The New Normal: Advocacy Communications in the Midst of a Global Pandemic

In just a few weeks, the global pandemic has had immeasurable impacts on healthcare, economic and communications. Social distancing to flatten the curve of infected people needing testing and care has led to across-the-board cancellations and postponements of in-person meetings and events communicators and advocates rely on heavily. The coronavirus has also spurred wholesale remote work environments and a refresh of planned message platforms on all communications channels.

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The future scope and length of the healthcare and economic crisis is uncertain, forcing us all to be flexible, patient and innovative in conducting and meeting our communications and advocacy goals.

Today’s session will focus on virtual advocacy communications while incorporating key elements of integrated marketing communications to help amplify our activities. 

Mike Fulton

Mike Fulton directs the Washington, D.C., office of Asher Agency and teaches public affairs in the West Virginia University Reed College of Media’s Integrated Marketing Communications program. Mike worked on Capitol Hill for 10 years and focuses on advocacy communications strategy, relationship development, coalition building, earned media placements, and events.

Joshua Habursky

Joshua Habursky is the Head of Federal Affairs at the Premium Cigar Association and Adjunct Professor at George Washington University’s Graduate School of Political Management. He has also taught strategic social media at WVU.  Josh’s experience is in digital and grassroots advocacy, as he founded the national non-profit Grassroots Professional Network, but his past two positions have broadened his government relations to state capitals as well as federal government relations.

WVU Marketing Communications Today is hosted by Karen Freberg from West Virginia University which is a program on the Funnel Radio Channel.