Break Through the Noise: Messaging that Makes a Mark & Engages the Public

This 2-part training will empower nonprofits to effectively share their stories and valuable information with those around them.

Part 1:  Nonprofit Messaging that Moves Hearts, Builds Community, and Inspires Action with Maria Bryan

In this first 2.5-hour section of the training, participants will learn how to effectively position their nonprofits, harness the power of storytelling, and write compelling copy that drives action. Led by trainer Maria Bryan, this part of the workshop will provide hands-on activities, live feedback, and valuable resources to help nonprofits differentiate themselves, create impactful messages, and inspire their audiences.

Key Takeaways

• Understanding Positioning: Learn what positioning is, why it matters for nonprofits, and how to identify and articulate your unique value and point of view.
• Crafting Positioning Statements: Discover the elements of a strong positioning statement, review examples, and practice writing your own.
• Power of Storytelling: Understand the importance of storytelling, explore supporting data, and learn the storytelling framework and narrative arc.
• Creating Messaging Maps: Define and create a story-led messaging map tailored to your nonprofit, with opportunities to share and receive feedback.
• Compelling Nonprofit Copy: Explore best practices for writing engaging copy, with a focus on ethical and trauma-informed storytelling.
• Long-Form Piece Outline: Review a framework that combines story, data, and a call to action, and outline a long-form piece with group feedback.

About Maria
Maria Bryan is a trauma-informed storytelling trainer. She helps nonprofit leaders tell powerful and impactful stories that resist harm. Over the past 15+ years in the nonprofit and public sector, Maria has trained thousands globally in person and virtually—focusing on trauma-informed storytelling and purpose-driven marketing.

She has a Master’s Degree in Public Administration and a Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, and is professionally certified in Trauma & Resilience, Trauma-Informed Space Holding, and Somatic Embodiment & Regulation. Maria is a firm believer that storytellers make the world a healthier, safer, cleaner, and happier place. You can learn more about Maria at mariabryan.com

Part 2: Engaging the Public: Strategies for Nonprofits to Convey News Effectively with Lisa Renner

Armed with an understanding of messaging, attendees will turn their attention to a specific tool in the marketing bucket. Press releases are essential for gaining media coverage and raising awareness about your organization’s mission, activities and impact. They can inspire new donors and volunteers to get involved and they can build your reputation and credibility in the community.

Learn some tricks of the trade about how to write an effective press release from former award-winning newspaper journalist Lisa Renner. She will talk about how to use the classic inverted pyramid organization method to grab attention, how to identify compelling stories from your organization and why sticking to a consistent style gives you credibility. She will also discuss common mistakes nonprofits make with their press releases.

About Lisa
Lisa Renner was a full-time newspaper journalist for 20 years, working at the Modesto Bee and San Mateo Times. For the last 10 years, she has worked as a freelance writer for clients such as Nevada County (County Executive Office and Elections Office), UC Santa Cruz, Capitol Weekly, Bay Area Parent Magazine and California Health Report.

Suggested participants: For leaders of nonprofits responsible for messaging on behalf of their organization