The Right Message. The Right Moment. Real Change.

Who We Are

Courage for Progress was founded by Renitta Shannon — former Georgia House of Representatives lawmaker, community organizer, and nationally recognized political commentator. What began as RSS Consulting LLC in 2017 became Courage for Progress, LLC in 2021, formalizing a practice built on one core belief: that powerful, strategic messaging and policy is essential in the fight for lasting political and cultural change.

We are unlike traditional communications and policy firms. We are an issue-based firm with direct legislative experience plus deep roots in movement organizing, communications and policy. Our consultants bring expansive experience across social justice movements, policy knowledge, communications expertise, community and coalition building.

We specialize in working with reproductive and racial justice organizations, democracy focused organizations, advocacy groups, and elected officials who are fighting complex and often stigmatized issues. We help them connect with diverse audiences, increase support and say what needs to be said without flinching.

Group of people protesting outdoors, some holding flowers and signs, with microphones set up for a speaker, in front of a historic building.

What We Do

Strategic Message Development

We develop powerful, impactful messaging to raise awareness and reach diverse communities. We don't just hand you talking points; we collaborate with you to construct a durable narrative framework that performs across media, resonates with your target audience, and endures over time. Thoughtfully tailored to reinforce your organization’s specific values rather than relying on one-size-fits-all solutions, we offer message testing to ensure concepts land as intended across different groups. Our messaging is community-specific and informed by the nuances that exist in every social justice issue. Expertise-driven messaging is the foundation of all communication work and goals. We know how to get it right, unlike the old one-size-fits-all approaches that don’t truly speak to anyone.
Legislative Communications

Renitta applies her legislative experience to provide concise, practical communications tools for every stage of an advocacy campaign. We produce issue-specific one-pagers for meetings with lawmakers and advocacy days at the capitol, committee testimony letters ready to submit into the public record, testimony templates and trainings, and advocacy best practices for meeting with legislators. We also draft press, social, and member outreach materials that reinforce legislative goals.
Issue Framing & Narrative Strategy

We specialize in breaking down stigmatized and contested issues into clear, compelling public narratives that shift culture and build momentum for lasting change. Our approach transforms complicated policy debates into accessible stories that connect with people’s values, experiences, and aspirations. We coach clients to use storytelling as a practical skill, teaching how to translate technical detail into vivid, relatable narratives that motivate action and sustain public support. By clarifying who is affected, why it matters, and what can be done, we make issues understandable and emotionally resonant. When policy and politics are reframed in ways that center real lives and achievable solutions, seemingly intractable problems become winnable. We combine research, strategic framing, and creative communication to design frames that stick, cultivate public empathy, and turn awareness into measurable progress.
Skills Based Trainings

We help clients become authoritative, confident communicators. Drawing on Renitta's own experience as a national commentator we prepare spokespeople for high-stakes moments. Our approach centers on increasing your communication skills to create lasting change. We offer custom trainings to help your organization understand how to do effective culture shift. Our skills building trainings teach how to craft succinct messages, handle interviews under pressure, and maintain message discipline across channels. Narrative shift workshops guide participants in reframing stories, developing compelling counter-narratives, and applying storytelling techniques that resonate with key audiences. Trainings are customized for your unique needs and includes real-world simulations, and follow-up coaching to ensure skills are transferred into everyday practice.
Rapid Response Communications

In moments of crisis or political opportunity, speed and discipline matter. We provide rapid-response strategy that is clear-eyed and values-rooted. Our approach combines decisive action with careful planning: we quickly assess the landscape, prioritize core messages, and deploy tactics that protect reputation while advancing long-term goals. We move fast without sacrificing principles, aligning every decision with the values that define your movement. With seasoned communications, legal and policy insight. We ensure your team can act confidently under scrutiny and sustain momentum beyond the immediate moment.
Policy Consulting & Legislative Strategy

We know that good policy doesn't write itself. The distance between a community's needs and the legislation meant to serve them is often where the fight is lost. We review and interpret policy in plain language so organizations know exactly what a bill does, who it helps, and who it harms. We help develop clear, specific policy demands that give communities a concrete standard to hold elected officials accountable to because "do better" isn't a demand, but a well-crafted policy ask is. And we bring it all together with the communications strategy to make sure the policy work doesn't just stay in a document, it actually moves people. Beyond materials, we advise on timing, messenger selection, and coordinating constituent outreach with committee and floor activity, translating policy priorities into clear, persuasive communications that move lawmakers.

Why Courage for Progress

Most communications consultants can teach you how to talk. We can show you how to win.

Renitta has lived the legislative process from the inside and is experienced at using her communications expertise to move the needle on issues that matter. Firms that advise organizations on today’s most pressing and complex issues often only know the policy landscape. Few know what it feels like to combine movement values with policy strategy to win and shift culture for long lasting change.

That's the experience Courage for Progress brings to your work.

Rep. Renitta Shannon seated at her desk at the Georgia State Capitol.

Testimonials

“Renitta is a dynamic collaborator. She balances leading and following to co-create campaigns that empower communities and build new leaders. I highly recommend Courage For Progress.”
— Shannon Talbert, Deputy Senior Political Director, Color of Change
“Working with Courage for Progress for our quick consulting needs was easy and efficient. I highly recommend them for helping to execute unique projects.”
— Monica Simpson, Executive Director of Sistersong
“Working with Renitta made it easy to build authentic messaging that resonates with diverse communities in the reproductive health rights and justice space. I highly recommend the work of Courage For Progress.”
— Kate Stewart, ConwayStrategic