Political Communication

ORGL 689/COML 513 Political Communication Fall 2011 Dr. Lisa J. Brown

Description:

I GOT MY HUG!!! This was my biggest take away from this course. Dr Brown, at the time, was still a state Senator and adjunct professor at Gonzaga. During our course, Gonzaga hosted former Under Secretary of HUD, Ron Sims. I was in awe of Mr. Sims, both in his discussion of issues and events. But more about the character he has. Ron faught and still fights for what he believes in. It’s his morals and values that drive him. He loves everyone and is willing to listen to what they have to say, regardless of whether he agrees or not. I remember Ron saying how he had refused to perform a civil union, not because he didn’t agree with it, he did. But rather, as an ordained minister, his denomination was against it, and he honored it. He honored the wishes of his covering, more than his personal feelings.

Artifacts:

1. Understanding power dynamics: structural framework; human resource framework, political/stakeholder framework, symbolic framework.
   Political Communications-Proactive
   • what is the goal or objective of the org, and how can PR help
   • why does it matter
   • what is the message being conveyed?
   • Who are the key partners, who are the values important to
   • How are we going to achieve it, i.e. editorial, email etc.
   • How do we measure success?
2. Political Communications-Reactive
   • Gather the info and determine the risk and determine who owns the issue.
   • Coordinate the response statement and QnA statement
   • Determine the relevant audience, internal and external
   • Determining your level of statement how much will you be willing to engage.