When young people lead the message, their peers listen. Social norming campaigns that highlight healthy teen choices don’t just correct misperceptions — they help build connection, confidence, and stronger communities. At this year’s Washington State Public Health Association Annual Conference,…

We’ve always believed in the power of people — their stories, their insights, and their ability to move communities to action. So when artificial intelligence entered the conversation, we saw it not as a replacement for human creativity, but as…

Where do we really find community today? From coffee shops to screens, this piece explores why human connection still matters more than ever.

At SE2, we believe storytelling is one of the most powerful tools we have to shape opinions, influence policy, and connect with communities. That’s why we’re proud to share our “Anatomy of Ethical Storytelling” poster at ComNet25 in Denver this…

Last week’s killing of conservative political commentator and activist Charlie Kirk is a tragedy – for his loved ones, of course, and for anyone who believes in the principle of being able to express their opinions without fear or retribution.…

“Gays are not welcome here,” said the man through the window of the blacked-out Tesla. My sheepish response, “Oh, really?” But in my defense, it’s not something you expect to hear while walking your dog with your husband of 21…

In volatile times, stories protect, connect, and keep culture alive This year’s Colorado Health Symposium, hosted by The Colorado Health Foundation, was more than a conference; it was a gathering of people working on the frontlines of health, equity, and…

Improve Readability and Visual Connection Most Americans read at a sixth-grade level (source)—yet too many marketing campaigns use language that’s overly complex. If a message takes too much effort to understand, people tune out. Plain, direct language always wins.  Start…

Sponsors love rainbows until doing real work gets involved. They slap logos on floats, pump cash into parades, and post glossy allyship on June 1. Then they vanish.  This year, corporate sponsors ghosted Pride events faster than a closeted politician…

Apple's earbuds came out with the iPod in 2001, but became iconic in the 2003 "silhouettes" ads—dancing shadows against bright backgrounds with white headphone cords. The message was clear: these little headphones connect you to music you love. Twenty years…

Words and images hold power, especially when they reach people in ways that make sense to them.   Too often, messaging and marketing get lost in translation—literally and figuratively. A word-for-word swap might capture meaning, but does it capture connection? Do…

For a while, Tumblr seemed like a ghost town.  After its heyday in the early 2010s, the platform faded into the background as Instagram, Twitter (now X), and TikTok took center stage.   But lately, Tumblr has been creeping back into…