Background

In view of the fact that civil society organizations play a major role in the developing, dynamic environment prevailing in Palestine, the PASSIA Training Programs seek to empower civil society practitioners to deal more effectively with the tasks ahead. Civil society organizations (CSOs) need to convey their respective messages in the various media, which requires persuasive presentation and competent communication. The course on Communication Skills will enhance the participants’ capacities to give presentations, to communicate, to utilize media venues and to plan and implement public/promotional activities.

Application Requirements

The training program is designed for participants who have a public/media relations component to their work requirements and wish to enhance their skills. Normally, the applicant holds a BA degree or its equivalent. Non-graduates with a relevant experience are also welcome to apply. Priority will be given to candidates with a civil society background. Applicants must be able to commit themselves full-time throughout the required period and to undertake preparatory reading and written work. A good knowledge of written and spoken English is essential.

Program Structure and Content

The training program on Communication Skills will focus on practical training and hands-on exercises in relevant fields and concepts and is structured as follows:

Preparation. Prior to the seminar the selected participants will be provided with a reading package, which will enable them to become familiar with the course material. Each participant will be required to write a brief paper on a subject related to the seminar. The presentation of this paper will be an integral part of the program.

Intensive Seminar. During the six-day intensive seminar local and international experts will introduce key issues and establish a fundamental background on the concepts and practice of media relations and presentation/communication skills. Participants will be encouraged throughout the training period to relate their training to actual issues and experiences at the institutions with which they are involved.

Seminar Topics include:

• Psychology of Communication and Perception
• Basic Writing Skills
• Presentation Techniques
• Effective Communication (goals, audiences, themes, and networking)
• Getting and Holding Attention
• Using Media to Disseminate and Gather Information
• Event Organizing & Promotional Activities
• Preparing Materials
• Case Studies

Conclusion. At the close of the training program, certificates will be awarded by PASSIA to participants who successfully complete the program.

Procedure

Completed application forms must be submitted to PASSIA by Friday, 8 August 2003. PASSIA will then invite short-listed applicants to interviews. Applicants will be notified of the results and, upon selection, participants will have to confirm their commitment to full-time participation in writing as well as submit a letter from their employers confirming that they will be exempted from work during the required period.

The PASSIA Training Program will take place from 11-16 September 2003 at PASSIA’s premises in Ramallah. All candidates must commit themselves to participate fully during the entire period. There are no costs involved; accommodation will be provided for selected participants from remote locations upon their request.

Sept. 11, 2003

9:30 a.m. – 10 a.m. – Welcoming Address / Opening Remarks

Dr. Mahdi Abdul Hadi, Head of PASSIA, Jerusalem

10 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. – Perception and Communication – Psychological Aspects

Dr. Khaleel Isa, Psychologist, UNDP Tokten Program

11:15 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – Break

11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Perception and Communication – Psychological Aspects, contd.

Dr. Khaleel Isa

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Participants (on preparatory assignments)

3 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Break

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Participants

Sept. 12, 2003

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Introduction to Media and Communications

Rami Khouri, Executive Editor, The Daily Star, Beirut

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Communication Strategies and Techniques for Effective Action (1): Knowing Target Audiences and Defining Publicity and Communication Goals

Rami Khouri

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Communication Strategies and Techniques for Effective Action (2): Selecting the Right Media-Outlets, Target Groups and Individuals

Rami Khouri

3 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Break

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Developing Communications Skills, contd.

Rami Khouri

Sept. 13, 2003

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Effective Presentations and Communications (1): The Right Message to the Right Audience: Clarifying Audiences, Themes, and Messages

Rami Khouri

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Effective Presentations and Communications (2): Fundamentals of Effective Writing

Rami Khouri

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Exercises

Rami Khouri

3 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Break

3:15 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Communication Skills – A Diplomat’s Perspective

Afif Safieh, PLO Delegate to the UK and the Vatican

Sept. 14, 2003

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Developing Communications Skills (interpersonal communication, speech-making and public speaking, conflict resolution, and interviews)

Rami Khouri

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Communication Strategies – Case Study from a Palestinian NGO

Allam Jarrar, Executive Board Member, Union of Palestinian Medical Relief Committees, and Steering Committee Member, Palestinian NGO Network

12:30 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 4 p.m. – Visit to Al-Ayyam Newspaper (Tour of the printing process and Question & Answer Session with editors/journalists)

Sept. 15, 2003

9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. – Visit to Al-Jawwal (PR & Media Strategies)

Hakam Kanafani, Chief Executive Officer, Jawwal

12:30 p.m. – 2 p.m. – Lunch

2 p.m. – 3:15 p.m. – Public and Media Relations: Getting Attention, Preparing Materials

Rami Khouri

3:15 p.m. – 3:30 p.m. – Break

3:30 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. – Public and Media Relations, contd.

Rami Khouri

Sept. 16, 2003

9:15 a.m. – 10:45 a.m. – Presentation Skills – Case Study

Michael Tarazi, Lawyer, Negotiations Support Unit

10:45 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Break

11 a.m. – 12:15 p.m. – Communication Skills – A Donor’s Perspective (How to Communicate Interests and Present an Organization/Project)

John Viste, Deputy Director, Care West Bank and Gaza

12:15 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. – Lunch

1:30 p.m. – 3 p.m. – Final Discussion and Wrap-up