Messaging Toolkit: State of the South, Atlanta 2024

SOTS-Atlanta

Thank you for helping us spread the word about State of the South: Atlanta, 2024!

Below are resources to share with your networks and audiences, including key messages, sample email/social media language, graphics, press release, and speaker images and bios.

If you have any questions about these materials, please contact Clarissa Goodlett, MDC Communications Director (for program/event details, you can also contact State of the South Program Director, Karim Baer).

General Information

Key Messages

  • MDC, a non-profit dedicated to advancing equity and economic mobility in the South, is hosting its landmark State of the South program in Atlanta, GA, from September 30th – Oct 2nd, 2024. The event convenes policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and artists for crucial conversations addressing equity and economic security in the region. The three-day event is free and open to the public.
  • For more than 25 years, MDC’s State of the South has been a major resource and reference for policymakers and practitioners, offering rigorous, insightful views of the South through the twin lenses of equity and competitiveness.
  • The State of the South program seeks to amplify the issues that exacerbate racial inequity and poverty across the region. We support an equity agenda for the South and work to deepen relationships with communities and professionals working on systems change locally and regionally.
  • This event offers a unique opportunity to be part of shaping solutions and driving positive change in the South.
  • MDC is grateful to have the support of partners: Annie E. Casey Foundation, Kresge Foundation, The National Black Arts Festival, and South Arts
  • Sessions:

    • Imagining a Southern Futurist Vision

Monday, September 30: 6-8 PM | Pittsburgh Yards | 352 University Avenue SW, Atlanta, GA 30310

What is possible for the South when we center equity as a shared value? Join us for an opening reception and dialogue with Dr. Fahamu Pecou and Charmaine Minniefield as we honestly reflect on history and the possibilities for the South by designing better systems.

    • Understanding the History & Policy Driving Inequity in Atlanta & Georgia

Tuesday, October 1: 10 AM-1 PM| Ebenezer Baptist Church | 101 Jackson Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Join us for a participatory exercise with MDC’s Race Matters Institute to understand the history of events, policies, and lived experiences in Atlanta and consider how they have amplified inequity. We will examine current equity indicator data prepared by Georgia Policy Labs to highlight key issue areas.

    • Nonprofit Legislative Advocacy: Strengthening Community Coalitions

Tuesday, October 1: 2-4 PM| Ebenezer Baptist Church

Nonprofits are playing a critical role in policy and systems change in this current moment and will continue to in the future. This workshop will provide examples of how community organizers and leaders in the nonprofit and philanthropic sectors can leverage their full set of skills to advance structural change. Particular emphasis will be given to developing advocacy strategies in challenging environments.

    • Developing Policies to Support a Southern Educational Equity Agenda

Tuesday, October 1: 6-8:30 PM | Ebenezer Baptist Church | 101 Jackson Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Join us for dinner and dialogue on the policies and investments necessary to create equitable access to quality education in Atlanta and across the South. We will explore the policies and strategies needed to catalyze school boards, county governments, and state legislatures to invest in communities that have historically experienced disinvestment.

    • Improving the Social Determinants of Health 

Wednesday, October 2: 9:30 AM-12 PM | Ebenezer Baptist Church | 101 Jackson Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

Access to quality food, living wages, affordable housing, education, clean water, and medical care determine individual and community well-being. Join us for a series of participatory conversations to identify the policies and advocacy strategies needed to improve the social determinants of health for communities who have experienced inadequate investment.  

    • Advancing New Policies to Close the Racial Wealth Gap

Wednesday, October 2: 1-3:30 PM| Ebenezer Baptist Church | 101 Jackson Street NE, Atlanta, GA 30312

What actions are necessary to close the racial wealth gap in Atlanta and Georgia? In this session, we will focus the conversation on the policies and strategies needed to grow incomes for people and families, generate greater intergenerational wealth, and support economic security.

  • Why Attend? 
    • Candid Dialogue: Engage in candid and crucial dialogue on pressing issues that exacerbate racial inequity and economic insecurity in the South.
    • Networking: Connect with policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates who are driving positive change in the region.
    • Insightful Sessions: Gain insights from thought leaders and experts in sessions that trace the history of inequity, explore legislative advocacy, and envision an equitable South.
    • Art and Culture: Experience the vibrant food and cultural scene of Atlanta with performances by local artists.

Speakers, Artists, and Facilitators

Link to Speaker Images and Bios

    • John Simpkins, President and CEO, MDC
    • Charmaine Minniefield
    • Dr. Fahamu Pecou
    • Tatjyana Elmore & Sharon Hudgins-Beck, Black Child Development Institute of Atlanta
    • Dr. Alex Camardelle, Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative
    • Jennifer Owens, HealthMPowers & Brookhaven City Council
    • Thriving Together Atlanta presents Equitable Dinners
    • Soul Food Cypher
    • Amir Farokhi, Atlanta City Council 
    • And many more! Visit event page for detailed speaker/session information.
    • Link to speaker images/bios

Digital Messaging (Email, Social Media Language, Handles and Hashtags)

  • Email Messsaging:
    • Dear [         ],

We’re excited about the State of the South convening in Atlanta, Georgia on September 30-October 2, 2024!  Registration is now open for community discussions to inspire policy change to build a more equitable Atlanta, reflect on history and data trends, and celebrate local artists. The event is free to attend, but registration is required.

We can’t wait to gather around art and food to exchange ideas and strategies on how to make Atlanta and the South a more equitable place! Sessions include:

      • Imagining a Southern Futurist Vision
      • Understanding the History & Policy Driving Inequity in Atlanta & Georgia
      • Nonprofit Legislative Advocacy: Strengthening Community Coalitions
      • Developing Policies to Support a Southern Educational Equity Agenda
      • Improving the Social Determinants of Health 
      • Advancing New Policies to Close the Racial Wealth Gap

Register now to reserve your spot! Questions? stateofthesouth@mdcinc.org

For more details and to register, visit: www.stateofthesouth.org

    • Dear [  ],

Join us September 30-October 2 for State of the South: Atlanta! We’ll bring together policymakers, nonprofit and philanthropic leaders, community organizers, and artists for participatory conversations to understand the policies, investments, and advocacy strategies necessary to create better outcomes for communities.   

Why Attend State of the South: Atlanta?

        • Candid Dialogue: Engage in candid and crucial dialogue on pressing issues that exacerbate racial inequity and economic insecurity in the South.
        • Networking: Connect with policymakers, nonprofit leaders, and community advocates who are driving positive change in the region.
        • Insightful Sessions: Gain insights from thought leaders and experts in sessions that trace the history of inequity, explore legislative advocacy, and envision an equitable South.
        • Art and Culture: Experience the vibrant food and cultural scene of Atlanta with performances by local artists.

 And we’re excited to have these amazing artists and speakers join us: 

        • Charmaine Minniefield
        • Dr. Fahamu Pecou
        • Tatjyana Elmore & Sharon Hudgins-Beck, Black Child Development Institute of Atlanta
        • Dr. Alex Camardelle, Atlanta Wealth Building Initiative
        • Jennifer Owens, HealthMPowers & Brookhaven City Council
        • Thriving Together Atlanta presents Equitable Dinners
        • Soul Food Cypher
        • Amir Farokhi, Atlanta City Council 
        • And many more! Click here for full list of speakers and artists.

Register now to reserve your spot! Questions? stateofthesouth@mdcinc.org 

We look forward to seeing you soon!

Graphics, Logos, Press Release for download