Have questions about Beyond the Choir? We have answers. Have a question not listed below? Send us an email: training@thisisreframe.org
The Academy is a five-day immersive training for people who move messages and build movements. It’s where organizers, communicators, and culture workers come to deepen their strategy, sharpen their narrative skills, and get equipped to win on the story front. We combine hands-on practice with real-time coaching to turn narrative power from a buzzword into a game plan.
This year’s Academy will be held at the Loudermilk Center in Atlanta, GA, from Monday, June 23rd through Friday, June 27th, 2025.
If you're moving messages, shifting culture, or organizing your people—this is for you.The Academy is built for organizers, communicators, digital strategists, cultural workers, artists, researchers, and anyone ready to sharpen their narrative chops. Whether you're new to narrative work or looking to level up your strategy with fresh tools and frameworks, you'll walk away with the skills and support to go bigger.
Programming during the Academy will include skills-based training sessions and small groups focused on integrating narrative strategy, research, and action. The agenda will also include space for discussions and plenary sessions on emerging issues such as the future of online networks and right-wing capture of digital media, narrative fronts and battles, and lessons on navigating AI. Some of these skills include:
View all the sessions here.
Rooted in developing the next generation of narrative strategists, ReFrame aims to fortify, expand, and replenish narrative power ecosystems. The ReFrame Academy provides impactful scaffolding allowing our movements to build the necessary relationships, infrastructure and expertise to protect and expand liberation, justice and democracy. ReFrame’s training approach combines lecture-style teaching and small group coaching to facilitate integrating participants' learning and practice into their organizations, coalitions and alliances. Trainers also use case studies and popular education to help participants develop hard skills, sharpen their strategy muscles, identify potential opportunities, and expand their understanding of what’s possible. The Academy further provides a built-in network of peers and seasoned practitioners to call upon for support and collaboration for years to come.
Academy trainers include a mix of ReFrame’s talented staff team and seasoned narrative strategists and practitioners across a spectrum of issues, geographies and experiences. Past presenters and trainers have included luminaries like Nina Smith, a battle-tested communications strategist who trained participants in the many tactical skills needed to optimize earned media opportunities, and Janna A. Zinzi, a communicator with over twenty years of experience who trained Academy participants in how to use meaningful values-based messaging to reach a range of audiences.View our trainers here.
ReFrame uses a sliding scale model to keep the Academy accessible across the movement while sustaining the deep infrastructure it takes to build narrative power.2025 Registration Rates (per seat):
Philanthropic institutions looking to purchase seats for grantees should contact sustain@thisisreframe.org.Buying 5 or more seats? Email training@thisisreframe.org to access bundle pricing and support.Note:Registration includes all programming, materials, lodging, and meals during the Academy. It does not include airfare or local transportation. ReFrame does not coordinate or fund travel—but many funders do offer travel stipends directly to grantees.
We’re capping the 2025 Academy at 150 participants—and seats go fast! To apply, click here. If accepted, you’ll receive a confirmation email with next steps and registration instructions from the ReFrame team.Deadline to apply: May 21, 2025. Don’t wait!
Narratives are the beliefs that shape our worldviews and help us make sense of the world. They are often conflicting and not tethered to ideologies.
