Message Handbook

For any testing and tracing strategy to work, we have to motivate people to act. 

At The Rockefeller Foundation, we believe science and data can inform our approach to changing behavior as much as it informs a pursuit of a vaccine. 

That’s why we’re launching today the Testing & Tracing Message Handbook. This Handbook draws on insights from cognitive science, linguistics, focus groups and a nationally representative message-testing survey. It includes audience insights, tested language and science-based do’s and don’ts that public health officials can use to transform their communications.

This Handbook will be a living document, updated with new research and tailored messages as facts on the ground change. We’ll also be working closely with public health practitioners, to understand what they need to put the recommendations into action. 

Changing communications habits won’t happen overnight. But we have to start now—and we hope you’ll join us.