Traits of Successful Issue Framing
Adapted from the Kettering Institute and the National Issues Forums (kettering.org, nifi.org)
- Names issue and approaches with terms people actually use
- Neutral naming of issue, with most positive framing of approaches
- Values are reflected in the approaches
- Tensions between pros and cons are clear
- Doesn’t yield “all of the above” decisions (trade-offs are apparent)
- Pros of one approach not the cons of another (avoids dichotomies)
- Consequences described in terms of what’s valuable, not merely what’s practical
- Recognizes unpopular POVs
- Often leaves people “stewing”–they’re more aware of the undesirable result of their preferred approach
- Does not yield “the usual” conversation
- Disrupts old patterns; shouldn’t replicate prevailing academic, professional, or partisan framing of the issue
- Agents of change should include citizens and their collective action