10-step check list for SRHR messaging

Written by Katie Northcott, AmplifyChange

1) Does my message use neutral, unbiased, simple, context-specific, and non-judgemental language and images when talking about this issue?

2) Is every piece of information communicated verifiable and backed up by evidence?

3) Have I provided references and links where necessary?

4) Have I made my message and images context-specific and focused on the individual and their rights?

5) Have I accurately and responsibly integrated the voices of those affected by the issue?

6) Have I secured consent for every person participating in the video, radio, article, photographs, etc.?

7) Have I avoided using shocking, explicit, or misrepresentative images related to my cause?

8) Does my message avoid using terms, images, or phrases that are similar to what the opposition would use?

9) Have I shared my messaging and communications materials with my team and other stakeholders for feedback?

10) Have I tested my message (either through focus groups or discussions with representatives from key groups, for example)?

Katie Northcott, AmplifyChange

Katie is a Technical Performance Manager at AmplifyChange. At her previous work at Population Institute, she conducted analysis for a wide-scale report on demographic vulnerability, as well as managed the organisation’s social media channels.

As a Community Health Peace Corps volunteer in Burkina Faso, she implemented youth sexual health programs and supported maternal health and family planning outreach services. She worked with non-profit organisations in the U.S. advocating for women’s rights in the fields of abortion access, domestic violence, and HIV/AIDS.

Katie’s experience at these organisations included social media management, street campaigning, and crafting messaging for publications, as well as the development of advocacy and media toolkits. Katie has a MSc in Population and Development from London School of Economics and a BA in Economics, African Studies, and French from Northwestern University.