ingredients: a sober tone, a… continue reading Democracy Doesn’t Need Better Arguments. It Needs Better Fans.
… continue reading From Promises Made to Promises Kept
Journalist Andrew Breitbart is attributed to having said, “Politics is downstream of culture.” I… continue reading Culture Is Upstream
It is Spitfire’s 24th anniversary! I know. I am a bit gobsmacked myself about it.
We are in a moment when there are unprecedented opportunities for collective meaning-making. Social… continue reading “Meaning-Making Around What Matters Most” recording and key takeaways
At Spitfire, we think of communications and campaigning as crafts that need tending. We stay on top… continue reading Six Ways to Build Power
Originally published on Bil Browning’s Tummy Ache Nation.
Last month, I delivered closing remarks at the Story Movements conference at the Planet Word Museum… continue reading Spitfire at Story Movements 2026
It’s an open secret that some within the progressive movement have criticized the movement for not… continue reading How to Use Class-Competent Messaging to Engage Working-Class People
Last year, I offered my top advice for small and mighty communications teams. So much has happened… continue reading New Tips for Small Comms Teams
… continue reading In the epoch of meaning-making, how do we make information lead to common sense, not nonsense?
“The same thing is required to enhance the success of social movements and to find the path past… continue reading What’s the way to win back the working class?
Social inequality scholar Joan C. Williams, author of “Outclassed: How the Left Lost the Working… continue reading Can the left win back lost ground without abandoning our values?
Friends,
This is Part 1 of a two-part series about our updated Planning to Win guide. In Part 2, we’ll… continue reading Planning to Win Spitfire U Takeaways
… continue reading How nonprofits can uncover new revenue to meet the moment
Artificial intelligence (AI) is a hot topic right now. Like you, Spitfires come across articles,… continue reading To AI or not to AI? Our new guide will help you get answers.
Leaders play a critical role in eliminating political violence. However, it isn’t enough to… continue reading Leaders Must Go Further To Eliminate Political Violence
… continue reading Don’t Be An Accidental Deactivator
Spitfire is mourning the loss of our friend and ally, Brandi Collins-Dexter. In this work for… continue reading Brandi Collins-Dexter Tribute
Part 4 in a series on meaning-making
Traveling home from the Aspen Ideas Festival 2025, I am ready to celebrate 23 years of Spitfire. I… continue reading Happy 23rd Birthday, Spitfire
Part 3 in a series on meaning-making
Part 2 in a series on meaning-making
Part 1 in a series on meaning-making
The surefire way to undermine your nonprofit’s success? Do something counter to your values. Your… continue reading Inspiring Trust When the Moment Looks Unclear
Tools to Save Our Home Planet: A Change Maker’s Guidebook Scientists, and extreme weather, tell… continue reading Spitfire Shares: Tools to Save Our Home Planet, Build Trust, Un-Boring Your Comms and More
Public confidence in nonprofits and philanthropy has been declining for years — but you have… continue reading Join us for a conversation about trust Tuesday, April 29, from 2-3:15 p.m. ET
As communicators for social justice issues, we can’t afford to be boring. In the world of the 24/7… continue reading In the pursuit of a better world, we can’t afford to be boring
Folks, I don’t think we need any more polling or research to know broadly how things are going and… continue reading Move From Naming to Solving
Last month, we got on the phone with an opinion editor at The New York Times. We had a killer pitch… continue reading Op-Eds Are Everyone’s Go-To Tactic. But Is There an Easier Way?
Spitfire is proud to share personal reflections from our own Ben Christiason on the power of… continue reading Our stories matter now more than ever
When I was a kid, I remember airplanes having smoking and nonsmoking sections. Today, it seems… continue reading No Better Time to Majority-Make
It’s no secret that nonprofits often have small communications teams and punch far above their… continue reading 3 Tips for Small Comms Teams
Nonprofit communications staffers need tools to create clear and compelling communication now more… continue reading Introducing Virtual Communications Trainings for Professionals at Any Level
Happy New Year. I hope that each of you had a few moments to rest and restore over the… continue reading 2025 Resolution: Find Strategies to Win in the Now.
“Are people born wicked, or do they have wickedness thrust upon them?” Glinda the Good Witch… continue reading Wicked, for Good? The Power of Narrative to Shape Public Perception
It’s become cliché to say “this is the most important election of our lifetimes,” but in 2024… continue reading Five Steps for Building Trust in an Election Year
Now is a good time to take stock. A lot has happened. We just received important lessons and… continue reading Progress Is Still Possible: 5 questions to ask while taking stock
This election, whatever the outcome, marks a new chapter in American democracy. That’s because… continue reading Communications lessons from the election season that everyone needs to learn
The Supreme Court’s decision to end race conscious admissions in 2023 quickly threw the racial… continue reading Year five: Spitfire’s Pro Bono Fund stands firm in supporting diversity, equity and inclusion
This blog post was originally published as part of the Disinfo Defense League’s “Narrative Takes.”… continue reading Authoring a Better Future, Together
Communications is an invaluable resource. Organizations can use it to create and deepen… continue reading Are you a communicating organization?
Sometime in 2020, a member of my partner’s family kept spouting conspiracy theories: COVID-19 was… continue reading When the media gets it wrong, here’s how to make it right
On Oct. 27, 2022, Elon Musk acquired Twitter and eventually renamed it X. Musk’s acquisition… continue reading Bye, Twitter: Knowing when it’s time to part
… continue reading It’s Not Sci-Fi: Giving Language to the Harms AI is Creating, Now
Over the weekend, a lone gunman attempted to assassinate former President Donald Trump. Violence has… continue reading Actions speak louder than words: one great example of role modeling civil discourse
When conflicts get hot, how can you show up as your best self and use your leadership to navigate… continue reading How leaders can use rituals to move with confidence in conflicted times
At milestone moments, I have a practice of sitting back before leaping into life and work again. I… continue reading On Spitfire’s 22nd anniversary
If you have ever been to a school board meeting that got heated, a city council meeting where there… continue reading Use the power of rituals to strengthen civic spaces
Media is an important lever in creating the social norm of safe and sound civic spaces. Best-Case… continue reading Working with journalists to promote civic discourse not civil discord
A few weeks ago, I was sitting in a concert hall full of strategists, academics, organizers,… continue reading Bridging is uncomfortable, but deep curiosity can help us build a future of belonging.
We don’t need more alarm bells to solve our society’s toughest challenges — we need hope and… continue reading An optimistic outlook on climate change this Earth Day
Four steps to address Meta’s flawed political content policy
As pro-carceral politicians and police unions are successfully pushing “tough on crime”… continue reading How scrappy and strategic communications leads to big wins for police reform
Have you ever embarked on a significant journey? How did you feel at the end? What were the… continue reading Capacity-building as a journey — change from the inside out.
I recently attended a meeting hosted by Keep Our Republic, a group of leaders from across the… continue reading To build trust in our civic institutions, we need violence-free civic spaces
In year 4, Spitfire expands the Pro Bono Fund, centers LGBTQIA+ justice in new cohort experience
We’ve teased and offered sneak peeks. Today we offer a guide for civil society leaders to… continue reading “Replenishing Trust” is here!
Come January 2024, we can expect another slew of reports from groups such as the Edelman Trust… continue reading Learn how to replenish trust: civil society guide to reversing the trust deficit coming soon
Over my years of working for a foundation and as a foundation’s grantee, I have discovered that… continue reading Information does not equal action, but capacity building equals change
The eyes of the world have turned to the October violence in the Middle East, as we wish for safety… continue reading 5 Steps to communicating well on controversial topics
The “Barbie” movie phenomenon has been written about extensively, from the conversations about… continue reading Come on, Barbie. Let’s go spark change.
Spitfire is doing a deep dive into the available social sciences to find out how civil society… continue reading Lack of trust, mistrust and distrust: different trust dynamics require different strategies
As we turn 20, we’re reflecting and we’re planning for the days and years ahead. And we remain… continue reading Spitfire XX: Fearless. Fresh. Focused. Anniversary blog series
This blog was written by Mahnoor Imran, intern at Spitfire Strategies
When I left the New York Civil Liberties Union after almost a decade of leading the organization’s… continue reading Hearts and minds don’t stay won: Our work is a calling — not just a career.
I usually save my blog space to ruminate on communication conundrums and explore best practices for… continue reading Darren Walker Is Right.
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to spread, people are feeling a lot of emotions right now, all at… continue reading In a Time of Scarcity, We Need Narratives of Abundance
Dear future female entrepreneur,
The Supreme Court this week bowed to pressure from anti-civil rights activists and issued a series… continue reading SCOTUS fails this country
The other day, I read survey results I have come to expect. According to the Associated Press:… continue reading Trust building is mission critical
When I came out as transgender early into high school, I did not know a single trans person… continue reading Let trans kids thrive
When I started Spitfire, almost 21 years ago now, I had a lot to learn. I had run someone else’s… continue reading Spitfire presidential transition to spark change
“If this be play-acting, then it is play-acting of the highest order and comes close to being the… continue reading Grappling with pop culture storytelling and personal identity
This blog was written by Omar Letson, intern at Spitfire Strategies
This blog was written by Marilyn Ojo, intern at Spitfire StrategiesOn Saturday, June 12, 2016,… continue reading Protecting and uplifting the LGBTQIA+ community through communications
As young professionals get started in their communications careers, they can become overwhelmed with… continue reading What young professionals can gain from frank
As young professionals get started in their communications careers, they can become overwhelmed with… continue reading What young professionals can gain from frank
… continue reading Comedy as a social justice superpower: Interview with producer, researcher and writer Caty Borum
This March, Spitfire is celebrating all things funny. Well, more specifically, we’re celebrating… continue reading Communicating through comedy
Last month marked what would have been the 50th anniversary of Roe v. Wade. At Spitfire,… continue reading Roe is the floor. But the world we’re reaching for is possible.
I recently wrote in a blog post that to have no-regrets communication, social justice leaders should… continue reading Don’t take the opposition’s bait: Focus on creating conversations we want to have
I recently wrote in a blog post that to have no-regrets communication, social justice leaders should… continue reading Don’t take the opposition’s bait: Focus on creating conversations we want to have
It is my birthday, and I realize I’ve worked with leaders for causes and social movements for 32… continue reading No-regrets communication
For organizations and advocates fighting for rights, privacy and justice, the Twitter takeover and… continue reading Guidance for the new Twitter reality: Community, security and quality
I’m glad that I did not prepare – said no one, ever. A crisis can creep up on you or hit you hard… continue reading Plan against panic: Navigating a crisis with strategic communications
As we turn 20, we’re reflecting and we’re planning for the days and years ahead. And we remain… continue reading Spitfire XX: Fearless. Fresh. Focused. Anniversary blog series
As we turn 20, we’re reflecting and we’re planning for the days and years ahead. And we remain… continue reading Spitfire XX: Fearless. Fresh. Focused. Anniversary blog series
As we turn 20, we’re reflecting and we’re planning for the days and years ahead. And we remain… continue reading Spitfire XX: Fearless. Fresh. Focused. Anniversary blog series
I usually save my blog space to ruminate on communication conundrums and explore best practices for… continue reading Darren Walker Is Right
This blog was written by Ella Stern, intern at Spitfire Strategies
As Spitfire turns 20, we’re reflecting – and planning for the days and years ahead. Our first… continue reading Spitfire XX: Fearless. Fresh. Focused. Anniversary blog series
If you are reading this, the expected has happened.
We are shocked. We will grieve, get angry, search for explanations, cry for action. And then, we may… continue reading Shifting gun culture changes the ground we organize on
As we settle into 2022, it’s hard not to reflect on the pivotal events our country has been… continue reading A Colorado perspective: How this mountain state is meeting the moment
This guest blog was written by Tigress Osborn, Chair of the Board of Directors of NAAFA and Amanda… continue reading What’s the role of communicators in fighting anti-fatness? 6 ways you can support fat liberation
The first story that made a big impression on me was The Hobbit. My dad read it to me when I was a… continue reading Communicators must wield the power of storytelling ethically
The first story that made a big impression on me was The Hobbit. My dad read it to me when I was a… continue reading Communicators must wield the power of storytelling ethically
Recently, I read an article in the Washington Post that stopped me in my tracks. As a strategic… continue reading A tall tale offers a masterclass in storytelling
Stories remain some of our most effective tools as communicators. There is tremendous power in both… continue reading Checkup: Ethical Storytelling for Nonprofits and Foundations
Stories remain some of our most effective tools as communicators. There is tremendous power in both… continue reading Checkup: Ethical Storytelling for Nonprofits and Foundations
Stories remain some of our most effective tools as communicators. There is tremendous power in both… continue reading Checkup: Ethical Storytelling for Nonprofits and Foundations
What captures our attention? What persuades us? What sparks us to act? At Spitfire, we spend a lot… continue reading Big Bowl of Spitfires? Yes, please.
From canned corporate, lawmaker and nonprofit equity statements, to policies and top-down… continue reading Language matters: Spreading power in social change work
For our 2022 new year’s message, we asked ourselves: What brings us joy? What makes us feel… continue reading Happy new year from Spitfire – and our Petfires!
Back in 2006, I (Ellie) was working for UnidosUS (when it was National Council of La Raza) and if… continue reading The tool to fight disinformation that we wish we had a decade ago.
Back in 2006, I (Ellie) was working for UnidosUS (when it was National Council of La Raza) and if… continue reading The tool to fight disinformation that we wish we had a decade ago.
This week, October 24 – 31, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization… continue reading When it comes to information, abundance doesn’t always mean accessibility
As Latinx Heritage Month comes to a close, we’ve seen brands and organizations across sectors… continue reading It’s More than a Month: Latinx Heritage is Relevant all Year
The marketplace of ideas is crowded and gets busier every day. I edit a lot of content. People send… continue reading Say something surprising: How to publish creative commentary that advances your position
As schools look to safely reopen, we must consider the lack of safety that Black, Latinx and… continue reading Schools need counselors, not cops
Spitfires are passionate about a variety of things in our work and in our free time, and we’re… continue reading Spitfire Spotlights: Lila, Rabiah, Ben and Brooke
… continue reading 56 years later, the fight for voting rights continues
Spitfires are passionate about a variety of things in our work and in our free time, and we’re… continue reading Spitfire Spotlights: Roger, Diana, Briahnna and Paris
Who represents you and your community matters. In 2020, millions exercised their right to vote to… continue reading Your voting district shouldn’t be shaped like a jigsaw puzzle piece: Communicating the crisis of gerrymandering
The first thing I tell people about the Smart Chart is that it is at the core of everything we do at… continue reading Announcing the Smart Chart 4.0, featuring expanded analysis of frames, narrative, audience research and messaging
Spitfire is committed to supporting movements that advance racial, economic and social justice… continue reading Spitfire pro-bono fund kicks off its second year
This July 14th marks the ninth annual International Non-Binary People’s day, and it serves as a… continue reading Building a world beyond binaries
Communication is power and like all power, how you use it matters. Communication can shine a… continue reading Communication Is Power: Use It Well
I am often asked to run strategic communications planning sessions. Anyone who works with me knows I… continue reading It starts with a map: How to understand your communications ecosystem
Over the past year, advocates across the country have cried out for bold progressive change…. continue reading People-First On and Offline: How Advocates Build Lasting Change
Today is National Grilled Cheese Day, an annual celebration that honors one of the most popular… continue reading Make the most of your social media strategy this National Grilled Cheese Day
As we come to the close of Women’s History Month, we must acknowledge the pivotal elongated moment… continue reading This Women’s History Month, let’s change the narrative to support working moms
There’s no question that 2020 has been a year unlike any other. From the enduring impact of… continue reading How to communicate with staff after election day
You’ve seen it before. You’re scrolling through your Instagram feed and you see a celebrity you… continue reading Harnessing the power of influencers to create social change
“You should care about what Facebook is doing, regardless of whether you’re on the platform or… continue reading Keep Me Posted – Episode 4: Tech Policy and Cultural Translation
2020 was a year marked by language like, “in these challenging times,” and “unprecedented.”… continue reading Advocates across the country are (already) making 2021 a year of bold progressive change
From the pandemic, to racial justice movements, to massive changes in local races, the… continue reading ComNet 2020 offers great New Year’s resolutions for communicators in 2021
2020 is officially (and thankfully) behind us, but the work that last year left us remains. Beyond… continue reading ComNet, the South, and us: Three things we can learn from southern organizers
In acts of violent domestic terrorism, white supremacists gathered in our nation’s capital, and a… continue reading Spitfire condemns white supremacists’ assault on democracy, joins calls to remove Trump and GOP leaders from office
Power is invisible. That’s part of what makes it tricky to dismantle. Audre Lorde asks us,… continue reading Building Movements Through Art, Communication and Advocacy
… continue reading Putting the Stimulus Package to Work for Communities
Edith Asibey is an expert in global advocacy and digital communications. From working with… continue reading Insights From the Field: Edith Asibey
The same week I started Spitfire in 2002, Chris DeCardy – my mentor and the first person to hire… continue reading SmartChart.org: Guiding strategic communication planning for 15 years and counting
… continue reading In 2019, Look for Opportunities You Might Have Missed This Year
I’ve been working with a number of new executive directors this past year. After years of hard… continue reading An E.D.’s Guide to Essential Strategic Communication Know-How, Compliments of Spitfire’s Executive Leadership Program
In Spitfire’s San Francisco office, there are two new team members bringing bold, creative ideas… continue reading Spitfire Spotlight: Two Areas of Expertise, One Common Goal
What exactly is space? Does it constitute a physical area or is it a state of mind? How is space… continue reading Exploring our own space at frank 2019
In the first installment of this two-part series, I shared some insights from my years… continue reading Getting Your Story Covered: Tips for Top-Notch Media Pitching Part Two
Anyone who’s ever made a pitch to the media — in any medium — knows it’s a big, competitive… continue reading Getting Your Pitch Seen: Tips for Top-Notch Media Pitching Part One
Last week, I was thrilled to hear from Caty Borum Chattoo, an award-winning communication… continue reading Comedy and Social Justice: Using Laughs to Change Hearts and Minds
I’ve been to a lot of gatherings lately. Some speakers made me jump to my feet and beg for an… continue reading Nine Things NOT to Say During Your Next Presentation
An interest in politics isn’t new to Paige Swanson, a Karel Fellow who is working at Spitfire this… continue reading Finding the Words to Champion the Greater Good
Communication professionals are no strangers to the challenges that journalists are facing today,… continue reading Making Your Pitches Count: Tips for Top-Notch Media Pitching Part Three