Communications Technical Support

ICF Macro understands that the success of many initiatives depends on their ability to communicate effectively. In today’s high-tech world, information moves quickly and people are exposed to more of it than ever. As a result, organizations, especially those promoting lifestyle and social change, may find it difficult to be heard.

To meet this challenge, key tasks include setting goals; developing and testing messages that are clear, accurate, and engaging; matching messages with audiences; and selecting channels through which information can be delivered. Managers must then make it all happen—getting the word out, forging alliances, and being prepared to respond. Finally, communicators need to know if they were successful.

ICF Macro has a long history of support for the complex process of communication. We have used our expertise in market research, media relations, creative arts, technology, training, dissemination, and evaluation to help organizations reach their audiences and win support. This work extends from the national level where we have developed resources and technical assistance vehicles to hundreds of States, cities, and towns where we have helped tailor communication activities to local conditions.

Support for National Antiviolence Campaign

ICF Macro provides a full array of technical assistance and support services to some 100 grantees in the Safe Schools/Healthy Students (SS/HS) campaign aimed at adolescents and teenagers. We furnish training, guidance, materials, and technical assistance to help grantees with their communications and outreach programs. Through our staff and a nationwide network of consultants, we have completed more than 100 technical assistance sessions. Topics include developing and implementing communications plans, building partnerships with local businesses, forming coalitions with grant partners, and training spokespersons. ICF Macro also stores and distributes materials for grantees to use in their communications and outreach programs. We have planned and conducted seven regional forums for grantees to discuss issues related to their programs. We maintain a helpline so grantees can call in with questions or request specific materials and assistance. We also developed a Web site that we supply with a steady stream of articles on communications issues and grantee experiences.

Message and Materials Development Support

ICF Macro has been developing materials and furnishing health information, health communication, social marketing, and media outreach services to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for 11 years. These services support national and regional public education campaigns to prevent the use and abuse of alcohol and illicit drugs in specific target populations, primarily young people. Creating a variety of engaging written products, Web sites, and learning materials, we have launched successful initiatives for specific audiences. These include 3- to 6-year-olds, adolescents, parents, and caregivers. Based on the latest research and practices, our communications products are factual, user-friendly, and practical. We also provide print and Web-based tools to a national network of prevention professionals for use in communicating with decisionmakers, community leaders, and the media about substance abuse trends and effective prevention strategies. We actively market all of our message and materials development work, consistently achieving high levels of acclaim and use.

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