At the National Digital Roundtable, the best ideas are not theoretical. They are born out of necessity. That spirit was clear at our recent session at the Capital Area Food Bank, where communicators from across sectors shared how they are stretching every dollar and every hour to meet today’s challenges.

The discussion reminded us that success is not about the size of your budget. It is about how creatively you use the tools you already have.

• Storytelling over statistics. Reports drive change only when they are woven into ongoing narratives. Smart teams treat research like a content engine rather than a one-off deliverable.
• AI as an amplifier. Communicators are using AI to sharpen focus, test ideas, and scale design tasks. The payoff comes when AI amplifies human judgment instead of replacing it.
• Design belongs to everyone. A Canva template or quick quote card is no longer optional. Visual assets are the currency of digital attention.
• Authentic video wins. A phone, a small microphone, and a clear story often outperform expensive explainers. The reason is simple: they show the people behind the mission.
  Influence is personal. From LinkedIn thought leaders to internal champions, organizations are learning that trust is built by people, not logos.

The most striking theme was optimism. Even in resource-constrained environments, communicators are experimenting, sharing what works, and proving that constraints can spark creativity.

Attendee Paul Mackie also captured the discussion in his own recap, where he outlined how organizations are rethinking digital report launches, embracing tools like Canva Pro and Adobe Express for design, leaning on AI to focus outreach, and using quick, authentic video to connect with audiences. He also emphasized the growing role of influencers and the importance of A/B testing to bring leaders on board with new tactics. You can read his full write-up here:  Tools and tips for digital communicators on small to no budgets