Symptom 3: Doing More with less

2024-09-19

The third challenge discussed was how to do more with less. CSOs around the world often struggle with limited financial and human resources, which constrains their ability to boost communications efforts and limits their visibility both online and offline.

Causes: There is little funding for communications activities even though organisational strengthening in this area is increasingly considered crucial. Limited financial and human resources often lead to underfunded communications activities, affecting both the quality and reach. Overworked staff with multiple responsibilities struggle to find the time needed to manage and update communications platforms effectively – and most importantly to experiment. Limited funding and human resources also mean that often visibility or outreach strategies cannot be fully developed. Spefically some of the issues encountered are:

Lack of dedicated funds for communications activities and initiatives

Lack of time to post information due to few yet over-worked staff

Lack of technical knowledge for the creation of visuals, video and audio editing

Lack of visibility and reach even when content is posted

Pontential Cures

Long-Term

Include communication deliverables in larger project grant applications to secure funding specifically for communications activities.

Create a communications strategy that prioritizes low-cost, high-impact activities to ensure consistent visibility and engagement.

Engage your network to contribute their skills in areas like graphic design or video production

Medium-Term

Plan and organize content creation and distribution to ensure regular updates and efficient use of resources - for instance with a communications calendar.

Tap into communications networks and groups like CommsForUs. Join networks or create your own space where communication professionals in your network can share resources, ideas, and collaboration opportunities.

Short-Term

Utilize free tools like Canva for graphic design and Zencastr or Cyberlink for audio and video editing to create content on a budget.

Schedule posts in advance on platforms like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn to maintain a consistent presence with less daily effort.

Repurpose content by transforming existing content into different formats, such as turning blog posts into social media snippets, infographics, or short videos.

Partner with organisations in the Forus network for instance in your region, or to share your messages at a global event, for cross-promotion to enhance visibility and reach.

Healthy experiences from the Forus network and beyond:

A few communications resources (feel free to add yours): CommsForUs communications Resources.docx

5 communications tips for small NGOs to attract supporters – Bond, UK

Communications for civil society Toolkit - Civicus

2024-09-19

Symptom 1: Limited digital presence and online engagement

Forus members brought to the networks’ attention the little visibility their platforms has online. In an era of overflow of information and disinformation, civil society organisations with a local, national, regional and international relations are urged to ensure their digital presence is up to date and in a clear, concise and inclusive way . The connections, reputation and credibility they aim to ensure with their members, partners and potential funders or governments strongly connects with the quality and engagement of their digital presence.

2024-09-19

Symptom 2: Challenging Narratives

One key challenge discussed was how to promote positive narratives around the work of civil society organisations. Narratives hold significant power. Forus and its members have embarked on an innovative journey to create alternative narratives, much of which is being driven by CSOs within the human rights community. This effort is aimed at better articulating the critical role of civil society and highlighting the public value of their contributions. Here's how you can integrate narrative-building work into your communications strategies.