Be Bold & Clear

Many moons ago, as part of my participation in Your Big Year by Smaller Earth, I organized an awareness event about AIDS/HIV.

It was challenging because I planned to organize it in a place with little knowledge of the matter, and the topic was considered taboo.

I chose my old college as the venue as it had a big hall (I needed to accommodate 200 people at least). From preparing the concept note to details of attendees and the content, everything needed approval.

I needed volunteers who understood the cause and genuinely got involved. Some friends came along - as they believed in me, and some acquaintances joined in because they had seen me work on such projects and they believed in being involved in encouraging awareness.

Three communication strategies I employed were:

1) I created two concept notes: one with scientific/medical language and the other in easy English. This helped streamline the paperwork approval process, preventing confusion in bureaucracy.

2) Despite not being a subject matter expert, I coordinated with healthcare professionals to understand the subject matter better and be able to answer questions as a spokesperson.

3) As part of a larger social impact project at Your Big Year, I emphasized the importance of addressing the issue and why it matters, which I also communicated to volunteers. It was very technical; however, what prompted an instant response was how I communicated the need for us to move forward in the world and create a positive impact for generations to come. Emotions needed to be stirred, and hearts needed to be impressed as well.

The key lesson I learned was the importance of coordinating at both higher (bureaucracy & professionals) and lower levels (supporters & organizers) of engagement to maximize contributions and results.

This project marked one of the biggest risks I took in my communications career and also one of the most rewarding. The positive feedback I received, and continue to receive from young attendees, demonstrates its impact in encouraging discussion and knowledge about once taboo topics.

message still remains: Be bold, Be clear - BE SAFE.