Open Education 2016

Whether you are a seasoned open education advocate or a newcomer to the movement, communicating about "open" can be a challenge. The English language alone has more than 40 definitions of "open" (according to Dictionary.com), and the term has gained myriad nuanced meanings to different communities, from free software to open access research to open education. Effective communication is the key to success for any movement, so it's important for OER advocates to hone their skills.

The session will provide a general overview of communication in an advocacy environment, with tips and tricks learned during the session leaders' more than 15 combined years in campaign organizing.

Communications topics include:

- Defining your audience

- Constructing an effective message

- Cutting back on jargon without diluting the facts

- Communicating through stories and values

- Working with the media

- Counteracting "open washing"

- Responding to bad press