Resources

CRISIS COMMUNICATIONS

Crisis Checklist

Being ready in a crisis means preparing ahead of time.

A pink background with the words 'Crisis Communications' and 'Crisis Card' prominently displayed along with an icon of a card and lock, indicating emergency communication tools.

Crisis Communications Card

BEFORE you speak to anyone in the press about your incoming crisis, review this information.

Law Enforcement Crisis Card

Our Crisis Communications Card tailored specifically for Law Enforcement.

Officer-involved shooting checklist

A checklist for actions to take in the event of an officer-involved shooting.

Crisis Roadmap

An interactive guide for navigating a crisis.

MEDIA

Pre-media interview questionnaire

Prepare for a media interview with this questionnaire and best practices.

AI Prompt

Get the most out of your AI chatbot with this comprehensive prompt.

Best Practices for producing a video

Our pro-tips for filming a professional video from your home or office.

Gear List

The gear we use and recommend as part of our work.

A graphic promoting media podcast tips and tricks with a green and blue gradient overlay, featuring a white microphone icon, and a background of audio equipment and a computer keyboard.

Podcast Tips & Tricks

Our pro-tips for creating a professional podcast.

PUBLIC RECORDS

Public Records Briefing Newsletter

Sign up to stay fresh on all things Ohio public records.

Public Records Redaction Policy

Model public records policy for redaction of body cam footage.

Ohio Public Records Request form

A helpful template for submitting a public records request.

Denial Checklist

A checklist for use by governments in reviewing whether or not a document may be withheld under Ohio public records law.

Media Advisory

Download our media advisory template and update it to suit your organization.

SOCIAL MEDIA

Social Media Policy

Model terms and conditions for use by government agencies.

A digital graphic with purple gradient background; centered text reads 'Social Media & First Amendment Attorney Reading List'; below is an illustration of a smartphone with legal symbols and speech bubbles.

Social Media & First Amendment Reading List

A reading list of case law pertaining to government social media and the First Amendment.

Cover image for a social media and First Amendment-themed questionnaire, featuring a gradient purple and blue background, a smartphone at the bottom with social media icons floating above, and a speech bubble icon in the top right corner.

Social Media & First Amendment Questionnaire

A helpful guide to ensure you are following the new First Amendment and Social Media rules.

Staff Authors

A Wordsmith’s Work
By Mark R. Weaver

A Wordsmith’s Work is for leaders who want to get things done and need strong writing and communications skills. This book offers great insight into how to make your writing persuasive and memorable. These are the tips, advice and examples of an expert communicator.

Red Alert
By Matt Dole

Red Alert is one man’s call to purge life of the phone, tablet, and computer notifications that limit your productivity. The book outlines a system for task management that has proven successful.

Is That A Fact?
By Matt Dole

From a three-month battle for Speaker of the House before the Civil War to the harrowing mission to save a Lieutenant General held by Japan as a POW - these are the fascinating stories from history that deserve to be read, shared, and re-read again.

Book cover titled 'God Bless America: 250 Years Strong' featuring an illustration of an elderly woman and two children smiling above a map of the United States with landmarks such as Mount Rushmore, the Statue of Liberty, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Mount Denali.

God Bless America:
250 Years Strong
By Mark R. Weaver

Discover “God Bless America – 250 Years Strong,” a delightful children's book that invites young readers to cherish our nation's inspiring story through the warmth of family traditions.