Consulting by Jayne Cravens

Consulting services for nonprofits / NGOs / civil society include:

• designing and supporting activities to build the capacity of paid or volunteer staff regarding
  • management / governance basics,
  • public/media relations, marketing and reporting,
  • involving local or international volunteers,
  • grant research and grant writing basics,
  • creating and sustaining online communities, and
  • improving customer service.

• strategy-development and management regarding
  • public / media relations,
  • online marketing, and
  • volunteer involvement

• evaluating
  • public / media relations activities,
  • marketing campaigns,
  • volunteer involvement schemes,
  • funding proposals,
  • web sites regarding use by potential and current supporters (donors, volunteers, members, etc.),
  • online communities, and
  • individual projects and events

• advising on the creation or expansion of online volunteering/online community programs, including online mentoring programs, in support of an organization's mission or project goals

• creating or advising on the creation of online curricula about volunteer management or public relations (particularly on a grass roots level)

• leading or facilitating onsite or online discussions, or teaching onsite or online workshops, on any of the aforementioned subjects

• writing or editing text for speeches, web pages, brochures, annual reports, podcasts or other publications, including evaluating and advising on project or funding proposals

• the basics of online volunteering
• using the Internet to support all volunteers
• using real-time communications (video conferencing, online phone calls, chats and instant messaging) with volunteers
• online tools for outreach/public relations: how to go farther
• online culture and online community
• online mentoring: factors for success
• addressing online criticism of your organization
• media relations: getting attention from local, regional, national, international and online press
• addressing and preventing rumors and myths from interfering with your community activities
• taking photos in the developing world

I can use any free software that can operate on a MacBook running OS X. I have a built-in web cam and a built-in microphone (though I prefer to use a headset or clearer audio). I prefer doing video conferencing with iVisit (which is free), but am open to using other software.

For me to present to a group remotely, you need:

• a computer with Internet access, hooked up to speakers that can be turned up loudly and be heard by everyone in attendance
• an iVisit account (or great familiarity with another package that I can easily download)
• for video: a projecter/beamer (to display me as I appear on the desktop of the group's computer)
• a microphone hooked up to the computer, so that each attendee can "come up" to the mike with questions.

For me to present to several individuals at once who each have laptops:

• each computer must have Internet access
• each computer needs clear audio (either built-in, with speakers or with headphones)
• each computer must have an iVisit account
• there needs to be a practice session at least one week in advance, with each other and either myself or a stand-in presenter
• there must be a previously agreed-to protocol for asking questions.

Focus on Capacity-Building

Capacity-building for nonprofit organizations/NGOs/civil society means giving people the skills and resources to most effectively and efficiently address community and environmental needs, and to be attractive to new and continuing support from donors and volunteers. Capacity-building is essential for nonprofits/NGOs/civil society to fulfill their potential to improve lives, to allow all people to have the means to pursue their educational, professional and personal dreams, and to protect and celebrate cultures and the environment.

I have worked with groups on the local, regional, national and international level, and have worked extensively with multi-cultural, diverse audiences, international aid workers, low-income communities, and those who are traditionally socially excluded. I have a demonstrated commitment to gender issues, and a background in working with people with widely differing belief systems and personal circumstances. Also of note is that I began in public relations long before the Internet became the essential tool of today, and I have maintained those no-tech/low-tech skills and sensibilities while, at the same time, becoming an internationally-recognized expert regarding online communities and online outreach.

One of my particular strengths is transforming complex concepts and texts into easier-to-read documents, reports and presentations, and introducing innovative or controversial ideas to audiences in practical, less-confrontational terms. I also am able to leverage the very limited resources of organizations, including those in developing countries, to achieve their goals relating to media relations, community outreach, volunteer involvement and donor relations, and to help to build the capacity of such organizations to continue in these activities long after I have moved on.

My approach to capacity-building is people-centered. I start with a lot of research and listening, to identify the needs of an organization, initiative, or sector regarding communication and community involvement. That listening never ends, and I do not limit myself to learning only from senior or headquarters staff; it's the people on the "front lines," people who may not consider themselves as part of communication or community involvement efforts, that hold the key to a successful capacity-building effort. I also do not follow a formula; every situation is unique, and my efforts will be tailored to such. Again, my goal is to build the capacities of staff and volunteers to successfully engage in communications and community involvement efforts long after I have moved on.

For short-term assignments (less than six months), I have both the willingness and ability to work in an environment with limited infrastructure and resources.

 
Consulting services for for-profit companies include:

• development, training, evaluation and strategic planning regarding employee volunteering programs

• development, training, evaluation and strategic planning for financial and in-kind philanthropy programs

• advising regarding philanthropic efforts in general

• advising on the creation or expansion of online communities in support of a company's mission or project goals.

Also see a list of workshops and panel discussions I have lead for various organizations, and for international, national and major regional conferences.

As I am currently based near Cologne, Germany, it is easy for me to travel to any major city in Europe. Frankfurt is also relatively close, and London is less than two hours away by flight, meaning I can fly to almost anywhere in the world. I am also an experienced telecommuter/remote worker, using a variety of tools to support and to stay in-tune and in-touch with those I work with in offices far from me.

For updates about my availability and announcements of new resources on this web site, visit the Jayne Blog. The Jayne Blog is also available via RSS Feed (if you have a web page that allows you to view RSS Feeds, such as via your My Yahoo page, you can see the latest headlines on my blog right along with all other blogs and web sites you monitor via an RSS Feed). The RSS feed address for the Jayne Blog:
http://blogs.forumer.com/rss.php?u=jcravens
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