In this enlightening episode of the Prevention Leaders Podcast, host Dave Closson sits down with Ben Tanzer, trainer and storyteller from The Montana Institute, to explore the transformative role of strategic communication in substance misuse prevention. Together, they discuss the importance of data-driven messaging, the pitfalls of fear-based campaigns, and how positive community norms can inspire hope and action. Whether you’re a prevention professional, community leader, or advocate, this episode is packed with actionable insights to elevate your impact.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- The role of hope and concern in prevention messaging.
- Why fear-based campaigns often fail to drive action.
- How data and personal stories can reshape community narratives.
- Practical strategies for engaging communities through positive framing.
- Ben’s journey to finding his “why” and how it fuels his prevention work.
Key Quotes:
- “Communications that don’t lead to action aren’t necessarily effective.”* – Ben Tanzer
- “Your work is only as impactful as your ability to connect with others.”* – Ben Tanzer
Resources and Links Mentioned:
- The Montana Institute: Learn more about the Positive Community Norms framework.
- DJC Solutions: Explore tools and training opportunities with host Dave Closson.
- Ben Tanzer’s Website: Connect with Ben and learn about his work.
About Ben Tanzer: Ben Tanzer is a trainer, storyteller, and strategic communication expert with The Montana Institute. His work focuses on elevating communities by crafting positive, hope-filled messaging grounded in data and personal stories. A passionate advocate for prevention, Ben brings over two decades of experience to his work, helping organizations and professionals communicate more effectively and inspire change.
--- Don’t miss this transformative conversation with Ben Tanzer. Listen to the episode now, and take the next step in elevating your prevention efforts. Share your feedback, stories, or questions in the comments or via email—we’d love to hear from you!
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