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The PR Whisperer

Author, Crisis Communications Expert, Strategic Communications Advisor

We Are All Connected

February 2, 2025

We are all connected.

When there are global policy shifts, it is easy to question how the policy will impact you as an individual. And if you are American, it is easy to believe that what happens abroad will have no bearing on your day-to-day experience. But what happens in one nation can – and often does – reverberate in the United States. This will be underscored soon.

We Live in a Global World

The COVID-19 pandemic reverberated across the world. No one was immune.

Climate change has a global impact. No part of the world is exempt, although frontline communities suffer disproportionately because of it.

Wars and unrest similarly impact the world. For instance, unrest drives migration and it can also increase the prices of goods and services.

We don’t need another reminder that we live in an interconnected world. And yet, this point is about to be underscored once again.

Tariffs Will Impact Us All

President Trump’s imposition of tariffs on Mexico, Canada and China beginning on February 1, 2025 offers yet another reminder that we are all connected. The tariffs will create a chain reaction that will see prices increase for Americans as well as persons in Mexico and Canada. It is unclear how the imposition of tariffs will impact China.

The Tax Foundation “estimated the 25 percent tariffs on Canada and Mexico and 10 percent tariffs on China would amount to an average tax increase of more than $830 per US household in 2025.”

Mexico and Canada vowed to issue their own retaliatory tariffs on U.S. goods. China has said it would file a lawsuit with the World Trade Organization.

Trade War

Politico reported that “the move sets the stage for a possible North American trade war that economists say could hurt economic growth on the continent and increase inflation. The new duties take effect on Tuesday [February 4, 2025].”

Most people will experience a degree of pain and discomfort. CNN reported that “About one-third of US imports come from the three countries Trump targeted Saturday.”

For our part, Americans could see increased prices on fruits and vegetables, meat, automobiles and more.  Some will weather the pain better than others, but all will be impacted.

I am concerned about what the future holds for Americans and the world. As I said before, we are all connected. I hope the nation will remember our allies and work towards solutions that work for all.

 

Jennifer R. Farmer is the principal of Spotlight PR LLC.  Check out our blog posts and subscribe for updates

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"I have decided to show up fully and authentically. I trust you will do the same. May you find what you need in one of these books."Jennifer R. FarmerExtraordinary PR, Ordinary Budget: A Step-by-Step Guide. Order now from Berrett Koehler or your favorite book seller.   First and Only" was published by Broadleaf Books in February 2021. Order your copy at BroadLeaf Books or your favorite bookseller.

About

Jennifer R. Farmer is an author, trainer and small-business owner. She is the host of the award-winning United Methodist Women “Faith Talks” podcast, which offers spiritual growth content for women of faith. Farmer is also the author of “First and Only: A Black Woman’s Guide to Thriving at Work and in Life” (Broadleaf Books) and “Extraordinary PR, Ordinary Budget: A Strategy Guide” (Berrett-Koehler Publishers). She is the founder of Spotlight PR LLC, a boutique firm specializing in communications strategy for leaders and groups committed to social and racial justice. She is also the founder of the Center for Social Justice Leadership, which exists to support leaders and organizations in creating more inclusive workplace cultures. Farmer has provided services to national organizations and celebrities committed to addressing the climate crisis, as well as social and racial injustice.

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Testimonials and Endorsements

Jennifer Farmer is one of the smartest and most talented communicators I know. She’s passionate, knowledgeable and relatable about her work. Plus, when we spent time together, she made sure I never ate alone.

Ari Berman, Contributing WriterThe Nation

When we worked together in the Forward Together Moral Monday movement, Jennifer Farmer skillfully heard me. She allowed me to be myself, while teaching me and the NC NAACP staff foundational communications techniques.

Rev. Dr. William J. Barber, Founder, Repairers of the BreachThe North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP,The Forward Together Moral Movement

I loved this book. It is smart, practical and filled with personal examples that underscore the author’s central message: there are concrete things you can do to promote your organization with or without a large budget. Extraordinary PR, Ordinary Budget is required reading for anyone wishing to use strategic communications to make a difference.

Celinda Lake, PrincipalLake Research Partners

I sincerely appreciate your work and having you as a team member. You have helped me grow and sharpen my focus for this journey. Thank you. Love and Respect.

Michael Render, pka Killer Mike, Activist, Rapper and Businessman

“Jennifer Farmer is an insightful listener and observer of human interaction. She uses her insights to speak directly to the core issues impacting leadership. Her analysis perceptively integrates gender, race, religion, and overall worldview to offer more nuanced understandings of leadership than the one-size-fits-all approaches more commonly promoted.”

Rev. Dr. Cari Jackson, author, clergy in residence, Religious Coalition for Reproductive Choice