Nashville Religion Communicators Council Holds Virtual Meeting, Inspires Leaders

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

In early May, RCC Nashville held its second virtual zoom meeting on the topic of “Presentation Skills for Leaders,” with a seasoned professional who has more than twenty years of communications experience in the fields of journalism and public relations.  The Zoom session focused on presentation skills in the age of COVID-19 and helped religious communications professionals gain insight into ways to enhance their speaking skills through the virtual platform.

The last RCC meeting, in April, took place virtually as well, with nearly a dozen Nashville members discussing the response to COVID-19 for faith leaders and faith communities across Tennessee and what this looks like for both small and large congregations.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Hold 2nd Virtual Meeting to Inspire Leaders

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

Rolling with the current times, RCC Nashville is holding its second virtual zoom meeting in early May on the topic of “Presentation Skills for Leaders,” with a seasoned professional who has more than twenty years of communications experience in the fields of journalism and public relations. 

The last RCC meeting, in April, took place virtually as well, with nearly a dozen Nashville members discussing the response to COVID-19 for faith leaders and faith communities across Tennessee and what this looks like for both small and large congregations.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Virtually Meets, Discusses Impact of COVID-19

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

Rolling with the times, RCC Nashville held its first virtual zoom meeting this month on the topic of “keeping people informed during global pandemics,” and had almost a dozen religious communicators join in the conversation. Together, the shared challenges they have faced and overcome and the many resources they’ve found that are invaluable during these unprecedented times.   

“We are thankful that we have so many resources available and can still connect virtually, even while staying apart,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the RCC Nashville Chapter who also handles Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Hold Virtual Meeting

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

Rolling with the current times, RCC Nashville will be holding its first virtual zoom meeting this month on the topic of “keeping people informed during global pandemics,” and will be inviting all religious communicators to join in the conversation which will be next week.  

The last RCC meeting took place at United Methodist Communications in February, and RCC members heard from Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist at Brand Wise, on the topic Podcasting for Your Brand. Dunham is a blogger, brand strategist and cultural curator. Her focus is building cultural relevancy for brands that lead to stronger and more profitable consumer relationships. She has provided counsel to a wide variety of consumer sectors – the arts, faith-based communities, grocery, healthcare, hospitality, restaurants, travel and package goods.  She is particularly passionate about The Lipstick Economy – the 108 million women that account for 85% of all consumer purchases. That is also the name of her podcast, which comes out every two weeks.

RCC members were able to learn how important podcasts are today, especially being a relatively non-crowded market to send out a message, as well as successful ways to go about starting a great podcast.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Learns the Rules of Podcasting

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The February meeting took place at United Methodist Communications, and RCC members heard from Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist at Brand Wise, on the topic Podcasting for Your Brand. Dunham is a blogger, brand strategist and cultural curator. Her focus is building cultural relevancy for brands that lead to stronger and more profitable consumer relationships. She has provided counsel to a wide variety of consumer sectors – the arts, faith-based communities, grocery, healthcare, hospitality, restaurants, travel and package goods.  She is particularly passionate about The Lipstick Economy – the 108 million women that account for 85% of all consumer purchases. That is also the name of her podcast, which comes out every two weeks.

RCC members were able to learn how important podcasts are today, especially being a relatively non-crowded market to send out a message, as well as successful ways to go about starting a great podcast.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be in March at Thistle Farms. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Hear about Podcasting

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The February meeting will take place at United Methodist Communications, and RCC members will hear from Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist at Brand Wise, on the topic Podcasting for Your Brand. Dunham is a blogger, brand strategist and cultural curator. Her focus is building cultural relevancy for brands that leads to stronger and more profitable consumer relationships. She has provided counsel to a wide variety of consumer sectors – the arts, faith-based communities, grocery, healthcare, hospitality, restaurants, travel and package goods.  She is particularly passionate about The Lipstick Economy – the 108 million women that account for 85% of all consumer purchases.

The meeting takes place at 11:30 am on February 4^th, 2020 at United Methodist Communications and is open to both members and non-members of RCC. Registration for the meeting is required by emailing rccnashville@gmail.com.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be Feb. 4^th, 2020 at 11:30 am at United Methodist Communications, and will feature Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist for Brand Wise. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Holds First Meeting of 2020

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The first meeting of 2020 took place in early January at the Cookery, a local restaurant which in addition to serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering to the public, has a greater purpose. According to its website, “in The Cookery kitchen, formerly homeless students are trained and equipped in culinary techniques and food safety in order to prepare them for employment in Nashville’s food industry.” All revenue from The Cookery goes to cover all café expenses and back into Lambscroft Ministries programs to serve Nashville’s homeless.

During the meeting, RCC members participated in the inaugural meeting for DayBreak Discussions, a new meeting format for Nashville RCC which brings together members along with the broader community for organic conversations about worldly topics.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be Feb. 4^th, 2020 at 11:30 am at United Methodist Communications, and will feature Jamie Dunham, Chief Brand Strategist for Brand Wise. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

2019 Year in Review - Religion Communicators Council, Nashville Chapter

The Religion Communicators Council is an interfaith communications organization working to promote peace and fellowship while spreading the good news.

The longest running interfaith communications organization in the United States, the Religion Communicators Council (RCC), has chapters across the country that meet regularly and promote “excellence in the communication of religious faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups,” according to the RCC website.

In Nashville, the RCC Chapter meets every other month to promote its ideals through conversations and learn from their peers about specific communications techniques to help in their professional development.. “People of faith have influence,” says Board Member of the Nashville Chapter, Julie Brinker, who also does community relations with the Church of Scientology, “We all need to step out and speak up because the good news, of which there is an abundance, tends to be overshadowed.”

The chapter had a busy year, hearing from religion reporters to video producers. The first meeting of the year was with Laura Buchanan, Senior Creative Content Specialist at United Methodist Communications, who spoke about what makes an idea stick. In Februray, RCC members heard from Reah Aitkin, the Regional Development Director of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital on how to engage volunteers and get participation ...in other words, how to lead when no one listens.

The following month, the chapter heard from Kalinda Fisher who has created a series of community round tables around sometimes difficult conversations which she has dubbed "The Great Reset," and April saw best practices for fully utilizing research and how it impacts planning and future projects with Sheila King & Magda Vaughn. 

The May meeting covered paid advertising strategies with Debbie Hill, CEO of Creative Website Marketing.

Then the next three meetings were tours of various places. In July, it was the new Tennessean offices, in September RCC members toured the Islamic Center of Tennessee and in October, the Sri Ganesha Temple. 

The November RCC meeting was held at Glencliff United Methodist Church where RCC members learned about the church’s tiny homes project for the homeless, and in December, RCC board members met to review the year and set the course for 2020.  

RCC is open to members from all denominations, and the Nashville group includes Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Hindus and more.  For further information about the RCC or their next meeting, visit www.religioncommunicators.org.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Looks Back on 2019 and Plans for 2020

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities.

The December meeting took place at the Cookery, a local restaurant which in addition to serving coffee, breakfast, lunch, dinner and catering to the public, has a greater purpose. According to its website, “in The Cookery kitchen, formerly homeless students are trained and equipped in culinary techniques and food safety in order to prepare them for employment in Nashville’s food industry.” All revenue from The Cookery goes to cover all café expenses and back into Lambscroft Ministries programs to serve Nashville’s homeless.

During the meeting, RCC Board members for the Nashville Chapter reviewed the content of the year’s meetings and created a plan for 2020.

“We are so excited to launch a new series of programs for our members,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville, “We’ll have three different tracks on a rotating schedule so our members will get a lot of new opportunities to learn and grow as communicators.”

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. The next Nashville Chapter meeting will be January 7^th, 2020. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Tour Islamic Center of Tennessee

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter meets monthly at rotating locations to learn about other faith traditions, learn from fellow communicators and gain professional development opportunities. The next meeting will take place in September at the Islamic Center of Tennessee, where RCC members will receive a tour and hear the history of the Muslim community in the area.

“It’s always special when a faith tradition opens their doors to help others learn more about them,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville, “Prejudice cannot live when you understand your fellows, and understanding comes from looking for yourself.”  

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Tours New Tennessean Offices

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

The world of news is ever-changing.

And with change, comes new surroundings: the Tennessean newspaper has packed up from their mammoth building to move to the upper floors of a high-rise on West End Avenue. On a sunny morning in mid-July, the Religion Reporter, Holly Meyer, hosted the Religion Communicators Council for a tour of the new space and answered questions.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations.

Duane Gang, Metro News Editor, along with Meyer, spoke to the RCC about the work they do, how they manage and plan stories, and fielded questions. “Religion communicators need to be in touch with the big names in reporting, and for Nashville, the Tennessean is it,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC and Director of Community Affairs for the Church of Scientology Nashville, “We’re so happy they opened their doors to RCC so we can see what happens right in one of the hottest news rooms in the city.”  

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development.

The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

#MeToo – Bring empathy, passion and conviction to discussions

By Julie Brinker, who serves as Community Relations Director for the Church of Scientology in Nashville, TN.

While the #MeToo movement may seem like a difficult topic to discuss openly, three scholars were able to speak to this, not just with empathy, but with passion and conviction at the second plenary of #RCCACP2019.

The #MeToo movement has created a platform calling for change around gender issues in nearly every sector of society. This panel took an intersectional approach to exploring and challenging the present state of gender representation in media and media production. The panelists, all engaged in a range of ongoing efforts to raise awareness about gender disparities, were Dr. Glory Dharmaraj, U.S. coordinator for the Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) of the World Association for Christian Communication; Dr. Sarah Macharia, global coordinator of the Global Media Monitoring Project; and Dr. Karri Whipple, a speaker, writer, and activist who promotes transformative justice work within communities.

Whipple spoke about the urgency of understanding the #MeToo movement as it keeps cropping up in each of our news feeds on social media. “We need to realize our role of religious communities… we have a responsibility to speak out about the daily reality of this, not just in the face of crisis.”

Dharmaraj pointed out that faith communities are also not immune to sexual assault and abuse. Many times younger people do not know how to speak about this issue, they “know it is not okay, but do not know what it’s called.” Further, she said, “Naming the issue is important. The enemy is not ‘men.’ The enemy is patriarchy and violence.” Dharmaraj went on to point out that “certain religious texts have been misused to silence women who are not able to distinguish the voice of patriarchal culture from the sacred scriptures.”

Macharia spoke about the major challenges that face religion communicators. “As faith communicators, we sharpen the lens even further… so justice and gender and professionalism are seen truly.”

Whipple spoke about the need to take it further. “How are you educating those you are reaching? How can we make this more than just a hashtag? I’m hoping we can think about what does it look like to have long-term structural change.”

Dr. Glory Dharmaraj is U.S. coordinator for the Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) (@whomakesthenews) of the World Association for Christian Communication (WACC) (@waccglobal). Since the project’s inception in 1995, she has led media monitoring on the role and image of women in the United States. She also participated in WACC’s peace journalism project, coordinating peace monitoring for the United States. Dr. Sarah Macharia is the global coordinator of the Global Media Monitoring Project (GMMP) (@whomakesthenews), a 114-nations longitudinal research and advocacy initiative for gender equality in and through the news media running since 1995. She represents WACC on the International Steering Committee of the Global Alliance on Media and Gender (GAMAG) initiated by UNESCO to follow up on the implementation of the media recommendations (Section J) of the UN 1995 Beijing Platform for Action for the Advancement of Women.

Dr. Karri Whipple (@karriwhipple) is a speaker, writer, and activist who promotes transformative justice work within communities. Her work focuses on the intersection of trauma, identity politics, and religion. She is particularly interested in the ways in which gender, sexuality, and race shape responses to violence and trauma within faith traditions. The panel was moderated by the Rev. Eric C. Shafer. He is Senior Pastor at Mt. Olive Lutheran Church in Santa Monica and Vice President of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC).

Julie Brinker is Community Relations Director for the Church of Scientology in Nashville, TN. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org.

Religion communicators convene to see in new ways

By Rev. Brian Fesler, senior pastor of the Church of Scientology in Nashville, Tenn., and a member of the national board of governors for the Religion Communicators Council.

More than a hundred journalists, editors, publishers and other communications professionals convened April 10 at the Fourth Presbyterian Church in Chicago for the combined annual conventions of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) and Associated Church Press (ACP).

Entitled “Seeing in New Ways: Possibilities and Perceptions,” the convention brought together two of the oldest professional associations in the field of religion communications. RCC, formed in 1929, is the oldest interfaith professional organization in the world and has the mission “to provide opportunities for networking and professional development for people working in communications for a wide variety of faith-based organizations,” while the ACP, tracing its origin to a 1916 meeting, is brought together by a “common commitment to excellence in journalism as a means to describe, reflect, and support the life of faith and the Christian community.”

The convention opened with a challenge from its organizing committee: in a world of chaos, “What are we doing as communicators to make it better?” The opening plenary by award-winning journalist and author Judith Valente, senior correspondent for NPR affiliate WGLT Radio and writer for U.S. Catholic and National Catholic Reporter, explored that challenge and offered insights drawn from the deep well of Valente's observation tempered by her years of experience with the Wall Street Journal, Washington Post and PBS-TV.

“Reporting is a sacred trust,” said Valente, describing how journalists accompany people through tragedy, suffering and defeat as well as victory and new life. “Journalists must live on the margins of life. Stand apart, to see more clearly the forest for the social media. ... Ours is a post-truth era, an age of ‘alternate facts.’ We've reached a crisis point – we're all too willing as a society to accept exaggeration, misrepresentation of facts and sheer delusion as truth.”

Valente implored those present to play a primary role as a listener, saying only then could one channel another's experience. Drawing on the theme of the convention, she asked “How can we as religion communicators be seekers of truth and still uncover new perspectives?” Her most recent book, “How to Live: What the Rule of St. Benedict Teaches Us About Happiness, Meaning, and Community,” provided a basis for some answers to that question.

Faith reporting today is about “what it means to be alive in the twenty-first century,” Valente said, “The most compelling story can be someone living out their faith.” She detailed moving coverage of a meeting between a Muslim leader and a leader in the LGBT community in the wake of a tragic incident, and a story about a Tennessee pastor pushing the envelope to shine light on the HIV crisis. She stressed that “how people live out their faith” is as worthy of attention as other news, politics and the arts, and that the contracting of faith and values coverage by mainstream media outlets should be viewed as an opportunity for the religious press to use other avenues for getting the stories out – stories that may be about what is new, “but also about what is essential.”

So, what can religion communicators do to make this world a better place? Listen attentively, see in new ways. Find the truth in every story, and find stories in the truth of the lives of those who live their faith. Consider the views of those who conspire as well as those who inspire; write the good, expose the bad. Push pens across pages and keys into keyboards. In short, communicate. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org.

Rev. Brian Fesler is senior pastor of the Church of Scientology in Nashville, Tennessee and a member of the national board of governors for the Religion Communicators Council.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Puts Research Into Action

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

How does one take research and put it into action? This was the topic of discussion for the most recent meeting of the Religion Communicators Council, a group of religious communications professionals who meet monthly.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter recently heard from Sheila King & Magda Vaughn, two research professionals, who presented the topic of the day “Research 101: Putting Research Into Action.”

The meeting took place in early April at the Church of Scientology in Nashville.

King & Vaughn presented important information related to utilizing research to its fullest. “We were glad to have them present at today’s meeting. This is especially vital as we need to be able to use research for future projects, and the tips were wonderful,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator for the Nashville RCC.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development. The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter. 

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Learns About the Great Reset

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

What do people of vastly different faiths and backgrounds truly have in common? How can they discuss differences and walk away friends? This was the topic of discussion for the most recent meeting of the Religion Communicators Council, a group of religious communications professionals who meet monthly.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter recently heard from Kalinda Fisher, who founded the Great Reset.

The Great Reset is what Fisher dubs a series of open, heart-felt conversations around difficult topics that lead to enduring friendships between even the most disparate peoples. The series of conversations began in Fisher’s home a year ago, and has now spread to more than five other states.

The meeting took place in early March at United Methodist Communications on 12^th Avenue South in Nashville.

Fisher showcased the success of the Great Reset, and RCC members were encouraged to support her in her work, as this aligns with the purpose of the RCC, to “encourage understanding among religious and faith groups.”

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development. The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Learn about The Great Reset

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

What do people of vastly different faiths and backgrounds truly have in common? How can they discuss differences and walk away friends? This is the topic of discussion for the next meeting of the Religion Communicators Council, a group of religious communications professionals who meet monthly.

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations. The Nashville Chapter learned during a meeting last year how to get a message across with a specific audience of people. That meeting was hosted by guest speaker Kalinda Fisher of Advocate Market Research. Fisher spoke, too, about a project she has been working on: The Great Reset.

The Great Reset is what Fisher dubs a series of open, heart-felt conversations around difficult topics that lead to enduring friendships between even the most disparate peoples. The series of conversations began in Fisher’s home a year ago, and has now spread to more than five other states.

The meeting will take place March 12 over lunch at United Methodist Communications on 12^th Avenue South in Nashville.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development. The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Religion Communicators Council Discovers How to Lead When No One Listens

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

How do you engage volunteers to help forward a cause? How can you keep them coming back to help in the future? This is what religious communications professionals learned during their monthly meeting in Februrary. The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations.

“Learning how to engage people to forward good causes is so valuable,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator of the Nashville chapter of RCC, “People of faith are always looking for help to spread positive messages, or have engaging events. It’s necessary to know how to help people want to be involved.”

The meeting took place on February 5^th at the United Methodist General Council on Finance and Administration building over lunch. The guest speaker was Reah Aitken with St. Jude Research Hospital. Aitken has been engaging volunteers and working with people to promote positive messages for over a decade.

Her presentation to the Religion Communicators Council was an informal discussion on how to keep volunteers engaged. She covered tips about the right kind of swag to incentivize, as well as tips on recruitment, and various levels of volunteers (from your one time volunteer to your brand ambassadors and committee members).

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more.

The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development. The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Religion Communicators Council Learns What it Takes to Make An Idea Stick

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

How come some ideas stick while others fade? This is what religious communications professionals learned during their monthly meeting in January. The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations.

“It’s important to know how to get an idea to remain relevant and interesting,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator of the Nashville chapter of RCC, “People of faith need to stay on top of current ways to communicate their message to people, otherwise religious influence could fade.”

The meeting took place on January 8^th at United Methodist Communications over lunch. The guest speaker was Laura Buchanan, Senior Creative Content Specialist at United Methodist Communications. Her passion for writing, strategic messaging and connecting with audiences comes from a 12-year career in nonprofit fundraising and faith-based communications. Her topic on “What makes an idea memorable?” comes from the book, “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die.”

Buchanan’s presentation covered six basic ways to make content relevant and interesting: 1) keep it simple and easy to understand, 2) drop in something unexpected to grab attention, 3) make it concrete so they remember, 4) ensure the information is credible, 5) create an emotional connection with the content, and 6) tell a story.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more.

The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development. The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council to Learn What Makes an Idea Stick

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

How come some ideas stick while others fade? This is what religious communications professionals will learn during their monthly meeting in January. The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations.

“It’s important to know how to get an idea to remain relevant and interesting,” says Julie Brinker, Communications Coordinator of the Nashville chapter of RCC, “People of faith need to stay on top of current ways to communicate their message to people, otherwise religious influence could fade.”

The meeting will take place on January 8^th at United Methodist Communications over lunch. The guest speaker will be Laura Buchanan, Senior Creative Content Specialist at United Methodist Communications. Her passion for writing, strategic messaging and connecting with audiences comes from a 12-year career in nonprofit fundraising and faith-based communications. Her topic on “What makes an idea memorable?” comes from the book, “Made to Stick: Why Some Ideas Survive and Others Die.”

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more.

The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development. The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.

Nashville Religion Communicators Council Hears About Strategic Marketing

The Nashville Chapter of the Religion Communicators Council (RCC) meets monthly to talk about topics of interest and hear from professionals in religious communications.  

For any message to get across to an audience, a strong strategy is key. This is what religious communications professionals gathered to learn recently during their monthly meeting where they heard from a marketing specialist for a large electrical corporation who shared the five key ways to make strategic marketing easier.  

The Religion Communicators Council (RCC) is an interfaith association of religion communicators at work in print and electronic communication, marketing and public relations.

“Religious people need to stay on top of the way messages are communicated in today’s world,” says Rev. Brian Fesler, president of the Nashville chapter and pastor of the Church of Scientology, “Knowing key ways to strategically deliver a message is very helpful to people of faith.”

The meeting took place at United Methodist Communications over lunch.

Lori Whitbey of Schneider Electric was the guest speaker for the day. Whitbey emphasized awareness and education promoted on various media to general audiences, then strategically getting your message across to help potential clients or consumers find your products or services.

The RCC has members from every faith group and walk of life including Baha’is, Christians, Jews, Muslims, Scientologists, Sikhs, Hindus and more. The RCC, founded in 1929, is an association of communications professionals who work for and with a diverse group of faith-based organizations in the areas of communications, public relations, advertising and development. The RCC provides opportunities for communicators to learn from each other. Together, RCC members promote excellence in the communication of faith and values in the public arena and encourage understanding among religious and faith groups. For more information about the Religion Communicators Council, visit religioncommunicators.org/nashville-chapter.