Communication 101

You want to be respected as a voter? Here’s what that looks like in our Network.

In a Nutshell: We need a little self-discipline without being control freaks. Here are some ways we can talk and listen (both essential) productively with other Independents on our Network.

• Most of all, be decent. We will always disagree about something. That doesn’t make us enemies. Let’s just treat other Networkers with empathy and listen for substance we can work with.
• If you think of a way to improve our communications, speak up! We can always improve.
• Join us in learning to be brief and focused. We can all get better at that. The book, Smart Brevity, is our guide. Put a word count/read time on drafts. Assumes an average speed of 265 words per minute.
• Use Microsoft Word for drafts. It can easily be translated into other formats if needed.
• Use a serif font (like this one, Bodoni 72) for drafts; it’s easier on the eyes. Really!

Any Independent can author a draft. Some volunteers will offer edit suggestions for clarity. • Please share our stuff widely. We invite any independent-minded person to join with us, party member or not. Share it with your legislator, too! Get their feedback. Share that, too! • If you have background material that bolsters the points you make and enables those who want to dig deeper, say so in your draft and post it on our website (see Smart Brevity). • Accuracy is paramount. Rumors are poison. Be sure of your facts. If you want to indulge in character assassination or snarky statements, do it elsewhere. We don’t have time for it. • We will all make mistakes. When we do, fess up and fix it. Quickly. Move on. • When emailing our total list, use the Bcc option. That keeps identities secure. • It is your right to be passionate about issues. However, this is not a platform for rants. • Remember that each Networker has sole control over how he or she votes. Our task is to provide the best information possible. That will require constant vigilance. Misinformation is rampant

• The political world is a messy place if ever there was one. So we need to keep our heads about us and focus on quality information that empowers Independent Voters.
• We will periodically produce position papers like this one as a means of keeping the Network humming along. If you have an idea for a topic that needs attention, please let us know.
• For the time being, send any idea you have on our communication system to Al Bell, civilletus@icloud.com. If that changes, we will let you know.

Communications failures can cripple or confuse an entire organization.

From Smart Brevity, Vandel-lei, Allen, and Schwartz