Communication in Action 2006

Dear all

Following this years Communication in Action course I thought I’d mail over to you an overview of the course and some of the handouts used on the event such that you/your staff are able to support follow up learning/coaching.

The Course overview:

On day one, delegates were introduced to the theoretical side of communications, beginning with a motivational introduction from the Head of Campaigns and Communications at the public and commercial services union. In tutor groups, participants reviewed current communications provision within the union and compared and contrasted these with the communications national campaigning organisations use. Delegates then worked to identify feasibility of using the communications methods highlighted within their union, developing their personal communications toolkit. Building on this work, participants were introduced to communications strategy and worked to develop a relevant strategy for one of their union's activities. The day was concluded with a workshop focussing on the benefits and techniques of effectively lobbying both nationally, locally and within their institution.

On Day two, the course focussed on action learning through the Fibchester Scenario where tutor groups were challenged with communication issues throughout the day - including a surprise media ambush before breakfast! Throughout the day there were also workshops - short sessions that highlighted the diversity of the communications role with speakers from organisations such as SCOPE, National Union of Journalists and the Plain English Campaign (generating income for publications, dealing with complaints, proactive media, accessibility and diversity in communication, starting a publication from scratch getting your message across in interviews, and campaigning on the web). In the middle of the day, participants had the opportunity to have a short one-to-one troubleshooting meeting with experts in a variety of areas, followed by a plenary focussing on media law, specifically copyright, libel and plagiarism. The day was brought to a close with a session focussing on the future of student finance.

On Day three, there was a chance to review the Fibchester exercise and further workshops were available (Improving written communications, attracting and managing volunteers, and writing press releases and contacting local media). The course concluded with an opportunity for officers to plan for the future and the course was closed with a panel debate focussing on freedom of the press.

You can find all the documents at the links below support your learning and development of Communication in Action.

Thanks

Ian

Attracting and Managing Volunteers

Coalition 2010

A Guide to Communication Strategy

Gantt Charts

Selling Your Publication

Lobbying

Producing a SU Publication

Stakeholder Analysis

Writing a Press Release