Framing a Voice to Parliament
In one of their first announcements, our new Federal government put a Voice to Parliament back on the table, with a referendum possible within the next couple of years. They are renewing efforts to put right past and present wrongs. That means it’s important for all of us to build public support by reinforcing the story of First Nations self-determination, truth and justice – a story with the same building blocks, different details.
Last year, we concluded a two-year long project led by First Nations advocates and messaging experts on framing self-determination, published in the Passing the Message Stick guide.
Our research findings are so promising: when our narratives centre First Nations strength and solutions, we can build majority public support for self-determination and justice.
So what did we find?
We identified seven key tips for more effective messaging on this topic. While all seven tips are important, we found two are vital to motivate our supporters and persuadable audiences:
Strengths frame: Start with the central idea that community knows best, and advocate for community-led solutions. It’s time to leave behind the “vulnerable people” frame.
The collective ‘we’: Show that there’s a role for everyone to act in solidarity with First Nations people, e.g. “work side-by-side with Aboriginal people to right past and present injustices”. In the example below, it’s the idea of “better together”: First Nations wisdom and ways of doing things enrich everyone’s ways of doing things. Together, we’re creating a compassionate, earth-centred society that works for everyone, not just for a few.
Below is an example of the Message Stick tips in practice.
Changing the story on First Nations self-determination and justice depends on all of us passing on the message stick.
You’ll find all the resources you need at passingthemessagestick.org. We encourage you to find out more by downloading or buying a hard copy of the guide, sharing the handy summary guide, and requesting a workshop for your organisation.
Together, we can change the story and win transformative change.
