Nova Dugan-Mezensky · September 20, 2024

Messaging Guidance on hate-fuel rhetoric terrorizing Springfield, Ohio

Top 5 Do’s and Dont’s

Do emphasize shared values. Focus on safety, security, community, and family in particular.
Do highlight impact on Springfield. Emphasize the impact these lies and disinformation have had on the entire community. Also highlight what resources Springfield actually needs.
Do “name the why and tie” this to past instances of violence. Why: This is a political strategy to use lies to score political points. Tie: Spreading lies led to Jan 6, election official intimidation, etc.
Do NOT amplify or repeat the lies – and do not engage in unhelpful debates. We don’t want a back and forth on whether or not immigrants are abducting pets. Instead of repeating the lies, generally refer to them as “false rumors,” “false claims,” “lies,” “disinformation,” etc. The more people hear “false” the better.
Do condemn violence and lower the temperature. We cannot fuel further escalation. We must show the vast majority of Springfield, and the country, reject political hate and harassment. Highlighting positive examples of people coming together and actions the local government is taking to keep people safe is key.

Messaging (See additional guidance from Over Zero here)

Below are sample talking points that can be incorporated into broader messaging.

“The residents of Springfield are like any other community – we want to go to school, run our businesses, do our jobs, and spend time with our families. We want to be safe, we want opportunities to succeed, and we want to live our lives.”
“The safety and security of every Springfield resident is now at risk. Our students and teachers can’t be in their classrooms. Businesses can’t operate. Our neighbors are sending us their own police. Our city services are delayed. Our families are worried about their kids.”
“This is not just about false rumors that went too far – this was intentionally spurred on by political leaders who saw an opportunity to score political points. This is about stoking fear and exploiting division for political gain.”
“We have seen where this leads. This kind of false rhetoric has led to the January 6th attack, mass shootings in schools and public places; intimidation of election officials; and worse.”
“We are heartened to see the many people who have stood up to reject hatred and division and support their communities – [examples from faith, business leaders, etc] in Springfield“ For those seeking to use our state to show hatred and division we say hate has no place here.”
“We in Springfield and in Ohio won’t be defined by this. We are defined by [insert history, values, etc]. Springfield needs the same thing every other community needs – more support for our families; more school funding; more doctors and nurses. We need leaders who understand us.”