Network Communications

Communication Officer meeting16-17 August 2011, StockholmHelene Komlos Grill

Network Communications

• Graphical Policy• Online web publishing (WOLF)• Communications guidance document

GWP BrandGraphical Policy - A common identity:– immediately communicates who

we are (one global network about water and partnership).

– is a “quality seal” on the knowledge that GWP generates.

– communicates a linked-together network at local, regional and global levels

Words associated with GWP brand: • A Water Secure World (our vision)• Diverse multi-stakeholder networ• Consultative and Facilitator• Neutral platform• Engaged in social change processes• Water diplomats: advocates backed by technical

leadership• Professional• Environmental agency

Updated Graphical Policy

• GWP logotype• Language• Font• Colours• Examples and

guidelines of GWP products

• Ethical considerations

Updated Graphical Policy

WOLF – Online Publishing Tool

Production of documents with uniform design and layout and at the same time they can be printed locally. The templates are dynamic - text and images can be altered but the format (font, look, graphic design, colours) is static.

Updated Graphical Policy

GWP was created to advocate!GWP supports social and economic change processes that further the sustainable management and development of water resources.

Reinforce knowledge sharing and communications• Developing the capacity to

share knowledge and to promote a dynamic communications culture so as to support better water management.

• A network-wide responsibility that contributes to the achievement of all four strategic goals.

Strategic Goal #3: How to reach it

– shape internal communication culture to improve dialogue and share lessons more widely among regional and country Partners.

– integrate communications into programme activities from the start so that programmes generate and disseminate appropriate information both internally and externally.

– Knowledge sharing, strategic messages, advocacy & outreach

If we fail to reach #3…– GWP outcomes and achievements will not be understood– Visibility of GWP reduced– Role and mandate of GWP will be questioned by donors

and others– Vision and mission will not be realized

Integrated Communications Resources Management (ICRM!)

Every workplan should have a communications component to it.Communication has impact when embedded from the start.

Comms asks:Who are the audiences?What is the final product or output or outcome desired?

Comms helps – throughout the program lifecycle – to shape the messages and products at the right time to the right stakeholders.

Integration:

Integrated Communications Resources Management (ICRM!)Comms function/officer should be part of workplan processes.

Create a comms plan where you state how communications is integrated with programmatic activities. Include a budget!

Communications and knowledge sharing have the potential to strengthen fundraising.

“The best programs, the most persuasive policy positions, the most worthy causes—are invisible if the messages that carry them into the world are not as strategically crafted as the programs and policies themselves.”

-- Chronicle of Philanthropy, April 17, 2008

COMMUNICATIONS For the entire life cycle of

the programme

Monitor and Report on:

Outcomes

Support formulation of:

Strategic Goals

Determine key actors to influence (and how)

in:

Work Plans

Monitor and Report on:

Activities

Getting audiences right:Global entities

Outcome 3a Global entities such as UN agencies, multi- and bi-laterals, and the corporate world are better informed through GWP knowledge dissemination about issues related to managing the world’s water resources.

Getting audiences right:Regional and National Entities

Outcome 3bStakeholders, including governments, finance and planning ministries, NGOs, the private sector and youth, have better access to relevant and practical knowledge, and more capacity to share that knowledge.

Getting audiences right:The GWP Network itself

Outcome 3cGWP embeds a communications culture across the Partnership, and stakeholders at all levels take up strategic information and key messages.

GWP messages should be:

• Clear: audiences should understand GWP’s value-added. Our contribution should be expressed with clarity (avoid jargon).

GWP messages should be:• Compelling: we work on an important issue: water. The

issues are urgent so we need to communicate in a way that compels institutions and people to act.

GWP messages should be:• Credible: in telling of our successes, we need to be accurate

so people have confidence in what we say. If we claim more than our due, we lose credibility.

GWP messages should be:• Creative: consider the

most effective ways to present material. Visuals are essential (e.g., photos, video clips) and demand for interactivity is growing (e.g., blogs, RSS feeds, discussion forums).

Knowledge management and sharing

The GWP network creates knowledge to be shared.

• Generate and coordinate knowledge for the GWP IWRM ToolBox.

• Comms function/officer is preferable focal point of ToolBox activity, i.e., integrating comms and knowledge sharing with programme.

Knowledge management and sharing

• Increase interregional sharing. Build relationships between regions.

• Keep information on technical expertise in your region updated (e.g., a list of experts to whom other regions and Secretariat could turn when needed). 

Segmented communications1 = one-page Briefing Note: clear, concise, strategic ‘take-home’ messages for top policy makers (e.g., ministerial/cabinet level), legislators and selected media.4 = four-page Policy Briefs: for senior policy makers with relevant portfolios, and civil society

8 = eight-page Technical Briefs: for practitioners and implementers

Background Papers for original research and in-depth scientific analysis for academic, think-tank and professional community

Perspectives Paper

Events and media relationsThe communications people can only deliver if they are part of the event or programme from the start.

Advocacy and media• Advocacy: helping shape the public agenda • Convening power: neutral, multi-stakeholder platform• Strengthen consciousness, commitment and action• Know your stakeholders and champions. Nurture relations

with decision makers, ministers, development planners, civil servants and media.

• Know your messages• Know the target group and the desired change in perception

and/or behaviour you want

Media Outreach• media (print, TV, radio, web, posters, brochures)• Dialogues, forums, debates, awareness-raising seminars• existing networks (religious groups, social movements, NGO

networks, business associations) • use of logos to give identity to the campaign

Global and regional cooperation

Global and regional cooperation• Stockholm secretariat responsible for producing global

publications and communications material.

• Regions are asked to disseminate information about GWP in the regions and countries (translations, local angle, etc.)

• Regions provide information about regional and national activities on a regular basis to Stockholm secretariat so donors and other key audiences understand Network’s accomplishments.

• Our network is our strength: RWPs are key “media outlets”—RWPs and CWPs are best positioned to get GWP visibility in regional and national media.

GWPO communication outputs• NewsFlow, monthly electronic

newsletter• Websites www.gwp.org and

www.gwptoolbox.org • GWP in Action Annual Report• Technical Committee

Background Papers, Policy and Technical Briefs

• Briefing notes (1 pager on one topic)

• Perspectives Paper

GWPO communication outputs• Information folders and

brochures (in relation to events and activities)

• Power point presentations (conferences, events)

• Speeches• Press releases• Strategic documents such

as Workplans, Strategy 2009-2013

GWP online services• Flickr archive• Online publishing tool (WOLF)• Publications list (archive)• SlideShare• YouTube• WordPress• Facebook• LinkedIn• http://twitter.com/GWPnews• Communications Officers Listserve• www.gwp.org• www.gwptoolbox.org

Thank you!