Research-Based Messaging Helps Advocates Build a Coalition
A new Narrative Framework equipped health advocates to bridge the political divide and advance policy
Durable policy change often requires bipartisan support, but for many advocates, building support across the political aisle can feel impossible. Audience research can help find common ground by bringing shared goals to light, showing the way to constructive dialogue and solutions that bridge political divides.
Voices for Healthy Kids partnered with Hattaway Communications to equip advocates with research-based messaging to engage a target audience of conservative state lawmakers and build support for local decision-making on policies that protect children’s health.
Hattaway conducted audience research with both Voices for Healthy Kids advocates and conservative state policymakers, including self-identified Republicans and right-leaning independents. The research revealed a striking gap between advocates’ assumptions and the declared motivations of conservative state policymakers.
Policymakers explained their decision-making this way:
How are we benefiting individuals? And does it benefit a broad subset? Does it have any negative impact on anyone?
I also look at what the future impacts of it may be. [When] I retire 20 years from now, I [want to] look back and say, “I did these good things, and they still stand the test of time …”
Instead of framing conversations around political conflict, advocates could engage policymakers by emphasizing shared goals—strong communities, practical solutions, and better outcomes for children and families.
Narrative Framework
Advocates across the Voices for Healthy Kids network are using these tools to tailor their approaches to find common ground with lawmakers they might have written off.
The Message Manual has become a practical resource for advocacy and coalition-building, as the following examples illustrate:
Advocates in Pennsylvania have used the messaging to lobby conservative state lawmakers.
Coalition partners in Texas have used the framework to prepare for direct advocacy with legislators.
Government relations leaders have relied on the tools to support legislative engagement in states with conservative leadership, such as Arizona, Indiana, North Dakota, and West Virginia.
Advocates report that the approach is fostering more constructive dialogue across political divides, resulting in a stronger foundation for policies that allow communities to act on their priorities—and create healthier environments where children and families can thrive.
