ECVO MEMBERS!
Visit your profile page on the ECVO member portal to access your member discount.
Who is This Course For?
While this course is best suited to those who do not have a background in communications, beginner and intermediate communicators will find value in the frameworks and methodologies described.
Course Focus
This course explores how people think, and how that can create challenges for communications. Marliss and Randy from Parados Communications will show you the solution to that challenge by taking you through a five-step process to create a foundational communications strategy:
- What’s Your Point? This is where you'll dig down to your values as an organization, so you can truly understand what motivates you, what change you want to see in the world, and why.
- Who Cares? Here you’ll identify the values of the many audiences you will be sharing your message with. You’ll work to understand both your champions and your opponents.
- Where Are They? You’ll figure out where these audiences have conversations of importance, and when and where they have discussions that are connecting deeply with their values.
- Go There. You’ll select the best ways to get your message out to the world, and the people you need to reach.
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Listen. Communication is a two-way street. Here you’ll learn about how important it is to make sure the ‘street’ that leads back to you is open, clear and inviting.
Build your Communications Strategy,
You’ll be provided with a worksheet that will become the framework for your foundational communications strategy; a document that you will complete as you go through the course. By the end of the course, you will have built a foundational communications strategy for your organization that is intended to guide all of your communications going forward.
Course Breakdown
This on-demand, self-guided course consists of eight online chapters that you can complete at any time once you register. Each chapter includes lessons that are provided as videos, slides, and/or written content. As you move through the chapters, you will add to your worksheet, building your foundational communications strategy as you go.
The course is estimated to take a minimum of 10 hours to complete. The course syllabus is provided below.
- Vision, Mission, Values — What, How and Why (2:35)
- Your Foundational Communications Strategy Worksheet
- Thinking Big (2:28)
- Questions to Guide Your Work
- Values: Your "Why" (3:23)
- Add Your Values to Your Worksheet
- Vision: Your "What" (3:03)
- Add your Sticky-Note Statement to Your Worksheet
- Mission: Your "How"
- Key Messages (2:28)
- Add Your Key Messages to Your Worksheet
Effective communications is essential for the success of any organization. This on demand, self-guided course will help you build a functional, foundational communications strategy that is tailored to your organization. So enroll now!
ECVO MEMBERS!
Visit your profile page on the ECVO member portal to access your member discount.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the course start and finish?
This course is on-demand so it starts anytime you want it to!
Can I share this course with others on my board or organization?
We love referrals, but that probably isn’t what you are asking. We are an Alberta charity and the fees we charge for our courses are used for the creation and maintenance of the programs and services that we provide. To keep costs low for everyone, we encourage each individual to create their own account and purchase their own course. Thank you for your support!
How long do I have access to the course?
How does lifetime access sound? After enrolling, you have unlimited access to this course for as long as you’d like.
Can I pay by cheque?
If you would like to arrange for offline payment, group payment, or pay on behalf of someone else, please email us at [email protected].
We want to register our entire team. Is there a group price?
Of course! Please contact us at [email protected] so we can discuss some of the details.
What if I can't afford the program?
There are a lot of great programs available to support you.
We would recommend you start by checking out the bursaries provided by the Muttart Foundation https://www.muttart.org/granting-programs.
The ECVO offers bursaries for small-scale Edmonton-based organizations that provide human services, or who serve ethno-cultural or
newcomer communities. For more information, please contact [email protected].
What is the refund policy?
We would never want you to be unhappy! If you are dissatisfied with your purchase, contact us within 30 days of purchasing the course and we will provide a full refund. To request a refund, please email [email protected].
Who do I contact if I have questions?
If you have any questions regarding this program, please email us at [email protected].