CAPIO Chirp

In this episode, Emily Popek, APR, VP of Strategic Communications for Nichols Strategies, discusses the importance of web content accessibility guidelines (WCAG) for government agencies, the deadlines for compliance, and practical steps for implementation. As accessibility becomes a priority, it’s time for public information professionals to embrace these changes and lead the way in creating inclusive digital environments. For a deeper dive into these insights and more, listen to the full episode of the CAPIO Chirp.
Links:
Nichols Strategies’ Digital Accessibility Professional Learning Community (PLC) - A virtual learning community for school communications professionals looking to enhance the accessibility of their communications.
Section508.gov - Provides technical assistance to help federal agencies comply with Section 508 requirements, and ensure that covered ICT is accessible to, and usable by, individuals with disabilities.
WebAIM.org – WebAIM (Web Accessibility In Mind) has provided comprehensive web accessibility solutions since 1999. These years of experience have made WebAIM one of the leading providers of web accessibility expertise internationally. WebAIM is a non-profit service center at Utah State University.
View episode on YouTube

Ready to transform your LinkedIn game?
In our latest CHIRP episode, we dive into how public communicators are shifting their strategies on LinkedIn from an afterthought to a strategic asset.
Listen as Chris Gray Garcia and Eric Palmer share their insights on creating valuable content that resonates with different audiences—from employees to community influencers.
Why does this matter? It’s time to rethink how we engage on platforms where professional growth and collaboration thrive!

#LinkedInStrategies #PublicCommunications #ProfessionalNetworking #CapioChirp #ContentCreation

The countdown is on! ⏳ The annual CAPIO Conference returns the week of May 11 in San Diego! Are you ready to make some waves?
In this episode of the CAPIO Chirp, we preview what’s ahead in conversation with CAPIO President-Elect Sonja Dosti, APR. Conference highlights include sessions on AI, social media, emergency response, media relations, and building public trust. Plus networking opportunities, tips for first-time attendees, and updates to this year’s EPIC Awards celebration.
Don’t miss your chance to connect, learn, and be inspired.
We also have some bonus material for you. At the conference, be sure to connect with our sponsors/vendors. We had an opportunity to talk with a couple of them at last year’s conference in Napa.
📅 Register by April 27 at capio.org

In the latest segment, we're diving into what it’s REALLY like to be a government PIO in the fire service. 🚒💬
Learn how a former TV reporter and social media influencer use their backgrounds to help create award winning fire communications content. Every day is different: from posting alerts on working fires to educating the public about illegal fireworks, highlighting “What’s for Lunch” at the firehouse and even showing crews rescuing cats from trees!  
Takeways:
How to make viral, eye-catching reels from popular trends (and do them even better) 
How to convince staff to become "actors" in video content creation. 🎥
Tips for encouraging firefighters to capture video on the scene. 🚨📱
Which social platforms will get your messages to the right people? 🌍
And YES, bloopers. Because even firefighters have their moments! 😂
👉 Listen now

AI is evolving fast and it’s changing how PIO’s communicate every day.
In this episode, we chat with Chris Shepard, Communications Officer for the City of Folsom, about how best to harness the power of advanced AI tools.
Chris explains how to use platforms like ChatGPT, Google Gemini, and Claude to save time, spark ideas, and strengthen your messaging.
Whether you’re experimenting with AI or ready to level up your strategy, this conversation is packed with practical tips you can start using right away.
🎧 Give it a listen and join us on CAPIO Chirp!

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