What if We?

Social movements are only as strong as their ability to adapt. But what happens when older and younger generations clash over how to build the future? In this episode, Kaitlin Funaro, sits down with Xavier Ramey , CEO of Justice Informed, and Sean Anderson, Director at RALLY, to explore the complicated dynamics of intergenerational movements. They discuss how Gen Z and Gen Alpha are rewriting the rules of organizing, why they fundamentally distrust legacy institutions, and how online interests are shaping their real-world identities. We explore how organizations can stop clinging to old strategies and start building meaningful, youth-led progress, and why true progress means bridging the gap between the two groups. In This Episode: Why do intergenerational movements actually matter, and what do we gain by bridging the age gap? What unique advantages do young people bring to the table beyond fresh energy and impatience? Is Gen Z's organizing style just typical youthful rebellion, or is it a fundamental shift in how identities are formed? If intergenerational organizing is so beneficial to progress, why is it still so hard to pull off? How youth rely heavily on AI and social media while deeply distrusting the institutions that run them What can legacy organizations, nonprofits, and foundations do right now to create truly welcoming environments for young builders?

Fourth of July is a time to celebrate freedom and independence. Right? But what if you’re not feeling particularly patriotic these days? In this episode of What If We? , host Kaitlin Funaro sits down with Theodore R. Johnson, columnist at The Washington Post and Senior Advisor at New America, and Sheri Klein, Senior Director of Research and Strategy at RALLY, to explore what America’s 250th anniversary means for those of us who hold complicated feelings about where this country has been and where it’s headed. Drawing on Theodore’s work on civic belonging and Sheri’s expertise in public opinion research, the conversation explores how we can talk about democracy in ways that feel meaningful and inspiring. They also examine the role of trusted messengers, the power of hopeful stories, and why national milestones like America’s 250th anniversary can be an opportunity to bring people together. In This Episode: How patriotism and honest criticism can exist at the same time How do we talk about democracy when it means different things to different people? How can we use shared values like fairness, freedom, and autonomy to engage people who feel disconnected from democracy? How patriotic symbols like the American flag can shape the way people see the country and its leaders The role of trusted messengers in building civic participation How hope and shared purpose can inspire people to engage in democracy What gives us hope for America’s next 250 years

As America approaches its 250th anniversary next month, one question looms large: what does the future look like for the generation that will inherit it? Young Americans are living through rising costs, political polarization, and growing skepticism about institutions—but they haven’t checked out. In this episode of What If We? , Kaitlin Funaro talks with Benjamin Oh, Senior Data Director at the Alliance for Youth Action, about what young people actually think about democracy, opportunity, and civic engagement. Drawing on new research, Benjamin shares what’s driving young people’s hopes, frustrations, and priorities—and why many remain determined to help shape the future. It’s a conversation about the next 250 years, and the generation already working to define them. In This Episode: How young people see America at its 250th anniversary and the tensions shaping their outlook Whether the American Dream means the same thing today as it did for previous generations What research reveals about youth participation in voting, civic engagement, and political action How economic concerns influence the way young people think about politics and democracy What messages are most effective at motivating young people to participate in civic life What advocates, organizers, and institutions can learn from youth attitudes toward leadership and change Why authenticity, accountability, and bold ideas resonate with younger generations What gives us hope for the role young people will play in America's future

Episode Description: In this episode of What If We? , host Kaitlin Funaro sits down with internet culture writer and editor Aja Romano to explore how memes shape the way we communicate, organize, and understand the world around us. What may appear trivial or disposable on the surface often carries deep cultural meaning. From catchphrases and reaction images to political symbols and online movements, memes function as shared cultural language that evolves as people remix, reinterpret, and redistribute them across communities. Together, Kaitlin and Aja unpack how memes gain traction, why authenticity matters, and what happens when ideas lose their original context as they spread online. Drawing on examples ranging from Pepe the Frog and “Dark Brandon” to the evolution of terms like “woke” and “cancel culture,” the conversation explores how memes can both build connection and distort meaning. Aja explains why memes are difficult to engineer intentionally, why brands and institutions often struggle to participate authentically, and how marginalized communities frequently shape internet culture before their contributions are absorbed into the mainstream. In This Episode: What gives memes their staying power while so many internet trends quickly disappear How memes evolve as they move between communities and platforms Examples of memes shaping political movements, public discourse, and collective identity Why authenticity and spontaneity are essential to successful memes How organizations and advocacy campaigns can participate in meme culture and the risks it involves How memes change meaning as they move across different online communities and audiences Whether memes can engage serious issues without trivializing them Tap into more online culture via fansplaining.com .

How does a simple color become a national symbol for change? In this episode of What If We?, host Kaitlin sits down with Nza-Ari, Founder of Project Orange Tree, and RALLY Senior Director Jason Rzepka to unpack the origins and evolution of the Wear Orange campaign. What began as a grassroots response to tragedy, honoring the life of Hadiya Pendleton, a victim of gun violence, grew into a powerful cultural movement rooted in visibility, shared humanity, and belonging. Drawing inspiration from hunting culture, where orange signals “don’t shoot,” the campaign reframed the color as a symbol for the value of human life. Together, Jason and Nza-Ari explore how Wear Orange moved beyond policy into culture and community, creating accessible ways for people to participate, connect, and take ownership of change. From local beginnings in Chicago to a decentralized national movement, this episode reveals how identity, storytelling, and collective action can shift norms over time. In This Episode: The origin story behind the Wear Orange campaign The goals of the campaign and the audience it set out to reach The role of culture alongside policy in addressing gun violence Whether the campaign was designed to shift cultural norms and perceptions How the strategy evolved as the movement grew beyond Project Orange Tree The signs that the campaign was gaining traction and shifting norms Why belonging is essential to building and sustaining a movement How people can get involved and participate today Learn More: Check out Project Orange at wearorange.org The 12th National Gun Violence Awareness Day will be June 5, 2026.

For a lot of Gen Z and Gen Alpha, faith isn’t a political signal—it’s a core part of their identity. That deep connection between spirituality and values is a major, often overlooked, opportunity for advocacy communications. In this episode, host Kaitlin Funaro sits down with Derwin Aikens to unpack how younger audiences are thinking about religious identity and the power of faith as a values framework that shapes how people see the world and their role in it. For younger audiences, spirituality can be a compelling entry point to conversations from immigration to climate justice and racial equity because it connects directly to their moral lens. This conversation is a part of our series on Youth Research: Identity, Culture & Issue Advocacy RALLY produced with Rachel Janfaza of The Up & Up. You can check out all of our insights on our website . In this episode: How young people connect with faith and spirituality How faith + identity are interconnected Why religion isn’t a partisan signifier for young people Why the rise of the “religiously unaffiliated” (now about 29% of Americans) doesn’t necessarily mean younger generations are less spiritual. How organizations can explore using faith-based messaging to reach younger audiences

In this episode of What If We? , Kaitlin Funaro sits down with researcher and Gen Z expert Rachel Janfaza, author of the popular Substack The Up & Up to unpack what young people are actually feeling right now, and why so many institutions are getting it wrong. Drawing from a series of listening sessions with 11–22-year-olds across the country, Rachel explains why Gen Z’s political identity is fluid, why “identity politics” feels outdated to many young people, and how COVID fundamentally reshaped their trust in authority. They explore the generational “bullsh*t meter,” why authenticity beats jargon every time, and what adults, educators, and institutions can do to create meaningful political dialogue instead of shutting it down. If you work in advocacy, education, communications, or simply care about the future of civic engagement, this conversation offers a reality check, and a hopeful one. In This Episode: Why Gen Z’s political views are fluid not fixed How COVID reshaped Gen Z’s trust in authority Gen Z evaluates leaders based on results, not political parties. Gen Z can quickly spot inauthentic or top-down messaging (“the sniff test”). They prefer open debate and honest conversation over silence or rigid rules. Frustration with politics does not mean disengagement for GenZ. Learn more: Read RALLY’s insights report Youth Research: Identity, Culture, & Issue Advocacy Check out Rachel Janfaza’s work at The Up & Up About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

What if getting press meant more than just a headline in the New York Times? In this episode of What If We? , host Kaitlin sits down with earned media experts Sara Lueders and Alexis Gosselin to demystify the insider world of earned media. From the shifting landscape of traditional newsrooms to the rise of Substack communities, they explore how to reach audiences in today's media landscape. Sara and Alexis break down why audience identity, not just outlet size, should dictate your strategy and how being scrappy is the new standard for communication professionals. Whether you're pitching a national reporter or sliding into the DMs of a niche content creator, this episode reveals the art of the hustle and the science of storytelling in the current media ecosystem. In This Episode: What do we actually mean by earned media? When starting an earned media strategy, what information do you need to gather and what is the first question to ask? Navigating the world of podcasts, substacks, and social media clips that are fed to audiences by algorithms. How to pitch to content creators and podcasts who don't have traditional newsroom email addresses and can be harder to reach. How to evaluate a spokesperson’s ability to deliver engaging audio and video performances. About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

During the border patrol crackdown in Minneapolis, people have shown up—loudly and visibly—for immigrant rights. That kind of mobilization is real, necessary, and powerful. But movements don’t win by speaking only to the people already in the streets. They also win by persuading the people watching from the sidelines—the ones who don’t see themselves as anti-immigrant, but aren’t fully on board either. In this episode, Kaitlin talks with Tasha Moro, the communications director for Justice Action Center , and RALLY Director Claire Shipton about how to reach that audience—what our new research calls “Conflicted Colin”. Key Takeaways: Persuasion starts with how people feel, not what they know. Sacred values like safety, order, and protection often guide political decisions more than policy positions. Many people in the “movable middle” hold conflicting views—and that tension is an opportunity, not a liability. People are more likely to change their minds when they arrive at conclusions on their own. Narrative change requires experimentation, creativity, and meeting audiences in the spaces they already trust. Why This Conversation Matters At a moment when anti-immigrant narratives have become increasingly normalized, this episode challenges advocates to rethink how persuasion works—and who it’s for. Instead of speaking only to the base, it asks: what would it look like to build a broader, more durable coalition rooted in shared values and lived experience? This episode is part of The Art and Science of Persuasion series, exploring how people actually change their minds—and what that means for movements working toward a more inclusive future for immigrants in the US. About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

What if fandoms are doing what traditional movements struggle to achieve—building belonging, joy, and coordinated power at scale? In this episode of What If We?, Kaitlin Funaro sits down with Destiny Willis and Lillian Greer to explore what stan culture can teach organizers, advocates, and movement builders about identity, engagement, and collective action. From the origins of the term “stan” in Eminem’s song to today’s highly organized digital fandoms, the conversation unpacks how online communities evolved from passionate fans into sophisticated networks capable of real-world impact. Using examples like Swifties taking on Ticketmaster—sparking congressional hearings and newer artist-led fan mobilizations—Destiny and Lillian examine how fandoms turn shared frustration into coordinated strategy. Together, they explore why joy, humor, merch, and being “in on the joke” can be powerful tools for sustaining engagement, especially among Gen Z. In This Episode: What fandoms understand about belonging and shared purpose that traditional movements often overlook How movements can adopt fandom strategies without feeling cringe or inauthentic The idea of “creating your own algorithm” to build issue-based communities Which principles are universal—and which are specific to Gen Z digital culture Why identity, joy, and shared culture drive sustained engagement The risks of applying stan culture to advocacy spaces—and how to do it responsibly What the next generation of movements might look like About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

Storytelling moves people — but it’s not enough on its own. The real magic happens when stories spark engagement and build community. That’s why one of our persuasion principles is “storytelling needs engagement.” In this episode, host Kaitlin Funaro talks with content creator Benjamin Coy and Dr. Ashley Elliott, a Doctor of Clinical Psychology and content creator better known as Dr. Vivid, about what it takes to turn storytelling into connection. From reclaiming queer narratives online to bringing those stories to life offline, they explore how authentic engagement transforms content into community — and why that’s where real change begins. In This Episode: The importance of cultivating online and offline connections The emotional cost of chasing metrics and numbers over meaning and impact Engagement is a two-way street to cultivate belonging for your followers Why marginalized creators need safe, inclusive spaces to tell their stories Advice for creators and organizations building authentic community on social media Links: Learn more about Dr. Vivid at doctorvivid.com and Benjamin Coy at linktr.ee/benjiecoy About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

What if we stopped thinking about audiences as demographics and started seeing them as heroes of their own stories? In this episode of What If We? , guest host, Sheri Klein, Senior Director of Research and Strategy at RALLY, sits down with Principal Hillary Moglen and Riki Conrey, Principal Scientist at Harmony Labs , to unpack how audience identity shapes persuasion. From the shows we watch to the personal conflicts we face, our media choices reflect more than just preferences; they reveal our values, aspirations, and worldviews. Together, Hillary and Riki explore how advocates and communicators can move beyond “reaching everyone” to instead meet audiences where they are, address their concerns, and craft stories that resonate deeply. They also share why the “movable middle” isn’t about convincing people to agree, but about understanding their internal conflicts and helping them see the choices in front of them. If you’ve ever wondered how to tailor messages that move people toward shared understanding and action, this episode offers both the art and the science behind it. In This Episode: What “audience identity” really means. How the shows we watch reflect our values and worldview Why advocates should explore different media segments to understand different audiences The biggest mistake communicators make: trying to “reach everyone” How to think about the “movable middle” through the lens of identity and conflict Why conflict is not something to avoid—but to embrace as a path to persuasion What the future of audience engagement looks like in an era of AI and changing media habits About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

Authenticity isn’t just a buzzword—it’s the foundation of trust, influence, and real persuasion. In this episode of The Art and Science of Persuasion series, Kaitlin Funaro sits down with RALLY Principal Latia Curry Harrison to talk about why authentic, genuine communication matters more than ever in a world flooded with polished messaging. They explore how leaders and organizations can show up authentically—even within the guardrails of talking points—by embracing vulnerability, rejecting jargon, and backing up words with meaningful action. From public figures like AOC and Charlamagne tha God to lessons from the advocacy space, this episode unpacks real examples that make messages feel real and what makes them fall flat. In This Episode: Why authenticity is the foundation of persuasion and trust The dangers of jargon and over-filtered messaging Why unfiltered, emotionally honest communication connects with audiences What we can learn from leaders who speak with consistency and conviction The role of vulnerability in building trust and influence Why actions must match words to sustain credibility About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

Why do we remember stories, not statistics? Persuasion isn’t just about presenting the facts—it’s about connecting with people on an emotional level. Today in our series The Art and Science of Persuasion , Kaitlin Funaro talks with Stephen Friedman, former president of MTV and adjunct professor at Columbia University, and Jason Rzepka, Senior Director at RALLY, to discuss how storytelling and emotional engagement can drive real-world impact. From MTV campaigns that shaped cultural conversations to lessons for today’s advocacy work, they reveal why tapping into emotion often works better than relying on data. In This Episode: How MTV used reality TV like 16 and Pregnant , Teen Mom, and Jersey Shore to connect with audiences through story and emotion Why connecting emotionally—rather than overloading with facts—can change minds, especially among audiences that aren’t already convinced or aware The role of authentic, relatable storytelling in shaping public opinion and fostering social change Strategies for advocates to integrate emotional storytelling without sacrificing credibility or forcing a narrative Lessons from reality and scripted TV on how narrative can spark awareness, action, and empathy How partnering with professional storytellers and showing social issues through personal journeys engages, educates, and inspires audiences Read more: Media Influences on Social Outcomes: The Impact of MTV’s 16 and Pregnant on Teen Childbearing About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

What does it mean to be persuaded? And why do so many of us resist the idea of changing our minds? Persuasion isn’t just about convincing—it’s about influence, connection, and building shared understanding. And in today’s polarized world, it might be one of the most important tools advocates have. This episode kicks off a special series on persuasion. Over the next six episodes, we’ll explore the principles that make persuasion possible—how identity shapes who we listen to, how emotions matter more than facts, and how we can use connection and storytelling to bridge divides and make progress on sticky issues. Today, Kaitlin talks with research director Sheri Klein and Dr. Nichole Argo, social psychologist and founder of the TogetherUp Institute. They unpack what persuasion really means in advocacy today, why going on the attack often backfires, and what the research tells us about how people actually change their minds. From sacred values to the power of community, they explore how communicators can use persuasion to build a “bigger we.” In This Episode: What persuasion really is—and why it’s more common in daily life than we think The three M’s of persuasion: message, messenger, and medium How authentic connection, curiosity, and listening can move people more than logic Lessons from deep canvassing: why persuasion often works best when you’re not trying to persuade The importance of building a “bigger we” in advocacy and communications To hear more conversations about community and belonging, check out the podcast Reimagining Us with Nichole Argo & Scott Hutcheson. About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

LinkedIn—it’s not just an online résumé. It’s a platform for storytelling, visibility, and connection. When used strategically, it helps decision-makers, partners, and allies find you, learn from you, and amplify your work. RALLY's Kaitlin Funaro chats with the pod's favorite digital expert Elyse Dickson Becker and thought leadership extroidinare René Verma to break down all the essentials of LinkedIn — from what the algorithm rewards, to the role of video, visuals, and engagement, in just 15 minutes (well, almost!). In This Episode: What quality thought leadership looks like on LinkedIn Practical tips to make your posts stand out The value of engagement: commenting, sharing, and interacting to boost your presence Video? Photos? Emoji lists? What kind of content the algorithm rewards Why the "golden hour" of a LinkedIn post is so important for visibility Read More: How the LinkedIn algorithm works in 2025 LinkedIn Algorithm Explained & How It Works What LinkedIn Golden Hour Algorithm Means for Early Engagement About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

Episode Summary In part two of our series, Building a Digital Community, RALLY’s Kaitlin Funaro is back with Jack Spiegelman and Maha Ghandour from our digital team to dive into what it takes to build strong digital communities. This episode is all about community management — the often invisible, always essential work of building digital culture that can handle the heat. From moderating comment sections to managing a viral moment gone wrong, this is your blueprint for turning followers into a values-aligned, engaged community. In This Episode: Why community management is more than just moderating comments How to assess risk in real-time and decide when (and if) to engage Why your message shouldn’t aim for consensus — but clarity How to stay narrative-driven in a hot take era About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

When you're trying to break through online, playing it safe doesn't always cut it. In part one of this two-part series, RALLY's Kaitlin Funaro sits down with Jack Spiegelman and Maha Ghandour from our digital team to talk about how to embrace controversy strategically. From knowing when to lean in to how to prep your team for the reaction, they unpack what it takes to post with purpose and build power, not just attention. In This Episode: How to lean into controversy without being reckless What makes a post worth pushing and when to sit one out Why first-person storytelling is your secret weapon The case against chasing virality (and when to ride the wave) How authenticity and values create staying power online About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

Are influencer campaigns worth it? If you’ve ever asked yourself (or your comms team) that question, this episode is for you. From how to find the right creators to how much budget you really need, RALLY's Elyse Dickson Becker and Maha Ghandour break down everything you’ve ever wanted to know about influencer engagement for advocacy campaigns…in just 15 minutes. In This Episode: Influencer vs. content creator: what’s the difference, and why it matters How to find the right creators to reach your audience What kind of budget you actually need—and how to scale Why smaller creators can be more impactful than big names What long-term investment in creators could look like for issue advocacy About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .

When you try to talk to everyone, you often reach no one. In this episode, RALLY's Sheri Klein breaks down why defining your audience is one of the most powerful and cost-effective choices an advocacy campaign can make. If you have ever been told your message should speak to all, this one is for you. In This Episode: What exactly is a campaign audience and why it matters The risks of trying to reach too many people or the wrong people How to handle pushback around inclusion and targeting Why even big-budget campaigns should resist trying to talk to everyone Two strategies for when you do need to speak more broadly Real-world campaign examples that got audience targeting right Resources: More from Sheri: The Megaphone: May 2025 Edition – We Are RALLY About RALLY: RALLY is an advocacy communications firm that works with foundations, nonprofits, businesses, and campaigns to change the way people think and act around today’s biggest social and political challenges. Where you can find us: wearerally.com Follow us on LinkedIn Follow us on Instagram Do you have an idea for an episode or want to connect with us? Say hello at pod@wearerally.com .