Support. Don't Punish communications training workshop in Asia
What is this Communications Training Workshop?
The Workshop is co-organised by the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC) and Rights Reporter Foundation (RRF). It will be held over four days on 30 April to 3 May 2018 in Bangkok, Thailand. However, only participants in the video advocacy training will join the training for four days. Participants not joining the video advocacy training will join the workshop for the first two days.
The key objective of the training is to strengthen the skills and competences of civil society partners in Asia to deploy communication strategies and technologies for the advancement of their harm reduction and drug policy reform advocacy, and the reach of the Support. Don’t Punish campaign. To do so, the training will focus on social/traditional media engagement, and the production of videos for advocacy purposes.
Based on feedback received from a survey amongst civil society organisations that have implemented Support. Don't Punish campaign activities in the past, the Workshop will comprise four components:
1.- Communications strategy
This session will run through the basics on how to structure communications that are fit for purpose: identifying campaign aims and audiences, mapping relevant channels, developing targeted messaging, building work plans and setting up indicators of success. This module will place a particular accent on producing key messages to advance advocacy efforts under the Support. Don't Punish campaign.
2.- Social media engagement
This session will identify suitable social media platforms and provide tools to plan and create tailored, compelling content that stimulates engagement.
3.- Media engagement
This session will train participants to use traditional methods of communicating with the print and broadcast media, such as writing press releases, organising press conferences and giving television interviews. It will also include a segment to analyse proposed campaign plans and discuss lessons learned.
4.- Video advocacy training (optional)
This training will cover video advocacy theory, camera handling, interview techniques, editing and distribution. Basic equipment will be provided to participants. This part of the training will focus on the basic skills needed to work with the media, including video interview simulations (and feedback), and advocacy campaign planning. Participants will also be invited to join Drug Reporter’s Video Advocacy Network, which consists mostly of previous trainings’ alumni.
Who is running this Communications Training Workshop?
Support. Don’t Punish is a global advocacy campaign launched in 2013 and hosted by the International Drug Policy Consortium (IDPC). The campaign contests drug policy approaches orientated towards the oppression of people who use drugs, instead calling for policies that maximise their health and wellbeing. With that aim, the campaign advocates for an end to criminal penalties for drug use and increased access to health and harm reduction services.
IDPCis a global network of 175 civil society organisations that promotes objective and open debate on the effectiveness, direction and content of drug policies, and supports evidence-based policies anchored in human rights, harm reduction, social inclusion and the meaningful engagement of civil society.
The Rights Reporter Foundation (RRF) is a non-profit organisation founded by Hungarian activists to advocate for the human rights of vulnerable populations, using the power of video for community mobilisation and advocacy campaigning. The main focus of their work is on people who use drugs, sex workers and people who live with HIV.
How can I apply?
The Communications Training Workshop is aimed primarily at individuals that have played a key role organising Support. Don’t Punish. campaign activities in the past in Asia. However individuals that have not had such experience but are planning to organise campaign activities in Asia this year are welcome to apply. Air fares, accomodation, visa costs and per diems will be provided.
To apply, please complete the application form below and e-mail to Ms. Sof Akbar, Policy Support Officer, IDPC, by no later than Friday 23 March 2018.
If you have any questions about the Workshop or the Application process, please do not hesitate to write to campaign@idpc.net.
Timeline for application process:
- 23 March 2018: Deadline for applications.
- 6 April 2018: Applicants informed of outcome of application process.
- 13 April 2018: List of Workshop participants confirmed, travel arrangements begin.
- 30 April to 3 May 2018: Workshop is held in Bangkok, Thailand.