In celebration of National Energy Awareness Month, KQ Communications, a leader in purpose-driven strategic communication, has published its inaugural white paper, “Turning Clean Energy into a Verb: Engaging Communities of Color with Effective Clean Energy Communication Strategies.” This groundbreaking report focuses on closing the gap that exists between communications professionals in clean energy and communities of color in the Southeast. 

According to the World Health Organization, climate change is a constant threat to human health. As global concerns continue to grow, the need for engaging and compelling communication on clean energy has never been more critical. KQ Communications’ white paper provides thought-provoking research on how to message, engage, and empower communities that are often excluded from strategic communication discussions.

“This white paper is more than just a resource - it’s a call to action,” said KQ President and Founder Renee Malone, APR. “Our mission has always been to amplify the voices of those who get overlooked in all conversations, including clean energy. Our goal with this report is to equip clean energy professionals and communicators with strategies to lead the charge, especially when communicating with communities of color.”

Five Fast Facts from the White Paper:

1. 38% of survey participants believe clean energy is a solution for climate change AND should be a priority for the U.S.

2. Rural BIPOC participants are more likely to never think about clean energy compared to urban participants who think about clean energy multiple times a week.

3. 21% of respondents learned about clean energy from the local news

4. 58% of 18-24 year-old BIPOC respondents want to learn about clean energy from social media, specifically YouTube, Instagram and TikTok

5. Interview findings indicated that one of the most important things a professional can do is show up and meet people where they are. This builds trust.

The publication of “Turning Clean Energy into a Verb: Engaging Communities of Color with Effective Clean Energy Communication Strategies” marks a significant milestone for KQ Communications as the firm expands its thought leadership into the clean energy sector.

KQ Communications invites clean energy professionals, communicators, and other stakeholders to download the white paper and learn new strategies for effectively engaging with communities of color. The white paper is available to view at no cost on the KQ website: https://kqcommunications.com/clean-energy-report/.