Framing in the Age of Fracture

Framing in the Age of  Fracture

In calmer political times, the most effective way to frame solutions to difficult social problems was to follow a time-tested structure: grounding your message in shared values, then explaining the problem, its consequences, and how policy or administrative changes could help address it. That approach still holds value—but we’re no longer operating under the same rules of engagement that made traditional framing strategies work. Basic conditions we used to take for granted — rule of law, reliable information, respect for science, and a shared commitment to civic life — now have to be named, defended, and built into our communications.

This workshop is about learning to frame the frame: how to identify and communicate the meta-values that protect the possibility of your work. We’re referring to the higher-order democratic or civil society principles that sit above the value and causal story. Think of a meta-value as something that protects the conditions for discourse and shared reality itself — the “roof” over the house of framing.

We’ll explore:

  1. When to Pivot to a Meta-Level Frame – How to recognize circumstances that call for a meta-value framing strategy - such as political attacks, disinformation, or major structural shifts - and craft messaging that defends the conditions for your work, not just the work itself.

  2. How to Do Meta-Value Framing – How to use higher-order values (like rule of law, pluralism, shared facts, accountability) to anchor your messaging when underlying conditions have shifted. Participants will learn how to layer meta-value + value + causal story + metaphor into a resilient frame.

  3. The Strategic Role of Meta-Framing – How to decide whether your communication needs to persuade across divides, mobilize a committed base, or hold the line for civil society — and what each choice means for your message development and strategy.

  4. Measuring Success in a Different Game – How to redefine success when persuasion is no longer the immediate communication goal. 

Who It’s For:

This session is designed for issue communication leaders—people responsible for setting message strategy, guiding teams, and advancing organizational missions while also wanting to contribute to the defense of truth, justice, and democracy.

What you’ll learn

Participants will leave with:

  • Tools for identifying when the pivot from topical to meta-level framing is called for.
  • A menu of emergent meta-frames and a framework for layering meta-values into any message.
  • Clarity on your strategic stance: persuade, mobilize, or protect.
  • A discussion of metrics for judging messaging impact in polarized times.

About Your Framing Coaches

Lynn Davey, Ph.D. is a former psychology professor turned social issue framing and communications strategist. With years of experience both conducting and translating social and framing science research into actionable strategies for advocates, she has worked with scientists, public health experts and policy advocates to improve public understanding of complex social issues like child development, racial equity, violence prevention, mental health and poverty.

Lynn’s approach is rooted in science, not PR and marketing, and she specializes in helping advocates use storytelling to advance meaningful policy change.

Dr. Michael Erard is a linguist and non-fiction writer. He has deep expertise in communicating a range of complex ideas to diverse audiences through metaphor, narrative, and persuasive argument. He has published in a variety of mainstream and specialist outlets and spoken extensively on radio and in public nationally and internationally. He is also the author of three books about language. 

The product of a robust civil society, Michael seeks to empower and protect that society for the next generations. 

Pricing Options & Packages

Now booking into 2026.  Click to schedule a meeting and learn more!

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Helping experts and advocates improve public understanding of social problems and build support for social change.
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