Working to make America a better place?
Create new narratives that connect your cause to the aspirations of Americans.
American Aspirations is research based on simple but powerful questions:
The answers to these questions reveal aspirations that shape people’s identities, decisions, and behaviors. They provide powerful insights you can use to communicate about your cause with maximum motivating power.
American Aspirations also explores big ideas that define America in many people’s minds. Freedom. Opportunity. Diversity. Responsibility. You can adapt ideas like these to drive new narratives that create new possibilities for progress for your cause or organization.
The power of aspiration. The power of narrative. At your fingertips.
For more information, please email us at info@hattaway.com.
Qualitative Communications Research with an Eye Towards Identity
Narrative change campaign opens eyes to the many contributions of Latinos to our economy, culture and communities.
Helping more than 480,000 Americans navigate tax filing
Fiction and non-fiction, newly published and old favorites, we are reading our way through Black History Month. Here are a few of our favorites:
Science confirms what many writers long suspected: Poetry has the power to move hearts and minds.
Tyler Gage shares lessons for business and life he learned while working in the Amazon
Founder and president of the Center for Urban and Racial Equity, Dr. Judy Lubin, on how we can advance racial equity at work.
Ian Haney Lopez breaks down how political strategists and progressive leaders can counter racial appeals in American politics
In our inaugural podcast, Doug Hattaway shares how the marriage equality movement won historic victories by changing the narrative.
In Episode 2, a pollster explores why facts alone aren’t enough to gain voters’ support.
In Episode 3, a West Virginia professor shares why communicators can’t afford to ignore Donald Trump’s unorthodox use of technology.
In Episode 4, Susan Markham discusses why communicators shouldn’t be afraid of showing their passion in the new political landscape.
In Episode 5 of Achieve Great Things, Michael Breen shares why progressives can’t ignore people’s fears in their messaging.
In Episode 6 of Achieve Great Things, Anna Greenberg says Democrats have to take a step back and listen.
In Episode 7, Joel Payne discusses lessons from the Clinton campaign and how to capture grassroots enthusiasm.
In Episode 8, Sean Gibbons talks about communications that find their way into people’s hearts and minds.
In Episode 9, the directors of Hattaway Communications discuss why progressives should focus on what affects people — not just what offends them.
In Episode 10, Brad Jenkins of Funny or Die discusses why strategists have to invest in quality digital content to reach crucial voters.
In Episode 11, Brad Jenkins of Funny or Die shares a strategy for turning grassroots energy into electoral wins.
In episode 12 we sit down with the founders of Starthatching, a new marketplace connecting freelance expertise to nonprofits.
In Episode 13 of Achieve Great Things, Third Way’s Lanae Erickson Hatalsky discusses how Democrats can bridge political divides.
In Episode 14 of Achieve Great Things, Emily Norman discusses how to engage people where they are on issues they care about.
In Episode 15 of Achieve Great Things, Jo Miles and Amanda Kloer discuss what political communicators can learn from the world of science fiction.
In Episode 16 of Achieve Great Things, Sara-Jayne Terp talks money in politics, disinformation, and why local engagement is key to progress.
Caspian Agency Founder and CEO Heather Mason on how to produce events that deliver strategic value to sponsors and attendees.
Evan Wolfson helped change hearts and minds on same-sex marriage — for good. You can do the same for your cause.
The Packard Foundation’s Meera Mani developed a shared narrative to elevate grantees’ work with children, families, and communities.
Knight Foundation Vice President of Communities and Impact Sam Gill on how confronting digital pollution can help our democracy overcome a “crisis of trust.”
EVP of Hattaway Communications Carrie Schum on using strategy to make unexpected choices to connect with your audiences.
President of the Clarendon Group, Christine Heenan, on the importance of solutions-oriented communications to inspire people to engage with your cause.
In the wake of worldwide Black Lives Matter protests, we can learn a lot from a group of unlikely but effective communicators who are creating new waves in communications for good: TikTok creators.
How to use social proof and influence to counter harmful actions during the COVID-19 pandemic.
How action-oriented content can help motivate people to stop the spread of COVID-19
Insights and Ideas from the CDC’s Crisis Communications Handbook
Hattaway’s new Executive Vice President talks about her formative experiences on the antismoking truth campaign.
America is ready to rethink the “smaller government, lower taxes” narrative that has dominated policy debates for decades.
Hattaway’s team of linguists analyzed over 1,700 interviews to map the conversation in America today. A new tool lets you explore it for yourself.
The Pittsburgh Foundation shows how conducting communications research with the people you serve can make philanthropy more inclusive.
March For Our Lives brought millions into the streets and captivated the nation. Here are six reasons the movement’s message broke through.
Three questions that can help nonprofits determine whether it’s time to refresh their brand.
President Trump’s first six months show that foundations have a key role to play.
Four steps to begin evaluating communications — no matter your budget.
How can advocates frame immigration issues in a way that resonates with a majority of Americans?
This series explains the science that makes storytelling such a powerful form of communication. Part 2 explores how stories keep us engaged by triggering “pattern recognition” in our brains.
This series explains the science that makes storytelling such an effective form of communication. We begin by exploring how stories help our brains process the complexity of the world around us.
Understanding the science behind them can help you build support for your cause.
We’re partnering with HuffPost on their Listen to America bus tour to learn what matters most to Americans.
New research offers guidance for motivating women voters to support a Family Friendly Economy.
The Republican nominee uses cable news networks to drive an all-consuming narrative...
An aspirational narrative helped win historic victories across the country.
Keeping your message simple helps mobilize people in support of your goals.
Use the power of narrative and networks to enhance your reach, resources and impact.
To motivate and mobilize people, you need a strategic communications plan.
A simple but powerful framework can help you communicate with maximum motivating power.
Stories can convey our vision, influence attitudes, and inspire action—but not without a well-thought-out strategy.
In less than 48 hours, 1.5 million Facebook users watched a video about three moms and their transgender kids.
How the world’s leading health watchdog translated its technical vocabulary into everyday language.
