Communications as a Catalyst for Change
by Maura Tangum, Communications Manager
Since joining #TeamPossible in June 2024, I’ve experienced firsthand the power of communications in uniting people toward a common purpose, sparking conversation, and community-building, and inspiring change within Georgia’s health advocacy landscape. At the Initiative, we believe communications is more than just the exchange of information—it’s about fostering relationships, building momentum, and inspiring collective action.
Our website, relaunched just over a year ago, is a key communications tool we use to further these organizational goals and aspirations. It serves as a hub for resources like reports and issue briefs designed to support our mission of advancing health equity for all Georgians. We are mindful of cultivating our online presence, ensuring that our website educates and equips non-profit partners, policymakers, healthcare providers, and community members to drive change. As we continue to release in-depth analysis and new publications that will inspire action, we hope to drive collective progress toward a healthier, more equitable Georgia.
Beyond our website, we also engage through LinkedIn—sharing updates on the work we and our partners are doing across Georgia and highlighting important conversations. By pointing to the stories of those working to improve health outcomes for all, we want to emphasize the power and importance of community-centered initiatives.
As with all areas of practice, there is much to learn from one another in how to most effectively communicate. I recently had the opportunity to attend the Communications Network’s 2024 Annual Conference, where I gained insights into effective messaging strategies and best practices for engaging diverse audiences. One of the things that stood out to me from the conference is the power of asset framing—focusing on people’s strengths and aspirations rather than challenges or deficits. It’s a powerful way to shift perceptions and create more positive and impactful connections with audiences.
In expanding my own skills and knowledge within communications, I know I’m better positioned to support the communications efforts of the Initiative and our partners through venues like the Strategic Communications Workshop we supported earlier this week. By equipping partners with tools and resources to refine messaging that supports their organizational goals, this strengthens our collective ability to craft impactful messages and engage diverse audiences. Doing so strengthens our network of aligned voices that advances our shared work.
Together, these efforts reflect our dedication to inspiring and promoting action across communities, sectors, and regions in Georgia. Looking to the future, I’m excited to deepen our partnerships in bringing people together around our vision of a Georgia where optimal health and well-being come within reach for everyone.