Leadership in Strategic Communication – Annual Course for Capacitating Professionals in the Social Development Field
At the Bangladesh Center for Communication Programs (BCCP), we have long been at the forefront of empowering professionals within the social development sector through strategic communication. For nearly three decades, our annual course on Leadership in Strategic Communication has become a cornerstone of capacity-building for development professionals seeking to improve their leadership skills in one of the most important aspects of societal progress.
This transformative course has evolved from its origins in public health communication, influenced by the internationally recognized Leadership in Strategic Health Communication workshop held annually in Baltimore, USA, and continuously refined based on participant feedback and global developments in communication theory and practice. Our Leadership in Strategic Communication course stands as a premier training program designed to equip professionals with cutting-edge tools, methodologies, and practical strategies to lead successful communication initiatives in complex and diverse development environments.
The course empowers professionals to tackle the most pressing issues of our time by cultivating their ability to lead transformative change through communication. Whether addressing public health challenges, advancing gender equality, or creating awareness about climate change, participants are provided with a robust foundation in strategic communication that is adaptable to an array of social development contexts. It’s alumni network, BASCOM (Bangladesh Association for Social Communication), has flourished over the years, connecting the development professionals dedicated to advancing the impact of social and behavior change (SBC) communication.
Through hands-on, immersive learning experiences, participants in this course explore a wide range of topics, including advocacy, crisis communication, media relations, digital engagement, and social mobilization. The course is designed to go beyond theoretical knowledge, offering practical tools and techniques for designing, implementing, and evaluating communication strategies that drive social change.
As we navigate the ever-changing landscape of social development, BCCP draws upon its rich experience across diverse sectors, including public health, governance, climate change, education, youth empowerment, and gender-based violence prevention. Participants will deepen their understanding of the complexities of communication in these areas, with a particular focus on fostering collaboration, driving policy change, and building sustainable community development.
The course places a strong emphasis on the importance of monitoring and evaluation, ensuring that participants not only develop strategies but also the tools necessary to assess their impact. By focusing on the effectiveness of communication efforts, we prepare professionals to continually improve their strategies, adjust to new challenges, and contribute to the long-term success of development projects.
As the social development sector continues to evolve, the need for skilled, visionary leaders who can effectively use communication to drive positive change has never been more urgent. The Leadership in Strategic Communication course is designed to fill this gap, offering an inclusive, interactive learning environment where participants can share insights, exchange experiences, and collaborate on new ideas.
BCCP’s expertise in this field is supported by a team of highly skilled trainers, many of whom have contributed to transformative social change initiatives across the globe. Our trainers are deeply experienced in both the theoretical and practical aspects of strategic communication, bringing invaluable field knowledge to the course. This, combined with the rich learning environment fostered by our alumni network, ensures that participants are not only gaining technical skills but also becoming part of a global community of professionals dedicated to using communication as a tool for positive change.
Social Development Focus Areas:
- Climate Change & Environment: Engaging communities in sustainable practices and climate action to protect our planet for future generations.
- Mental Health & Community Support: Building resilient communities by strengthening mental health support networks and promoting well-being.
- Public Health: Promoting community wellness through targeted communication strategies that address health challenges.
- Gender Equality & Empowerment: Advancing social justice by designing campaigns that advocate for gender equality and equal rights for all.
- Innovative ICT Solutions: Leveraging technology to enhance connectivity and drive economic growth across diverse communities.
Communication Focus Areas:
- Social & Behavior Change (SBC) Communication: Crafting effective strategies that influence behavior and foster community engagement.
- Audience-Centered Design: Creating culturally relevant campaigns tailored to diverse media channels and communities.
- Advocacy & Social Mobilization: Inspiring change through community involvement and advocacy.
- Monitoring & Evaluation: Measuring the impact and outcomes of communication strategies for continuous improvement.
- Strategic Thinking & Leadership: Developing the ability to think critically and lead innovative communication efforts.
- Knowledge Management: Harnessing information to drive advocacy, social mobilization, and effective communication campaigns.
- Community Engagement for Sustainable Impact: Fostering active participation to ensure long-term success and sustainable change.
The Advances in Strategic Communication Workshop draws on BCCP’s long-standing history of excellence in social and behavior change communication, bolstered by our expansive alumni network of over 500 professionals. This network provides an ongoing platform for sharing success stories, best practices, and the latest developments in the field of development communication. By actively participating in BASCOM, our alumni continue to contribute to the global dialogue on strategic communication for social change, ensuring that the legacy of BCCP’s expertise is passed on to future generations of leaders.
A Vision for the Future: BCCP envisions a society where effective, strategic communication plays a central role in fostering a healthier, more equitable, and sustainable world. By providing professionals with the skills to navigate the complexities of social change communication, BCCP is not only enhancing the capacity of individuals but also ensuring that organizations are equipped to make a lasting, meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
Through our continued commitment to excellence in capacity-building and our leadership in the field of strategic communication, BCCP remains at the forefront of driving positive social change. As we look to the future, we are focused on empowering professionals to meet the challenges of tomorrow, armed with the tools and insights to lead with confidence and vision.
Join us in shaping a more informed, connected, and sustainable future for social development communications. Whether you are a seasoned professional seeking to deepen your expertise or a rising star aiming to lead change, BCCP’s Advances in Strategic Communication course is your gateway to transforming your career and the world around you.