Winners Seminar at BMW Welt

Our 10 winners participate in a strategic communications and fundraising seminar. Sessions were conducted by Susanne Lämmerhold (PRPetuum), Felix Oldenburg (Ashoka), and Jean-Christophe Bas and Daniel Cervan (UNAOC)

Public relations and fundraising were the main issues discussed at a two-day seminar for the ten winners of the 2011 Award. The event, which was hosted by the project partners – the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations (UNAOC) and the BMW Group – took place at the BMW Welt in Munich. Various lectures and interactive teamwork assignments gave the participants from Brazil, France, Italy, Israel, Canada, Spain, Palestine, the US and Germany an opportunity to exchange successful communication and fundraising strategies. Furthermore, experts gave participants personalized tips to allow them to consolidate and expand their projects in a sustainable way. Winners, together with UNAOC and BMW Group representatives also had the opportunity to visit Downtown Munich and enjoy the great Bavarian hospitality.

The first part of the seminar focused on determining how to make best use of possibilities to establish media contacts. Best practice examples showcased how non-profit organizations could manage to implement and expand their social media activities (such as on facebook) with a wealth of ideas and despite a small budget. Given the often scarce human, financial and time resources, participants also discussed how to plan their individual public relations activities in the most effective manner. Initial findings were then discussed with Bill McAndrews, Vice President Communications Strategy, Corporate Communications (BMW Group).

The second part of the workshop gave participants the opportunity to enter into a dialogue with two fundraising experts: Felix Oldenburg, Europe Leader and CEO Germany of Ashoka, a not-for-profit private limited company that supports social entrepreneurs in 70 countries; and Jean-Christophe Bas, Senior Advisor Strategic Development and Partnerships at the UNAOC. Both experts provided valuable insights into developing and implementing successful fundraising strategies.

The seminar concluded with a feedback and evaluation session. Monitoring the success of the support provided to winners is a top priority for the UNAOC and the BMW Group. For that reason, a mid-term evaluation was  conducted whose results will help the WIFI team to plan the next six months of support.

More pictures in our facebook page.