Center for Public Interest Communications

When It Comes to Green Behavior, No One Wants to Be Left in the Dust

“You’re the worst” may be an impolite thing to say to someone, but when it comes to encouraging environmental actions, it’s also effective, according to a study out of Duke… Continue Reading When It Comes to Green Behavior, No One Wants to Be Left in the Dust

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2 min

Stronger Together Than on Our Own? Group Identity and Exercise

By Karen Backes Researchers: Fiona Grant, Michael A. Hogg, and William D. Crano, Claremont Graduate University Ever wonder what gets gym rats out of bed and into the gym? A new… Continue Reading Stronger Together Than on Our Own? Group Identity and Exercise

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3 min

Worth Comparing: “More Than” Statements Are More Persuasive

Quick: which of these two statements do a better job persuading you that there’s an imbalance between what men and women earn in the workplace: Women make 21 percent less than… Continue Reading Worth Comparing: “More Than” Statements Are More Persuasive

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3 min

How Feeling Threatened Biases Our Internet Searches

New research suggests that feeling threatened can lead us to bias our Internet searching towards reassuring, positive information, while potentially ignoring important warning signs. These results come from a series… Continue Reading How Feeling Threatened Biases Our Internet Searches

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2 min

Star Power: How Celebrities Shape Our Understanding of Breast Cancer

Deciding whether to undergo a mastectomy as part of treatment for breast cancer can be a difficult decision for women to make. But new research indicates that media coverage of celebrities undergoing preemptive mastectomies and reconstructive surgery can boost public knowledge about options both before and after the procedure. Continue Reading Star Power: How Celebrities Shape Our Understanding of Breast Cancer

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2 min

Using Social Media Can Help Reach Vulnerable Communities

By Jaclyn Ramos Researchers Omar Martinez, Elwin Wu, Andrew Z. Shultz, Javier López Rios, Theo Sandfort, Justin Manusov, Alex Carballo-Dieguez and Robert H. Remien, Columbia University Jonathan Capote, AID for AIDS International Hugo Ovejero,… Continue Reading Using Social Media Can Help Reach Vulnerable Communities

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2 min

Thinking About Morality Encourages Charitable Actions

In an increasingly busy world, nonprofits often have the difficult task of convincing volunteers to donate their time. New research suggests that one potential strategy for fighting the time-crunch involves getting people to think about how their actions reflect what kind of a person they are morally. Continue Reading Thinking About Morality Encourages Charitable Actions

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2 min

A Winning Combination for Anti-Smoking Cigarette Labels

New research suggests that cigarette labels emphasizing the benefits of quitting (rather than the consequences of continuing to smoke) are more likely to motivate young people to kick the habit. Continue Reading A Winning Combination for Anti-Smoking Cigarette Labels

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2 min

Reputation Matters In Partnerships Between Businesses and Nonprofits

Businesses and nonprofits win when they partner together, but new research suggests that the business’ reputation has an impact on which side gets the biggest boost. Continue Reading Reputation Matters In Partnerships Between Businesses and Nonprofits

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4 min

6 Simple Steps to Understanding Your Audiences Through Research

Research can be a powerful tool to help inform strategic planning processes, by helping organizations better define audience segments, vet early stage ideas, and identify new impact opportunities ahead. Jen Barth, founder of Big Small Brands, a Portland-based branding consultancy, shares 6 best practices to help you better understand and engage the communities you serve. Continue Reading 6 Simple Steps to Understanding Your Audiences Through Research

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When It Comes to Green Behavior, No One Wants to Be Left in the Dust

Stronger Together Than on Our Own? Group Identity and Exercise

Worth Comparing: “More Than” Statements Are More Persuasive

How Feeling Threatened Biases Our Internet Searches

Star Power: How Celebrities Shape Our Understanding of Breast Cancer

Using Social Media Can Help Reach Vulnerable Communities

Thinking About Morality Encourages Charitable Actions

A Winning Combination for Anti-Smoking Cigarette Labels

Reputation Matters In Partnerships Between Businesses and Nonprofits

6 Simple Steps to Understanding Your Audiences Through Research

Strategic Communications Academy for UF Leaders & Scholars

Beyond raising awareness: How to create lasting change

Science Communications Course

Philanthropy’s Messaging Creates Confusion. Telling Better Stories Can Build Trust

This Untapped Tool Could Help Boost Vaccination Rates

Can #MeToo Have Lasting Influence?

Outsmart Gender Bias through Design

Most Americans Support Freedom of Information. Almost None Have Ever Used It.

October 2025 nationwide survey sheds light on Americans’ increasing worry about housing affordability

2025 ‘Real Good Census’ Reveals a Strategically Vital Field with Strong Rewards, Marking Significant Growth

Changemakers in Action: Dr. Audrey Goldfarb

Science-based communication strategy on COVID for the UN Verified Initiative

Largest Study on Narratives About Philanthropy with the Council on Foundations

Re-examining narratives on poverty and wealth — the BROKE project

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