Preparing for the U.S. Supreme Court Affirmative Action Ruling-Framework for Evaluating When an Institution Should Speak

Framework for Evaluating When an Institution Should Speak

Pdf Summary

This document outlines a framework for institutions to determine when they should proactively speak on an issue. The framework begins with three interrelated questions that carry the most weight in the decision-making process:<br /><br />1. Is the topic related to the institution's mission?<br />2. Is the topic directly related to the institution's stated vision, values, or strategic plan?<br />3. Will a public statement provide an opportunity to articulate the institution's mission, goals, and purpose?<br /><br />If the answer to these questions is yes, then the institution should consider speaking on the issue. Other factors to consider include whether the institution can participate in a non-partisan manner, if there is an effective platform from which to make the statement, and if the timing is right.<br /><br />Based on the level of relevance and priority, the institution can take different positions:<br /><br />1. Lead (high): The issue is closely related to the institution's mission and represents a strategic priority. The institution provides high visibility and a high level of public leadership.<br />2. Engage (medium): The issue is a priority based on the above criteria. The institution takes a visible position, often with other partners.<br />3. Position (low): The institution holds a position and selectively shares it as needed with key constituencies, often privately.<br />4. No Position: The institution defers to other associations or institutions more suited to speak on the issue.<br /><br />Regarding who should speak on behalf of the institution, the President and CEO often speak for matters where the institution would lead or engage. The communication leader may advise the president to delegate the authority to speak to others. The institution should determine in advance who is authorized to speak on its behalf.<br /><br />The communication leader is responsible for maintaining a proactive issues list and preparing talking points, identifying spokespeople, and gathering resources related to anticipated issues. Effective platforms for communication can include traditional and digital media, such as web posts, blogs, social media, and media interviews.<br /><br />This framework is adapted from Augustana College, and it provides a structure for institutions to evaluate the opportunity for public action and engagement.

Keywords

framework

proactive speaking

institution

mission

vision

values

strategic plan

public statement

non-partisan

platform