Research

Winning Hearts & Minds: Using strategic communications for change

Winning Hearts & Minds: How Change Agents, Funders, and Creative Agencies Can Harness the Power of Strategic Communications

Luminate commissioned a report studying the barriers to collaboration between strategic communications firms and change agents such as nonprofits, activists, and community groups in Kenya.

The power of storytelling to engage people emotionally and connect them to a cause can create change. This is why Luminate commissioned a report studying the barriers to collaboration between strategic communications firms and change agents such as nonprofits, activists, and community groups in Kenya. The findings of the report will support the attainment of impact across our regional priorities.

The research, conducted by Botho Group and Asphalt & Ink, analysed existing literature together with responses from strategic communicators, change agents, and funders working for social change. It states that collaboration between these actors can not only amplify change agents' work, but also influence policy, and change behaviour - helping communication firms do well by doing good. This study looked at commonplace practices within the operations of communications firms, and change agents to identify opportunities for collaboration, and further recommend ways in which both parties can overcome barriers that hinder effective cooperation.

The report found that funders can support communication for social change by providing deliberate or flexible resourcing for strategic communications to their grantees, and offering various forms of non-monetary support to ensure that impactful work reaches intended audiences.

Winning Hearts & Minds: Communications in Nigeria

                                                                        

A review of the report findings from the Nigerian context released in October 2023 reveals many similarities in how change agents and funders engage with strategic communication firms. This condensed report explores the key findings from the Winning Hearts and Minds report that apply to the Nigerian context and it highlights important recommendations to strengthen collaboration between change agents and strategic communicators in Nigeria.