From Labels to Lives: Messaging with Respect and Impact

Episode 1

How the words we use about poverty influence donor empathy, urgency, and action and how nonprofits can shift language to better connect with supporters.

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The words nonprofits choose matter especially when communicating about poverty and need.

In this first episode of Relationship Strategy Made Simple, Kitanya examines how commonly used terms like “food insecurity” or “economic vulnerability” can unintentionally soften the reality of hardship and reduce urgency. Referencing research and a recent Chronicle of Philanthropy article, the episode highlights how human-centered language (stories that reflect real choices and real consequences) can significantly increase donor empathy and response.

Viewers will learn:

• Why technical or sanitized language can distance supporters

• How to reframe messaging to center people, not metrics

• Practical examples of language shifts that lead to stronger engagement and increased giving

This episode is particularly relevant for nonprofit teams crafting year-end appeals, donor communications, and public-facing messaging who want to move audiences from awareness to action.