Toyin Alli

New publication! I’m very proud of this project for a variety of reasons. It was the first project that I started when I arrived at the University of Alabama. I partnered with Dr. Mackenzie Quick, who was a PhD candidate and my graduate research assistant at the time, to analyze pro-choice and anti-abortion television advertising and social media strategy from the two prominent interest groups campaigning in 2022’s Kansas constitutional referendum on abortion. In our very first research meeting in August 2022, we decided to look at the Kansas campaign because it had just made news for the surprising pro-choice results and because it was a topic that could utilize both of our academic strengths and interests. Mackenzie is a leading expert on abortion activist communication, recently completing her dissertation on the topic, and methodologically trained in qualitative analytical approaches to social media data. I research political campaign communication such as advertisements and was trained in Twitter data collection practices. We found that the two campaigns relied on three primary approaches to voter outreach. First, they emphasized the extreme outcomes that could happen from the opposing side winning the ballot initiative, with vivid imagery and warnings of unlimited abortions or complete bans with no exceptions. Second, the two campaigns both used integrity signals to argue that the other side was being deceptive while their campaign was being honest and transparent to voters about the ballot initiative’s intent and outcomes. Third, both campaigns made appeals to conservative Kansan identity. For example, the pro-choice side leaned on local spokespersons such as Christian ministers and doctors in some ads while comparing government-mandated abortion restrictions to government COVID mandates in other ads. At the time of our data analysis, the Kansas ballot initiative was the first and only direct referendum on the Dobbs SCOTUS decision. Since then, in 2022 and beyond there have been numerous ballot initiatives, and the Fall 2024 elections will feature others in states such as Arkansas, Florida, and Arizona. As a harbinger of these campaigns, we believe this case study of Kansas is timely and relevant for researchers and practitioners looking ahead to the 2024 campaign cycle. If any news outlets are looking for expert commentary on abortion ballot initiatives, Dr. Quick is your source. And for any UA students interested in political communication, we’ll cover topics like this in APR 490: Political Advertising and Public Relations this fall! https://lnkd.in/eyvHzTq7

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🌟 Exciting Opportunity to Shape the Future of Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) Training in North Carolina! 🌟 We are thrilled to announce a collaborative statewide research initiative between Asheville-Buncombe Technical Community College (A-B Tech), Stanly Community College, Forsyth Technical Community College, and the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (NC DHHS). This project aims to gather valuable insights from those directly involved with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD). We are conducting focus groups to identify critical training topics and skills for Direct Service Professionals (DSPs). These focus groups will provide a platform for sharing your experiences and perspectives, helping to shape the future of DSP training programs. We’re looking for participants who fall into one of these categories: 🟢 Individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities (I/DD) 🟢 Direct Service Professionals (DSPs) 🟢 Parents/guardians/family members of a person with I/DD Why Participate? Your insights are crucial! By contributing, you will play a direct role in enhancing training programs for DSPs, ensuring they have the skills and knowledge needed to provide the best possible care and support to individuals with I/DD. Key Participation Details: ✅ Participation is completely voluntary, and you can opt out at any time. ✅ All discussions are confidential, and your identity will remain anonymous in any reports. ✅ The focus groups will be recorded for transcription purposes, but recordings will not be shared outside the research team. If you or someone in your network is interested, we invite you to sign up by completing the form linked below, which includes available dates and times for the focus groups. 🔗 Complete the Focus Group Participation Survey: https://lnkd.in/e8Cp5Fkf For more information or any questions, please feel free to reach out to: 📧 Dr. Kara Finch: [email protected] 📧 Porscha Orndorf: [email protected] 📧 Betsey Zook: [email protected] Thank you for helping us shape the future of DSP training and make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals with I/DD. Your voice matters! #DirectServiceProfessionals #DisabilitySupport #IDDSupport #Research #CommunityCare #TrainingInitiative #NorthCarolinaResearch Porscha Orndorf, M.A., CPSS Betsey Zook

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Do you have data projects that could benefit from interactions with some amazing UVA School of Data Science students? Come to our info session on August 2 to learn more!

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Have you heard about RBTC’s new Emerging Tech Conference: #DisruptUp?   📅 Date: November 14-15, 2024 🏨 Location: Hotel Roanoke, #Roanoke, VA The Disrupt Up Conference is a new annual national innovation conference in the Roanoke-NRV region, powered by the Roanoke - Blacksburg Technology Council (#RBTC). This year's theme is AI in 2024, bringing together top minds to explore the cutting-edge advancements and applications of artificial intelligence. 📌 What to Expect: Keynotes, Panels, and Workshops: Dive into AI's impact on biotechnology, technology, and startups. 📌 Track Themes: AI in the workplace, emerging trends, leadership, social impact, R&D, and modern engineering. 📌 Engaging Sessions: Use-case presentations, founder stories, and discussions on building a STEM talent hub. ✅ Who Should Attend? Technologists, innovators, and enthusiasts of AI! This event is designed for anyone passionate about leveraging emerging technologies for success across various industries. 🎤 Be a Speaker!  Fill out this Form:  https://lnkd.in/exzxStKX RBTC is looking for subject matter experts in tech and life sciences to moderate panels and present. If you have a presentation or know someone who would be a great fit, submit your idea and help shape the Disrupt Up experience!  🗣️ Your Input Matters! Help Shape the Disrupt Up Conference! 🔗 Take the Survey: AI in Business Survey: https://lnkd.in/eynN3wtq Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Council (RBTC) is eager to understand how organizations across industries are incorporating AI technologies. We invite you to share your insights and experiences by completing a short survey. Your feedback will help us tailor the conference to address the most relevant and pressing AI topics. Whether you're a seasoned AI expert or just beginning your journey, your input is invaluable! 🔗 Register Now: https://lnkd.in/eH-B4N8q Can’t wait. See you there! #DisruptUp #AI2024 #GenerativeAI #EmergingTechnologies #Innovation #TechConference #RBTC #STEM #Leadership #Technology #Biotech #Startups #RoanokeVa

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Here are some thoughts regarding the UNC System Guidance for Implementing its Equality Policy. Positive Areas: Reaffirmation of Core Principles: - Reaffirms the University’s commitment to nondiscrimination, equality of opportunity, and academic freedom. Focus on Student Success: - Emphasizes student success metrics and tailored support initiatives to foster an inclusive educational environment. Encourages Neutrality: - Directs campuses to maintain institutional neutrality, potentially reducing conflicts and ensuring an unbiased academic environment. Protection of Academic Freedom: - Explicitly protects academic freedom, allowing faculty to teach and research without administrative interference. Clear Guidance on Compliance: - Provides clear instructions for consistent compliance across the University system. Maintains Support for Diversity Initiatives: - Allows support groups based on immutable characteristics, promoting diversity without violating neutrality principles. Problematic areas: Ambiguity in Implementation: - Neutrality requirements may cause confusion, resulting in inconsistent implementation. Potential Limitation on Advocacy: - Could limit the University’s ability to support social justice initiatives, seen as a step back in promoting diversity and inclusion. Impact on DEI Offices: - Could significantly impact DEI offices, reducing resources and support for these functions. Challenges for Centers and Initiatives: - Centers that engaged in advocacy may need to restructure, disrupting ongoing projects. Potential Chilling Effect: - Emphasis on neutrality might discourage faculty and staff from engaging in social issue discussions, stifling conversations and inquiry. Administrative Burden: - Extensive reporting and compliance checks could divert resources from direct student support and academic activities. Impact on Public Service and Community Engagement: - Restrictions on content endorsement could limit the University’s engagement in community service and public policy reducing its societal impact. #dei #highered #antidei #leadership

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