Center for Public Interest Communications

Curious about the field of public interest communications? We've got data.

This inaugural survey illuminates the significant growth, strategic depth, and professional maturation of the public interest communications field.

You can, in fact, do good while doing well. Data shows the median salary in public interest communications is higher than public relations in general.

Our Census report provides in-depth analysis of these insights, offering a richer understanding of practitioner demographics, organizational landscapes, prevalent success metrics, and key areas for future research within the public interest communications field.

Read more: https://hubs.ly/Q03qKz-l0

We’ve been asking the wrong question. It’s not “What can we say?” It’s “How should we be communicating, period?”

If you’ve ever felt stuck between saying something and saying nothing, this session is for you.

Join researchers and strategists from the Center for a live webinar on how to speak with clarity, even when the stakes are high. You’ll walk away with 8 things to start doing, 2 things to stop, and a research-backed framework you can put to work right away.

Wednesday, May 28 at 3:30 p.m. ET
Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q03mNcN90

This isn’t just about responding in the moment. It’s about getting better at communication overall.

Communicating in the Moment: 8 Things to Start and 2 to Stop WEBINAR: Join the Center for Public Interest Communications as we outline clear, research-backed advice to help navigate communicating now.

Not sure what to say when the pressure’s on? Start here.

The latest issue of The Real Good Newsletter is built for the moments when everyone’s looking at you to say something—and you’re trying not to get it wrong. Inside, you’ll find a quick, research-backed guide to help you lead hard conversations with more clarity, empathy, and purpose.

You’ll also get a look at how others are navigating this work in real time, some smart ideas worth stealing, and a few tools to sharpen your skills. No fluff. Just what works.

New here? We’ll send the deck and the full newsletter straight to your inbox: https://hubs.ly/Q03mMSn10

Already subscribed? Check your inbox—it’s waiting for you.

People trust scientists, researchers and experts. But trust alone doesn’t change minds, influence policy or inspire action.

A global study published in Nature Human Behaviour found that while scientists are widely seen as experts, they often struggle to connect in ways that make their work feel relevant. The result? Research that could drive change gets ignored.

The good news is that strategic science communication is a skill you can learn. Our course will show you how to frame your research so it actually moves people to act.

Read more about why trust isn’t enough: https://hubs.ly/Q03czlSy0

And if you’re ready to turn research into real-world impact, sign up for our Science Communication course now: https://hubs.ly/Q03cz8dH0

People Trust Scientists—So Why Isn’t Research Driving More Change? A global study reveals gaps in engagement. Here’s how scientists can turn trust into action. Trust in science is relatively high. But trust alone doesn’t lead to action.

Ready to see your data make a real impact? The first Real Good Newsletter is landing soon, offering a comprehensive guide to turning dense reports into stories people care about. This issue pulls together our key frameworks to keep your work out of the dreaded data graveyard—making your data clear, relatable, and impossible to ignore. After all, numbers alone don’t drive change; people do.

Already subscribed? Watch your inbox. Not on the list? Sign up today to start transforming your data into action: https://buff.ly/3YonQc2

This fall, we’re hitting the road to connect, learn, and contribute to the most important conversations in storytelling and strategic communications. From groundbreaking research to shaping the future of giving, we’re excited to be part of these pivotal events. Will we see you there? Comment below and let us know!

📍 Indianapolis, IN

Science of Philanthropy Initiative Conference 2024 | Sept. 18-19
We’re diving into the latest experimental research on charitable giving to better understand what drives generosity in today’s world.
https://buff.ly/4fX0fHs

Philanthropy Leads Conference 2024 | Oct. 7-9
We’re excited to see our very own Aaron Zeiler lead his session, “Hello, Is It You I'm Looking For? Understanding Your Audience with Persona Building,” as we explore the future of philanthropy with Indiana’s leading changemakers!
https://buff.ly/4dHluLb

📍 Kansas City, MO

ComNet24 | Oct. 16-18
We’re joining top communications professionals for three days of insights, inspiration, and strategies that are shaping the social good sector.
https://buff.ly/46LM97y

📍 Nashville, TN

Leading Lights: Connection, Community & Courage | Nov. 13-15
We’ll participate in crucial discussions on overcoming division and building a more equitable South because together, we can create a brighter future.
https://buff.ly/4fX0fXY

Stay tuned for insights and updates as we travel to these incredible events!

Do you work in or study the field of public interest communications? If so, we would love to hear your views on the field.

Please take part in our brief, less-than-15-minute survey, and add your email at the end if you are interested in learning the results. With your help, this will be the most comprehensive survey of those working in public interest communications to date.

Take the survey here: https://bit.ly/The-Center-User-Experience-Survey

Meet Chandler Cofield, Senior Communications Associate at Third Sector, and discover how our Essentials of Public Interest Communications workshop helped her transform technical content into compelling stories that resonate with actors.

Want to achieve the same success? Join our upcoming Fall Essentials course and start making a difference with your communications. Register by August 1st using code PICFallSavings for $300 off!

Secure your spot here: https://bit.ly/Essentials-Of-Public-Interest-Communications

Take your strategy beyond raising awareness this fall.

Join our transformative Essentials of Public Interest Communications course and dive deep into behavioral, social, and cognitive science to develop strategic communications that drive real change.

Who Should Attend: This course is ideal for communications professionals, public health leaders, nonprofits, social change advocates, behavioral scientists, and anyone looking to enhance their storytelling skills and power action-focused initiatives.

Course Dates: Aug. 27- Oct. 8

Register before Aug. 1 with code PICFallSavings for a $300 discount:

Members of Congress want to partner with foundations, but need more clarity on how they work. Step up your storytelling and language with help from a new report by the Council on Foundations and the Center for Public Interest Communications. https://buff.ly/4cIHrde

Want to show your foundation’s impact? Tell better stories! A new report from the Council on Foundations and the Center for Public Interest Communications shows how. https://buff.ly/4cIHrde