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Workshops

 

Upcoming Workshops

 

Want to improve your writing, prepare for new writing assignments, or refresh your skills?

We all know that written communication is critical to the success of both community organizations and the people who work for them. Although most folks are great at carrying out the programs that contribute so much to our communities, few of us have a strong background in using the written word to most effectively share our work with the world.

Learn to polish your printed or online words and you can: 1) improve your organization's programs, fundraising, and public relations, and 2) develop your own professional skillset!

Now is a great time to join your colleagues who have already benefited from Writing for Community Success workshops! Nearly 100 participants evaluated their workshop experiences last year, and rated them an average of "very helpful" or "extremely helpful." WCS offers 1-2 interactive workshops per month -- either ONLINE or ONSITE -- on a wide variety of writing topics. They're ideal for staff, interns, volunteers and jobseekers who want to build their skills!

In Writing for Community Success workshops you will learn to:

• Plan your pieces to be most effective by using an easy 4-step "pre-writing" process;
• Engage your readers by using techniques of professional writers;
• Revise your work while receiving invaluable constructive criticism.

All workshops include extensive handouts, discussions, hands-on exercises, and personalized feedback from the instructor.

Some Recent Student Comments (from anonymous evaluations):

• "The workshop was eye-opening! It will help me in the future for anything I have to write."
• "The instructor was engaged, informative and enthusiastic."
• "I was nervous as a newbie and overcame this with professional instruction and advice."
• "It was just the right sized class to get good feedback and individual focus."
• "I enjoyed the opportunity to learn specific suggestions for improving my writing."
• "Some workshops are too fluffy, but you really were on target!"
• "Your very approachable manner kept me consistently engaged."
• "It was great - very helpful and inspiring. It was a very easy and safe environment to learn in."

Clients Already Benefiting (since 2001):

• American Jewish World Service
• Association of Fundraising Professionals (Wine Country Chapter)
• BAIDO: Bay Area International Development Organizations
• Bay Area Business Women's Expo (Oakland, CA)
• CBO Center (Oakland, CA)
• Center for Volunteer and Nonprofit Leadership (Marin County)
• Compasspoint Nonprofit Services (several times)
• East Bay Nonprofit Center
• Expo for the Artist & Musician (San Francisco, CA)
• Foundation Center - San Francisco
• Fund for International Nonprofit Development (3 times)
• HOMEY/YouthSpace
• Media Alliance
• National Council on Crime & Delinquency
• National Economic Development & Law Center
• Oakland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce Nonprofit Roundtable
• Pacific Environment
• Rotary Club (El Sobrante, CA)
• San Francisco State Univeristy Shcool of Social Work
• Tides Foundation
• Women's Funding Network
• Young Nonprofit Professionals Network
• ... And several hundred individual social sector professionals

Who Should Attend: Staff members, volunteers and interns of nonprofits or socially responsible businesses, and jobseekers interested in improving their written communication skills.

Instructor: Dalya F. Massachi, M.A. is a widely published writer, consultant and progressive activist who appreciates the importance and complexity of social change work. For more than 15 years, her work with community organizations has focused on fund development and communications. She has written scores of successful grant proposals and marketing pieces; has authored a number of news articles and columns; and has contributed to five books on progressive social change. She has also co-produced several websites and radio productions. Since 2001 Dalya has taught writing techniques to over 800 workshop participants. She will soon publish "Writing to Make a Difference: 525 Powerful Techniques to Boost Your Community Impact."

From 2000-2004, Dalya served as Founding Director of the network of international development NGOs in the San Francisco Bay Area (BAIDO) -- and now sits on that Board. She has worked or studied in Central America, Africa, Israel, the U.K., and several regions of the U.S. In addition, she has extensive experience in the global women’s movement. Dalya holds an M.A. in Communication & International Development and a B.A. in International Studies. Read her full resume.

Topics:

• Make Your Case In Writing: Introduction to writing for the social sector
• Writing That Means Business: Letters, Emails, Reports, and More
• How To Write Great Grant Proposals
• Introduce Yourself With a Great Brochure!
• Write Your Way Into the Media: Press Releases, Letters to the Editor, etc.
• Start Spreading the News: Newsletters and Annual Reports
• Casting a Wide 'Net: Websites & E-newsletters
• How To Write Outstanding Marketing Materials
• Grammar & Proofreading Refresher: Common errors in grammar, word usage, spelling, punctuation, etc.
• Cover Letters & Resumes: Specialized for jobseekers in the social sector