This document discusses the importance of framing and messaging in the immigrant rights narrative. It notes that both anti-immigrant and pro-immigrant groups have crafted skewed views that are focused more on policy than humanizing immigrants. It advocates reframing the discussion using moral language focused on basic human rights and dignity rather than policy terms. The document also discusses how framing has changed over time from family reunification and amnesty to more negative views, and emphasizes playing offense by defining values and speaking from a moral perspective to shape common sense thinking.

1. Story framing and
messaging for immigrant
rights Created by :
Nancy Meza

2. Take out a blank piece of paper
Write down current anti- immigrant and pro-immigrant language, slogans,
words, sentiments that we hear
Don’t hold back !
How does this language affect policy ? Does it ?
Framing Exercise

3. • The immigrant / immigrant rights narrative has been heavily crafted and
created by those who are not directly affected by the immigrant reality
• Both anti immigrant and immigrant rights organizations and entities have
created a skewed view of the immigrant reality
• Messaging and framing has been heavily focused on policy and campaign
strategy vs. an end goal of humanizing and fighting for basic human rights
and dignity for immigrants and the working poor
• What are some of the limitations of this framing and messaging that has
not been created by us ?
What does all of this have to do with
messaging,framing and storytelling ?

4. Believe it or not words like “ Amnesty” and “ Legalization” were not always
negative
How have we shifted so much from a family reunification , legalization and
amnesty framework ?
Immigrant Sentiment over time

5. “Reframing is changing the way the public sees the
world. It is changing what counts as common sense.
Because language activates frames, new language
is required for new frames. Thinking differently
requires speaking differently”- George Lakoff – “ Don’t
Think of an Elephant!”
Why is Framing and messaging so important?

6. Counter Frames & Messaging

7.
Don't Think of An Elephant!

8.  Recognize what conservatives ( anti- immigrants )
have done right by framing the issue from their
perspective.
How To Take Back Public Discourse
• If we keep their language and argue against it, we
reinforce their frame.

9.  We must speak from our moral perspective at all times.
Define values and speak using them, drop the language
of policy wonks.
How To Take Back Public Discourse
• The truth alone does not set us free -- we must frame
the truth.

10. How To Take Back Public Discourse
Be proactive, not reactive. Play offense, not defense

11.  Don't negotiate your values. It alienates our base and
helps our opposition gain those in the middle.
How To Take Back Public Discourse

12. Create your own media be your own media source
“ Don't hate the media, be the media”
Human stories that touch the heart are more powerful than any soundbyte
or statistic
In the quest for immigrant rights we cannot lose our own dignity and
humanity
The power of social media platforms