Applying Shared Learnings for a Bolder, Brighter Future

When 900+ communications professionals gather for a conference, collaboration and connection go from being buzzwords to the baseline for incredible learning experiences. United by a passion for communications and the knowledge that it can be a force for good, Cause joined other purpose-driven organizations for The Communications Network’s annual convening last month. Here are four insights that represent the wisdom exchanged by communications leaders and learners.

“Communications and community building is an interdependent enterprise.” In her keynote address, Co-Founder of Black Voters Matter LaTosha Brown used the power of storytelling to lift up communications as a way to build community. “Relationships are your greatest capital,” she added, and all the more reason to be sure you’re engaging authentically when trying to advance an issue.
“Communications is a competitive edge.” The California Wellness Foundation is a social change philanthropy that not only moves dollars but also uses its voice. It’s no wonder then that the Foundation’s former and current CEOs are communicators by training. On stage for a keynote that felt more like a fireside chat between friends, Judy Belk and Richard Tate attested to the many ways their knowledge and lens as communicators has strengthened their leadership and guided organizational strategy.
“Nothing for us, without us.” This may have been the title of the case study Cause presented at the conference, but it was also a common thread connecting many of the community-based examples on display that week. A nod to the power of what’s possible when those closest to problems are trusted to design and lead solutions, this rallying cry is also a reminder that sometimes our most important job as communicators is to listen.
“Our humanity is our superpower.” Mikhael Simmonds, Executive Director at the Center for Community Media at CUNY, offered this hopeful declaration in conversation with Aimee Rinehart of the Associated Press about Artificial Intelligence (AI) and the speed at which this new technology is changing the face of work. Together, they encouraged those of us in the social impact field to get informed about both opportunities and critiques of AI, use AI responsibly, and remember that no tool will ever replace the humanity we bring to our causes.

Curious to learn more? Recordings from ComNet23 are available as videos, transcripts, and podcast episodes.