Communications and Civil Discourse - Messaging Strategies in the E2 World

Communications and Civil Discourse -
Messaging Strategies in the E2 World

Networking Breakfast: 7:30 - 8:00 a.m.

Speaker Panel: 8:00 - 10:00 a.m.

Effective communication is essential for progress, particularly when dealing with controversial issues. Heated rhetoric, personal attacks, and misinformation often distract from the true issues at hand, rather than providing clarity and advancing understanding. America has been fighting "issue wars" for years - drugs, poverty, terrorism, and even the "War on Christmas" - using words, not guns, to promote or block specific priorities. In Maine's energy and environmental sector, energy and utility companies, environmental advocates, media, and policymakers are on the front lines of many issue-specific campaigns. 

What strategies are most effective in messaging and promoting dialog? How can we discuss controversial issues in a civil manner with those that have opposing viewpoints? What communication strategies have worked well with organizations and businesses throughout the State? This forum brings together experts on effective communication and civil discourse strategies, including those developing the messages that keep energy and environmental issues alive and encourage action of citizens, businesses, and policymakers in the State. 

Speakers Include:

• Mark Hews - State Coordinator, Maine Revives Civility, National Institute for Civil Discourse & President, M E Hews and Company
• Tyler Kidder - Community Outreach Director, GrowSmart Maine
• Tuck O'Brien - City Planning Director, Planning and Transportation Division, City of Portland
• Elizabeth Swain - Director of Strategic Communications, POWER Engineers
• Paul Williamson - Development Manager, Apex Clean Energy (Moderator)

Thank you to our Sponsors!

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