DemLabs blog

Fighting disinformation. Coordinate a rapid response with shared talking points.

Disinfo requires a rapid, broad spread response. Get talking points to supporters for them to spread the truth and have their messages reinforce each other. A free teleprompter with the script makes it easier and lets them give better press interviews.

This blog also includes a live map to check on the latest power outage situation in Texas and ten groups helping Texans in need.

Texas-sized disinformation

"Millions of people in Texas have been without power for days after winter storms slammed the region and devastated the state’s electricity grid. Nearly 3 million Texans were without power, according to poweroutage.us. Officials with the Electric Reliability Council of Texas (ERCOT), say the cause of the outages appeared to be natural gas providers, many of which are not designed to operate in such low temperatures, according to The Texas Tribune

Texas Gov. Abbott blames solar and windmills for blackouts!

“I go offline a few days and return to a GOP Gov blaming policies he hasn’t even implemented for his own failures. Gov. Abbott doesn’t seem to have a grasp on his state, so here’s a reminder: Texas runs 80-90% on fossil fuels. The real ‘deadly deal’ is his failed leadership. So many Texans are in desperate conditions without heat, water, and little relief. Gov Abbott needs to get off TV pointing fingers & start helping people,” Ocasio-Cortez tweeted

Teleprompter app to share talking points

Abbott spreads disinfo to shirk his own responsibility by blaming power outages on frozen windmills.

Why use a teleprompter?

Present better in online interviews (over ZOOM, WebEx Microsoft Team, Google Meet) and keep contact by having talking points scroll on the screen.
Sharing talking points with supporters so their interviews reinforce each other and amplify the message.
Update the script as needed and have your changes appear immediately in all your supporters' teleprompters.
The BigStage Teleprompter is a free app for scripts up to 300 words.

Creating a teleprompter script

Cut & paste your script into the free BigStage Teleprompter app.
Adjust the font size and scroll speed to your preference.
Save the script and shared it with a link like https://bigstageteleprompter.online/content/EZVw37WxJ1
Share the link by email or social media.

Tracking power outage in Texas

"Texans are suffering without power because those in power have failed us. As with Covid, a natural disaster has become far deadlier due to the inaction & ineptitude of Abbott and Texas’ Republican leadership. While they focused on bathroom bills, “show me your papers” legislation and fighting with sports teams over the Star Spangled Banner, 30 million Texans were left vulnerable to uncontrolled Covid spread, a bungled vaccine rollout and now this “rolling” power blackout. - Beto O'Rourke

Links to groups collecting donations for Texas relief and calling seniors to check on their welfare

Love Thy Neighbor - Austin Area Urban League  #LoveThyNeighborTX campaign to raise money for hotel rooms, food, water, clothing, and other basic needs of the housing insecure communities.
Powered by People - Call Texas seniors affected by the weather crisis to help them find the resources they need to get through the next few days safely. 
Austin Pets Alive! - Working to keep pets across Texas warm and safe during the freezing conditions. The group needs heating pads, Styrofoam coolers, dog beds, heat lamps, and monetary donations.
Caritas of Austin also helps those experiencing housing insecurity in the Austin area. You can support their work by making a monetary donation or ordering items from their Amazon wish list to be shipped directly to the center.
Lucille's 1913 Community Kitchen Prepares and distributes meals in the Houston area.
Dallas based groups (listed by CNN)
Oak Lawn United Methodist Church
OurCalling
The Stewpot
Austin Street Center
Oak Lawn United Methodist Church
More resources on Twitter

Takeaway: Help support these relief efforts with donations or by making phone calls.

Counter disinformation with a rapid response. Share talking points so your supporters' messages and interviews reinforce each other. Use the free BigStage Teleprompter to keep them on script and perform better in press interviews.

Deepak
DemLabs

Image credit: Noun Project

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DemLabs applies innovative technology and storytelling tools in service of democratic values. It lowers the barrier of funding for worthy candidates and non-profits by applying existing free/affordable solutions.