Real Talks Wisconsin: Partner Materials
We are working with people and organizations to change the conversation about substance use. Join us in building a healthy state where everyone has the opportunity to live their best lives.
Why was Real Talks Wisconsin created?
Real Talks Wisconsin: Backgrounder, P-03314A (PDF)
What are the key messages of Real Talks Wisconsin?
Real Talks Wisconsin: Talking Points, P-03314B (PDF)
Toolkit
Help people throughout Wisconsin understand the importance of talking about substance use, connecting people in need to treatment, and supporting recovery for everyone. Use these Real Talks Wisconsin materials in your community.
Promote Real Talks Wisconsin through outdoor advertising. One billboard design is available. Contact us for the billboard design file.
Promote Real Talks Wisconsin in church bulletins, employee/company newsletters, organization newsletters, school newsletters, and/or through email blasts. Use one of the drop-in articles below. Contact us with questions or concerns about these drop-in articles.
Real Talks Wisconsin: It takes all of us to help prevent and reduce substance use
Everyone has a role in preventing and reducing substance use. Knowing the facts about drugs and how they impact people and communities is the first step toward preventing and reducing substance use. Real Talks Wisconsin is an effort of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Wisconsin Department of Justice to provide the information Wisconsinites need to keep themselves, their families, and their communities healthy and safe. It promotes conversations on the impacts of substance use in order to build supportive communities where prevention works, treatment is available, and recovery can happen for everyone. Visit RealTalksWI.org for the facts about substance use in Wisconsin, talk tips, and more.
Learn how to talk about drug use
Although substance use is common in Wisconsin, it is often not talked about or gets dismissed because of feelings of shame or wrongdoing. This stigma can prevent people from seeking help. Supportive, stigma-free environments focused on hope and healing are possible all across Wisconsin. How? By having real talks. Real talks are frequent open, honest, and caring conversations about substance use. Real talks are based on asking open-ended questions, having empathy, and helping to problem solve. They are the foundation of individual and community health and well-being. Visit RealTalksWI.org for talk tips and more. Real Talks Wisconsin is an initiative of the Wisconsin Department of Health Services and Wisconsin Department of Justice.
Promote Real Talks Wisconsin on your local radio stations. Share these live read public service announcements with them. Contact us with questions or concerns about these live read public service announcements.
:15
Real talks are real simple, and they can make a real difference in building healthy communities. Learn how conversations can prevent and reduce substance use in [community name]. Go to RealTalksWI.org. Sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Wisconsin Department of Justice, and [Local Organization Name].
:30
Real talks can make a real difference in the lives of the people you care about and the well-being of your community. They offer connection, hope, and healing by reducing the feelings of shame or wrongdoing involving substance use. Nervous? Don't be. Real talks are easier than you may think. Get started today. Go to RealTalksWI.org for talks tips and more. This message is sponsored by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services, Wisconsin Department of Justice, and [Local Organization Name].
Promote Real Talks Wisconsin in local media. Use the news release below. Contact us with questions or concerns about the news release.
Sample partner news release (WORD)
Your local media may wish to interview you about Real Talks Wisconsin. To prepare for local media interviews, review the follow resources:
Promote Real Talks Wisconsin on social media. Use the posts below. Contact us with questions or concerns about these social media posts.
Instructions
- Save the image to your device.
- Upload the image to your social media account
- Use the text below the image to complete the post.
Post 1
Talking with a loved one about substance use isn’t as difficult as you might think. RealTalksWI.org can help you learn how to have calm, compassionate conversations about substance use. If you’re worried, don’t wait. Get started today. #RealTalksWI
Post 2
Who should have real talks about substance use? All of us. Because prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery can all start with caring #conversations. start with open, caring conversations. When we all know how to talk about substance use, we can all help strengthen and protect the people and community around us. Start here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm #RealTalksWI
Post 3
#Conversation can be powerful. Having frequent, open real talks about substance use can give someone the information they need to make healthy choices and find support. You can make a real difference. Start here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm #RealTalksWI
Post 4
#Conversations about substance use can be filled with labels, misinformation, and hurtful stereotypes. Learn how to reduce #stigma in your conversations and #community at RealTalksWI.org today. #RealTalksWI
Post 5
From peer support groups to inpatient care, there are many different and effective paths for substance use recovery and support. RealTalksWI.org can help you understand the differences and connect with options that feel right for you or your loved one. #RealTalksWI
Post 6
We can all take small actions to prevent and reduce substance use, like having real talks with our loved ones and community, and securing and safely disposing of medications. You can even support policies that protect vulnerable populations. It all helps. Start here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm #RealTalksWI
Post 1
Talking with a loved one about substance use isn’t as difficult as you might think. RealTalksWI.org can help you learn how to have calm, compassionate conversations about substance use. If you’re worried, don’t wait. Get started today. #RealTalksWI
Post 2
Who should have real talks about substance use? All of us. Because prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery can all start with caring #conversations. start with open, caring conversations. When we all know how to talk about substance use, we can all help strengthen and protect the people and community around us. Start here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm #RealTalksWI
Post 3
#Conversation can be powerful. Having frequent, open real talks about substance use can give someone the information they need to make healthy choices and find support. You can make a real difference. Start here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm #RealTalksWI
Post 4
#Conversations about substance use can be filled with labels, misinformation, and hurtful stereotypes. Learn how to reduce #stigma in your conversations and #community at RealTalksWI.org today. #RealTalksWI
Post 5
From peer support groups to inpatient care, there are many different and effective paths for substance use recovery and support. RealTalksWI.org can help you understand the differences and connect with options that feel right for you or your loved one. #RealTalksWI
Post 6
We can all take small actions to prevent and reduce substance use, like having real talks with our loved ones and community, and securing and safely disposing of medications. You can even support policies that protect vulnerable populations. It all helps. Start here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm #RealTalksWI
Post 1
Talking with a loved one about substance use isn’t as difficult as you might think. RealTalksWI.org can help you learn how to have calm, compassionate conversations about substance use. If you’re worried, don’t wait. Get started today. #RealTalksWI
Post 2
Who should have real talks about substance use? All of us. Because prevention, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery can all start with caring #conversations. start with open, caring conversations. When we all know how to talk about substance use, we can all help strengthen and protect the people and community around us. Start here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm #RealTalksWI
Post 3
#Conversation can be powerful. Having frequent, open real talks about substance use can give someone the information they need to make healthy choices and find support. You can make a real difference. Start here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm #RealTalksWI
Post 4
#Conversations about substance use can be filled with labels, misinformation, and hurtful stereotypes. Learn how to reduce #stigma in your conversations and #community at RealTalksWI.org today. #RealTalksWI
Post 5
From peer support groups to inpatient care, there are many different and effective paths for substance use recovery and support. RealTalksWI.org can help you understand the differences and connect with options that feel right for you or your loved one. #RealTalksWI
Post 6
We can all take small actions to prevent and reduce substance use, like having real talks with our loved ones and community, and securing and safely disposing of medications. You can even support policies that protect vulnerable populations. It all helps. Start here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/real-talks/index.htm #RealTalksWI
Promote Real Talks Wisconsin at events. Hand out this wallet card. Contact us for the print-ready file.
Outside panels
Inside panels
Real Talks Wisconsin Wallet Card, P-03314
Promote our other initiatives!
- Small Talks: How WI prevents underage drinking
- Dose of Reality: Opioids in Wisconsin
- Resilient Wisconsin: Connected, stronger, thriving
Know the impact of substance use on Wisconsin residents and communities
We work closely with people working to prevent and reduce substance use to provide data on the use of substances across the state and the resulting consequences.