Application is now open for the online training course on working with the media, by the Rights Reporter Foundation (Drugreporter).
Introduction
Working with the media is a must for NGOs in the drugs field. However, very few activists and professionals have the necessary communication skills to do it effectively. With the help of this practical capacity building training, participants will be able to use the traditional methods of communicating with the print and broadcast media, such as writing press releases, organising press conferences, giving television interviews. The first part of the training gives an introduction to the basics of media communication from the perspective of civil society activists/professionals. It refutes some common myths and false preconceptions about the media, outlines the structure, length and content of press releases and press conferences, and explains to participants how to organise communication within an organisation. Useful tips are given about television interviews, trainers and students discuss ethical issues and methods to evaluate communication. In the second, more practical part of the workshop participants can practice what they have learnt. They break up into smaller groups which have to build a media campaign concept, write a press release and give test TV interviews. In the third, plenary part of the workshop we analyse the campaign plans, press releases and TV interviews together and discuss lessons learned.
Learning outcomes:
Participants will gain theoretical and practical skills enabling them to communicate with the mainstream media in a professional way. By the end of the workshop, students will:
- be able to work with professional media workers in an effective way;
- be familiar with creating communication tools such as press releases, organise press conferences;
- organise communication related tasks within an organisation, monitor and evaluate your work;
- learn how to give television interviews through test interviews and avoid common mistakes.
Course outline:
Module 1 – December 7, 2021: Interactive presentation on working with the media.
Between modules: Working on test press releases and interviews with some participants. The simulated TV interviews will be recorded and discussed together with the group at the second Zoom call.
Module 2 – December 10, 2021: Interactive discussion, analyzing participants’ press releases and simulated TV interviews.
Who are we looking for?
The RRF is ready to train 15 drug policy and harm reduction activists from around the world, who would like to enhance their capacity for media engagement. The applicant must work in the field of harm reduction and drug policy reform advocacy, or be closely affiliated with such an organisation.
Financing and cooperation
This training is being offered free of charge for participants, thanks to the support of the “Harm Reduction Consortium”, financed by the Robert Carr Fund for civil society networks. This training is organised by the Rights Reporter Foundation (RFF), in close cooperation with the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC).
How to apply?
Fill out this online application form by November 22, 2021 for the media training.
Because of the interactive nature of the training, there is a limit on the number of participants.
This is one of two open calls for applications, the other being for media training. Individuals are welcome to apply for both training opportunities if they wish.
