Open-Access Publication Highlights Engaging Ways to Advance Social Change
Gainesville, FL (June 25, 2024) – As public interest communicators navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of social media, technology and AI, the insights in the latest issue of the Journal of Public Interest Communications (Volume 8, Issue 1) offer examples of how ethical, community-based communication continues to inspire change and build more inclusive communities.
The research in this issue exemplifies the power of returning to two fundamentals of communications: empathy and authenticity. The positive results of communication strategies with diverse variables—from adults who are re-entering society after incarceration in the United States to using puppetry to instill trust and connection in children in Albania—serve as a reminder that storytelling can be transformative even in a rapidly changing society.
The latest issue includes the following articles, all of which are available for free:
- Editors’ Essay by Joseph Radice, Kelly Chernin and Cody Hays offers an overview of research in the issue with commentary on its relevance and importance to the field of public interest communications.
- “Technology Learning and Justice-Impacted Communities” by Annalise Baines, Hannah Britton, Hyunjin Seo and Darcey Altschwager examines technology adoption and digital literacy among women transitioning from incarceration and evaluates the impact of targeted, community-centered communication strategies on marginalized populations.
- “Local Governments Leverage Selfie Culture with #CityHallSelfie Campaign” by Sarah K. Maben and Cristi C. Horton explores how municipal employees and residents can build connections through an engaging social media campaign and offers insights into how public interest communicators can leverage digital platforms for community involvement.
- “Puppets, Vaccines, and Public Health: Harnessing Theater to Combat Misinformation in Albania” by Elira Canga explores how creative arts (like puppetry) can be used to convey critical health messages, particularly to children, and offers valuable guidance for communicators seeking to develop innovative strategies for advancing public health goals.
- “A Place at the Table: A Communication Model for Addressing Food Insecurity” by Maggie Kane highlights a Raleigh, N.C., nonprofit that is addressing local food insecurity with a pay-what-you-can café. The article examines the power of fostering a sense of community and dignity to build a more equitable community at the grassroots level.
Access this and other issues of the journal at www.journalpic.org.
About the Journal of Public Interest Communications
As an open-access, peer-reviewed publication, the Journal of Public Interest Communications offers a platform for diverse practitioners and researchers to publish cutting-edge research from around the world on various topics related to the emerging academic field of public interest communications. The journal team encourages both practitioners and academics to submit their work for publication consideration at journalpic.org.
