Vol. 8 No. 1

As public interest communicators navigate the complex and rapidly evolving landscape of social media, technology and AI, the insights in this issue offer examples of how ethical, community-based communication continues to affect change and build more inclusive communities.

The latest issue includes the following articles:

Editors’ Essay by Joseph Radice, Kelly Chernin and Cody Hays

• Offers an overview of included research with commentary on relevance and importance to the field of public interest communications

“Technology Learning and Justice-Impacted Communities” by Annalise Baines, Hannah Britton, Hyunjin Seo and Darcey Altschwager

• Examines technology adoption and digital literacy in women transitioning from incarceration
• Evaluates the impact of targeted, community-centered communication strategies on marginalized populations

“Local Governments Leverage Selfie Culture with #CityHallSelfie Campaign” by Sarah K. Maben and Cristi C. Horton

• Explores how local employees and residents can build connections through an engaging campaign
• Offers insight into how public interest communicators can leverage digital platforms for community involvement

“Puppets, Vaccines, and Public Health: Harnessing Theater to Combat Misinformation in Albania” by Elira Canga

• Explores how creative arts (like puppetry) can be used to convey critical health messages, particularly young audiences
• Offers valuable guidance for communicators seeking to develop innovative strategies for advancing public health goals

“A Place at the Table: A Communication Model for Addressing Food Insecurity” by Maggie Kane

• Highlights a Raleigh, NC nonprofit with a pay-what-you-can model cafe that is addressing local food insecurity
• Examines the power of fostering a sense of community and dignity to build a more equitable community at the grassroots level

The research in this issue exemplifies the power of returning to fundamentals of communications: empathy and authenticity. The positive results of communication strategies with diverse variables  –  from adults who are re-entering society after incarceration in the United States to using puppetry to instill trust and connection in children in Albania – serve as a reminder that storytelling can be transformative even in a rapidly changing society. Access thought-provoking insights and original research in Volume 8, Issue 1 at www.journalpic.org.

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