Storytelling Series

We know from your responses to our recent polling that 83% of you feel that journalists need to learn more about how the charity and community sector works. The majority of you feel your organisations don’t get enough media coverage and that the sector is not covered fairly in the press. This series aims to change that with broad communications upskilling across areas such as content production, social media, PR and graphic design.  

Throughout The Storytelling Series, you’ll learn how to: 

• Make a big splash with your campaign across the Sunday papers 
• Get your voice out on local radio 
• Edit videos for social media 
• Collaborate with influencers to boost your reach 
• Design professional flyers for your events 

This series is for anyone in the sector who wants to share the work you do, whether you’re a large charity with well-resourced communications team or a voluntary group with limited time and no budget. 

Public awareness is vital to maximising the work we do, and this series is all about amplifying our impact. 

These FREE, practical sessions will be led by experienced professionals working in the field who will share useful tips and realistic examples to help you feel confident in promoting your work.  

The Storytelling Series is delivered as part of the new campaign public for charities, community and voluntary groups, and social enterprises. It is supported by Community Foundation Ireland and the RTÉ Comic Relief Fund. The series will run from mid September until mid December and so we will be adding sessions over the next few months.  

These sessions have been selected based on what you told us in our recent Training Needs Analysis so thank you for helping us build the best programme – for the sector, by the sector.  

To kick us off, we have our first 5 sessions in place – RSVP for free below:  

First Five Sessions of The Storytelling Series   

Pitching to Press: How to Get your Story Out There with Claire Brennan (BBC, Irish Daily Mirror, Donegal Post) | Wednesday, 22 September, 11.00am - 12.30pm 

Making Videos: Basics of Scripting & Filming with Jack Deacon (spunout.ie) | Wednesday, 29 September, 11.00am - 12.30pm 

Making Videos: Basics of Film Editing with Tommy Flavin and Kevin O’Regan (The Reelists) | Thursday, 30 September, 11am – 12.30pm 

Easy Graphic Design with Canva with Ronny Hermosa (Canva, Fair Trade Connection) | Wednesday, 13 October, 10.30am - 12noon 

How to Be a Spokesperson for your Organisation with Eleanor Kelly (UCD Innovation Academy, Open Society Foundations) | Wednesday, 20 October, 11am – 12.30pm 

Together, we can get our stories out there, and change how the charity and community work is viewed by the media and general public for the better. We have an important story to tell and it's time for us all to believe in the value of our own work so that we can lead the way in showcasing the positive impact our sector brings to daily life.  

Due to the nature of this campaign, you may receive this email from a number of the steering group organisations. We apologise for the duplication but are very keen to make sure as many people’s voices and opinions are heard.  

We look forward to continuing to build a successful campaign together over the coming months. 

Warm regards,   

Eva Gurn and Hannah Coleman, Boardmatch  

Liz Hughes and Scott Kelley, Charities Institute Ireland  

Allen Dunne and Clare Cronin, Disability Federation of Ireland  

Suzanne Keatinge and Vikki Walshe, Dóchas  

Sarah Monaghan and Ivan Cooper, The Wheel  

Nina Arwitz and Amy Woods, Volunteer Ireland 

Claire McGowran, Campaigns Officer