Maverick Indonesia

Maverick On CSL Program

A week ago, we completed our first media handling skills training workshops for non-profit organizations under Maverick’s 2007-2008 Corporate Social Leadership Program.

The program is Maverick’s way of giving back to society and has two components. The first is a 10-month course on how do do their own PR for two selected organizations. The second is a series of one-day media training workshops for 12 NGOs. All the training is provided free as we believe that we can use our expertise and experience in communications to affect society positively, even if the impact is a small one.

Starting last week, we will hold media training workshops for two NGOs once a month for two NGOs for those getting media handling skills training and a session every month for the next 10 months for the two NGOs in our capacity building program.

The first media training workshop was conducted by Maverick Partner Lita Soenardi and involved the Jaringan Nasional Pendukung Usaha Kecil Menengah (JNP) UKM and Yayasan PITA. JNP UKM is a network of the SME supporters who are focused on the issues of small and medium enterprises with the emphasis on deploying regulatory impact assessments in regions to ensure favorable business climate. Yayasan PITA is a nascent organization supported by young activists who focus on helping youngsters infected with the HIV/AIDS virus.

Even though the training was held during fasting period and almost all of the participants were fasting, it was really a lively experience as found out how difficult it could be to deliver your messages and control an interview situation when you are faced by aggressive reporters (role played by maverick associates).

The Mavericks also learned a lot about small businesses and the issues related to HIV/AIDS. We were most impressed with their spirit and drive for the betterment of others. Such dedicated and idealism is heartening to see among the younger members of our society. Hopefully, with enhanced media handling skills they will be able to more effectively deliver their messages through the media and conscript more people to their causes.

There’s no party that has no end. But we believe that the relationship among us will always be in a tight knot. We look forward to hear and to see more on the growing of both JNP UKM and Yayasan PITA. Group of young and talented generation who are not only dedicated to what they have started, but most, having the spirit to serve the community for better place and better environment.

Finally some words for our participants:

1. Buat Mas Agus dan Mbak Risma, maintain that infectious enthusiasm to spirit to serve those 40 millions SMEs in Indonesia. Maverick was proud to be able to assist you today, we hope that JNP UKM would remain a constant partner for SMEs and continue advocating for economic reform and development in Indonesia.
2. PITA guys! You are all are fun to be with! As you learnt from us, we also learnt from you. You blew us away with your dedication, commitment and youthful exhuberence. We hope other youngsters learn from you and stay away from drugs and habits leading to infection by the HIV/AIDS virus. Healthy life, healthy generation, and healthy nation! Don’t forget to make anything complicated sound simple; anything simple sound important.