The complete FICE training program comprises three phases: a communication diagnostic, three in-person or online workshops followed by remote technical assistance, as explained below.
To better understand the organizations’ potential to use communications as a strategy for social change and prepare a customized training module, FICE conducts an in-depth needs assessment of each participating organization, which includes: revision of current institutional identity (mission, vision, and values), revision of online and off-line communication materials, and conduct interviews with the staff, beneficiaries, and donors.
Throughout the program, FICE maintains contact with participating organizations, consolidating everything the organizations have learned at the workshops, and encouraging the integration of the organizations’ communications strategies.
There are three in-person workshops, each lasting three days addressing the following topics:
Participating organizations learn about communication for social change and how to identify, create and communicate their institutional identity (mission, vision, and values).
Participating organizations apply the FICE methodology to develop a communication strategy and strengthen their capacity to create powerful, authentic, and accurate messages.
Participating organizations learn to align their branding and positioning in their communication materials in a consistent and professional way.
FICE also provides advanced training for leaders of organizations who have successfully completed FICE training and demonstrate outstanding strategic communication aptitudes and skills. These leaders become known as TOT’s (Trainer of Trainers).
Through this training, participants further strengthen their communication skills and become facilitative leaders of the FICE methodology, which they will be able to share with other organizations in their own regions.
All participating organizations become part of a South-South learning community. Through social media, video and phone calls, email or in-person, participants have access to training materials, webinars, announcements, and collaboration mechanisms.
We encourage peer learning by facilitating optional visits to participating organizations outside of the official workshops. This learning network is a space that helps organizations to sharpen their skills, create more connections and achieve impact beyond the FICE training period.
Red Colaborar (“Collaborative Network”) is a virtual space developed by the Inter-American Foundation, where organizations throughout the Americas can share their learning and experience with other participants of the FICE program.
We have set up a group specifically for participating organizations and TOT members, in which they can share news, materials, stay connected, and continue to learn from each other.
For more information, visit redcolaborar.org
FICE workshops are customized to the needs of the participants, and are based on the following themes:
Each workshop includes strategic planning, participatory evaluation, and resource mobilization.
FICE workshops consist of conferences, multimedia presentations, keynote speeches and guided small group sessions on communication topics.
FICE also offers optional sessions on videography, web pages, radio programs, and other themes, led by volunteer experts from the private sector.
Participating organizations develop and present a written Strategic Plan to implement different communication materials tailored to their audiences.
FICE helps organizations to improve and diversify their currently developed communication materials (web page, brochures, manuals, social media, participatory action research, etc.).
