Now that the STAR E project has two excellent publications to share – both in print and here, online – it should be even more straightforward to let people know about our work.
Here’s four things to think about when planning your events and other activities to help disseminate the results of the project.
1. Match the message to the audience
The two STAR publications offer engagement tools for two very different types of group.
The training methods for working with young people are aimed at people who work with young people directly. While the organisational change methods are more suited to people responsible for the leadership or governance of an organisation: board members, directors etc.
Therefore if you are holding a multiplier event, it might be better to have one that focuses on ONE of the publications, rather than both. That way you can invite people that will find it most useful and plan the agenda around their needs and interests.
2. Showcase the methods you like best
People respond better to authenticity than a faked emotion. So when you’re disseminating the STAR E methods and tools, use the ones that you think are most effective or interesting. That way when you share them you will be authentic in your enthusiasm.
For your multiplier meetings, it’s a good idea to have participants take part in one of the methods, so they can experience it for themselves. Therefore choose one that you have done before and which you enjoyed taking part in.
Similarly on social media or in emails, where you’re telling other organisations you work with about STAR E, include examples that you are positive about, as that positivity will be apparent to the people reading.
3. Separate out the methods from the handbooks
There are sixteen training methods for working with young people and twenty-one organisational change methods. That’s thirty seven in total and a lot for anyone to read in one go!
So why not make it easier for people to engage with the STAR E project by sharing individual methods? This works particularly well on social media, especially since you can link directly to each method here on the STAR E website.
There is also the option to add your comments to the methods: your suggestions and observations, and those of people you invite to use them as well.
4. Have fun with it
Many of the methods involve interaction or creative outputs, which can be fun in person and look fun in pictures. Try out a few with your team and take photos to use online and emails. Or get the permission from people at your first multiplier event, and then use these to encourage more people to come to the next one!