Better Wyoming Narrative Guides:
HEALTHCARE
GOOD NARRATIVE: THE BASICS
Here’s a basic truth when it comes to creating change: IT DOESN’T MATTER IF YOU’RE RIGHT.
You might have all the facts and figures in the world, and the moral high ground, but those don’t get people to act. What matters is whether you’re able to persuade someone, using language, values, and messages that resonate with them.
If our movement wants to win state-level policies that improve life for the people of Wyoming, we’re going to need to get on the same page in the way we talk about it.
TOP TIP! Good narrative is built on these values, which Wyomingites tend to share:
Freedom, Community, Honesty, Hardwork, and Pride in the Land.
Some DOs and DON'Ts...
DON’T repeat the opposition’s messaging. This just amplifies their points.
DO “pre-bunk” opposition messaging: know your opposition's messaging, and neutralize it in advance if you can.
DON’T fixate on crisis messaging or depressing stories. This de-motivates people.
DO tie serious problems to collective, constructive policy solutions.
DON’T just tell stories. Research shows that this makes it harder for your audience to understand the importance of collective solutions, and instead makes them believe that problems are for individuals to solve.
DO use stories to illustrate collective or policy solutions.
DON’T depend on facts and figures. By themselves, these do not help. Moreover, they can easily be misinterpreted.
DO tie facts and figures to shared values, narrative, and solutions. Try to interpret the facts and figures for your audience first, before actually presenting those facts and figures.
DON’T use jargon.
DO use strong, clear, direct communication.
Each section below introduces a top tip for speaking or writing persuasively on the topic of HEALTHCARE in Wyoming. Each tip is then expanded upon, and examples are provided.
Narrative SUBJECT GUIDE: Healthcare
Tip # 1: Start with SHARED VALUES...
Build what you write or say on values that, research has shown, Wyomingites tend to share. This helps your reader or listener feel more "on your side" right away.
Shared Value: FREEDOM
Better healthcare access gives individuals and families the freedom to find the care that they need.
When people have reliable access to healthcare, they have the freedom to be self-sufficient.
Many hard-working Wyoming families don’t have the freedom to live healthy lives because of the obstacles they face accessing care.
Shared Value: HARD WORK
When hardworking Wyomingites have access to healthcare, they can build stronger families and communities.
Hardworking Wyomingites shouldn’t be denied healthcare just because they have to work several jobs. This isn’t the kind of fairness Wyomingites believe in.
Wyoming used to be a state where you could work hard to pursue your dreams. Rising healthcare costs make this impossible for too many.
Shared Value: COMMUNITY
Better access to healthcare makes for stronger families and communities we can take pride in.
Wyoming communities want to be more self-sufficient. Improving healthcare access helps make this happen.
Better healthcare is an investment in our families, and in our kids’ future families. It means we can ensure that younger generations can stay in our communities.
Communities where people can’t access healthcare are communities without opportunities.
Tip # 2: Address SYSTEMIC PROBLEMS...
Focus on systemic problems and collective solutions. This helps prevent your audience from seeing healthcare issues as problems for individuals to solve on their own.
Lack of Quality Providers:
Wyoming struggles to attract and keep quality healthcare providers. As a result, many Wyomingites don’t have the freedom to choose when it comes to their own healthcare decisions.
Distance to care/Transportation:
Too many Wyomingites have to travel great distances, sometimes on dangerous roads, to receive basic healthcare. We need fewer obstacles and difficulties when trying to care for ourselves and their families.
Lack of Mental Healthcare:
We need to do better addressing our suicide rate, substance abuse, and mental health issues in general. Our communities deserve mental healthcare that keeps them healthy and strong.
Affordability:
Healthcare is too expensive. Whether because of high insurance premiums, costs of treatment, or expenses from having to travel to a doctor, too many hardworking Wyomingites struggle to afford the care they need.
Tip # 3: Map your narrative onto the WYOMING MINDSET...
Research has shown us the thoughts and feelings that Wyomingites tend to share around these issues. We all share similar concerns, and knowing this can be useful for crafting your argument.
Tapping into Emotions
- Healthcare we can feel secure in...
- Determined to build a better healthcare future...
- Take pride in our state and communities...
Acknowledging Pain Points
- Healthcare to create jobs...
- More healthcare education & training...
- Healthcare is more important than extreme partisanship.
- Healthcare that helps everyone contribute...
Pursuing Aspirations
- Investing in our communities and kids...
- Support honest work...
- Build strong, self-sufficient communities...
Tip # 4: Use Better Wyoming's communications team!
Want an extra pair of eyes on what you've written? Email your piece to info@betterwyo.org, and we'll make sure it gets forwarded to the right person.