Client News:

Our longtime partners at Black Futures Lab recently released the third iteration of the Black Census Project: Rooted in Black Dreams, Built by Black Power. The Black Census Project is the largest survey of Black people in American history, a powerful space for Black communities to dream and to define the democracy we deserve. 

The 2026 Black Census Project is an invitation to join BFL as they collect 300,000 responses that will transform collective imagination into actionable data that shapes policy, fuels organizing, and equips Black communities to reclaim our narrative power. Learn more and take the Black census here to add your voice and help build Black power.

 

A federal judge has cleared the way for a civil lawsuit against President Donald Trump over the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, a decision celebrated by lead plaintiff Oakland Mayor Barbara Lee. “This unprecedented, violent attack on our country, incited by Donald Trump, threatened the bedrock of our democracy — the peaceful transfer of power. I am deeply grateful to the Capitol Police Officers who fought to save our democracy, and I am honored to stand with the NAACP and alongside my co-plaintiffs,” she said in a statement in the Huff Post. Lee and her co-plaintiffs allege that Trump conspired with extremist groups to intimidate Congress and block the certification of the 2020 election. Read more here to follow Barbara Lee’s fight to protect democracy.

 

Cities United continues their Leading the Way Tour, a national initiative investing over $2 million across 20 cities to build community-driven public safety solutions. At each stop of the tour, Cities United uplifts effective practices, strengthens local ecosystems, and fosters national learning across partner jurisdictions, creating opportunities for shared innovation and collaboration. Learn more about their recent stop in Minneapolis on CBS News.

 

Change Consulting News:

We are excited to present our first ever Legislative Communications Guide, a resource to support California advocates in planning and executing strong communications for state legislation. This guide walks you through the core pieces of a legislative communications plan: getting clear on your narrative North Star and strategy, identifying and engaging priority audiences, preparing messages and materials, aligning internally and with coalitions, and using media relations, digital, and base-building tactics to move both your bill and the broader story you are trying to tell about California. Download your copy here.

 

In March, we wrapped our latest blog series aimed at helping our partners and community members navigate an increasingly chaotic and dangerous political and media landscape, protect their wins, and stay true to their values. Throughout our rapid response and crisis communications series, we shared insights and actionable strategies to support organizations and leaders. The final installments offer practical principles for crisis communications, tips for detecting disinformation, and what it really takes for organizations to stay safe and effective in today’s high-risk digital environment. Follow the links below to check out the full series: