Braving the New World Together: Collective Insights from ComNetworkV21

As we approach a third year navigating the pandemic, it’s important to evaluate our collective progress. Have we begun to implement more equitable systems? How have our initial conversations evolved over the year? And most importantly, what insights have we gathered to shape our path forward?

The second ComNetworkV conference in early October 2021 was the ideal occasion for the growing network of communicators to check in, review recent case studies, and solidify tenets and methods for manifesting equity and inclusion in our communications and impact at large. ComNetworkV21’s diverse program of speakers, sessions, dialogues, and gatherings amassed both new and refined methods to consider before the in-person ComNet22 in Seattle from Oct. 12 to 14 . Here are four key learnings––and a few helpful tactics––to center the people and communities directly impacted by our work.

ACCESSIBILITY IS A PRACTICE

Centering access in our work requires intentionality, planning, funds and, frankly, a lot of practice—individually and collectively. Providing others the safety and space to share information about individual preferences, like gender pronouns, helps even the playing field and normalize each person’s identity. Ask questions, invite feedback, and model the behaviors you’d like to see part of the culture. Centering access isn’t always intuitive, but if we collectively practice and prioritize accessibly, it will become second nature.

THE (DIGITAL) MEDIUM IS THE MESSAGE

Our digital channels—from social media to virtual gatherings—have become the preferred loci for activists—many of whom historically have been excluded from organizing spaces—to build grassroots social movements. Even now, as we navigate ongoing restrictions, remote work, and hybrid learning, our digital mediums—how they work, when we use them, and who has access—create inclusive spaces for collaboration. Digital channels will remain indispensable in the new normal, and they’ll undoubtedly propel our communications strategies forward. Check out Bite-Size Course to help strengthen your digital media strategies for greater impact.

EFFECTIVE LISTENING FORTIFIES CONNECTIONS

Whenever possible, establish space structured enough to mitigate disruptions and also flexible enough for the other person to navigate comfortably. Try reducing the number of communication channels to keep your attention on what the other person is saying (and showing). Effective listening is also predicated on the questions you ask and when you ask them. When done right, questions can reveal your genuine curiosity in the other person.

THE IMAGINATION WILL UNLOCK NEW SOLUTIONS

The social impact sector is serious about prioritizing equity, expanding audiences, and ultimately creating lasting positive change. And since we recognize we’ll need systems that haven’t existed before, we must exercise our imaginations. Keynote Speaker and Law Professor John Powell posited that we, as social impact communicators, have a responsibility to communicate a “radically imaginative future where we all belong.” Our imaginations will unlock our ability to listen with curiosity and compassion, expand methods for reaching others, and ensure the right people can access you and your work.

When we open spaces, networks, and opportunities for authentic storytellers, we better understand others’ experiences, talents, and barriers. As MeToo Founder Tarana Burke confirmed, “We can’t build a movement without storytelling. If we center access, master our digital communications, actively listen with curiosity, and tap into our collective imagination, we’ll be better equiped to venture into uncharted, more equitable territory. ComNetworkV21 reconfirmed that storytelling is the gateway to unlocking empathy, and through that empathy, we can successfully imagine a bigger, more inclusive table in which everyone has a seat…and an opportunity to speak at the table.