Consulting by Jayne Cravens

My approach to consulting is people-centered. I start with a lot of research and listening, to fully identify the needs of an organization, initiative, or sector, and to fully understand the desired outcomes. That listening never ends - feedback and information is welcomed throughout the process. I do not limit myself to learning only from senior or headquarters staff; people on the "front lines," people who may not consider themselves as part of communication/community involvement or management activities, often hold the key to a successful strategy. I also do not follow a set, absolute formula for consultations; every situation is unique, and my efforts are tailored to such.

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. 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.

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 solid background in working with people with widely differing belief systems and personal circumstances. 

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

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 the organization's mission, and to help the organization 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. My goal in such a consultation is to build the capacities of staff and volunteers to successfully engage in communications and community involvement efforts long after I have moved on.

Consulting services for nonprofits / NGOs / civil society / government agencies include:

• designing, supporting and directing activities (training, facilitation) to build the capacity of paid or volunteer staff regarding
  • partnership development / cultivation / relations,
  • public/media relations, marketing, message development and reporting for clients, partners, the press, the general public and internal staff, with an eye to influencing opinions and perceptions
  • involving / engaging the local community / stakeholders,
  • involving / engaging local or international volunteers,
  • message development to clients, partners, the press, the general public and internal audiences
  • grant research and grant writing basics,
  • management / governance basics,
  • creating and sustaining online communities, and
  • improving and expanding customer service and client support.

• strategy-development and management regarding
  • programs and projects,
  • partnership cultivation / relations,
  • public/media relations, marketing, outreach, message development and reporting for clients, partners, the press, the general public and internal staff, with an eye to influencing opinions and perceptions
  • involving / engaging the local community / stakeholders, both via traditional means and online,
  • volunteer involvement/community engagement/stakeholder engagement,
  • message development to clients, partners, the press, the general public and internal audiences,
  • creating and sustaining online communities, and
  • improving and expanding customer service and client support.

• evaluating
  • project, program and organizational effectiveness,
  • public / media relations activities,
  • community media and community technology projects,
  • projects to build people's capacities regarding communications,
  • marketing/outreach activities and campaigns, including health communications,
  • internal communications,
  • volunteer involvement / community engagement schemes,
  • funding proposals,
  • web sites regarding use by potential and current supporters (donors, volunteers, members, etc.),
  • online communities, use of online social media, and other online activities, and
  • theatre/theater - related activities as a tool for development/education

• advising on the creation or expansion of online volunteering/online community/online engagement 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

• Résumé / CV Consulting Services I can do workshops onsite or online on any of the topics covered by my own resources on this web site. This can include:
  • 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

 
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.

Here is a list of my workshops to date, onsite or online.

In addition to consulting, I will also consider full-time or part-time employment that involves: project management or communications (public affairs and marketing) management for an organization working in international development or international affairs, serving women, building capacities among under-served populations, protecting or improving the environment, or building civil society. I am willing to relocate for the right position. For my Curriculum Vitae, please contact me.

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

My in-laws are in Germany, and I might be able to combine a consultation with a visit to Europe. During such a trip to Germany, it is easy for me to travel to any major city in Europe, flying out of Frankfurt or Cologne airports - you would be responsible for all airfares, train tickets, tax fares and accommodations.

For updates about my availability and announcements of new resources on this web site, visit the Jayne Blog. The Jayne Blog is available via RSS feed. Or, subscribe to Tech4Impact, my free monthly e-mail newsletter.

You can also check my public calendar regarding my availability.