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Media Engagement Skills for Survivors of Sexual Violence

February 12, 2026 @ 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm

|Recurring Event (See all)

One event on February 12, 2026 at 5:00 pm

One event on February 19, 2026 at 5:00 pm

REGISTER HERE!

This training program teaches survivors and community advocates practical communication skills for media engagement and public speaking. Using trauma-informed approaches, participants learn to engage strategically while protecting their wellbeing and creating meaningful change.

THE PROBLEM

Survivors and community advocates face:

  • No framework for deciding which media opportunities to accept
  • Limited training for interviews and public speaking
  • Burnout from saying yes to everything or not knowing where to start
  • Inconsistent messaging that weakens message impact

THE TRAINING – DIGITAL COURSE FORMAT

Three 90-minute virtual sessions delivered over 3-4 weeks. Due to the limited capacity of this training series and the cumulative nature of the content, we ask that registrants commit to attending all three training sessions.

REGISTER HERE!

SESSION 1 (90 MINUTES)

Module 1: Civic Assessment and Detox (30 minutes)

  • Assessing your current advocacy capacity and goals
  • Clearing the noise about what advocacy “should” look like
  • Framework for evaluating speaking opportunities strategically

Module 2: Reconnecting to Your Core Message (60 minutes)

  • Identifying your civic north star and values
  • Developing your core message (not your whole story)
  • Creating 30-second, 2-minute, and 5-minute versions for different contexts

SESSION 2 (90 MINUTES)

Module 3: Rest as Resistance and Boundary Setting (45 minutes)

  • Understanding that boundaries make you more effective, not less engaged
  • Scripts for declining requests professionally
  • Safety planning and sustainable engagement practices

Module 4: Media Engagement (45 minutes)

  • Preparing for interviews (TV, radio, print, digital)
  • Staying on message during difficult questions
  • Building relationships with journalists

SESSION 3 (90 MINUTES)

Module 5: Public Speaking Skills (60 minutes)

  • Structuring presentations and testimony
  • Managing nerves and staying grounded
  • Handling Q&A sessions

Module 6: Ongoing Advocacy (30 minutes)

  • Pitching stories to media
  • Digital advocacy best practices
  • Sustainable engagement planning

TRAINING APPROACH

Trauma-Informed Virtual Learning:

  • Participants choose their level of engagement
  • Camera-optional environment
  • Chat and verbal participation options
  • Private breakout rooms available

Interactive Virtual Format:

  • 60% hands-on practice (breakouts, role-plays, individual work)
  • 40% instruction and group discussion
  • Small group work in breakout rooms
  • Real scenario applications
  • Interactive polls and activities

WHAT PARTICIPANTS GET

Live Training:

  • Three 90-minute expert-led virtual sessions
  • Interactive breakout sessions and practice opportunities
  • Real-time Q&A and personalized coaching

Take-Home Materials:

  • Complete worksheets with all frameworks
  • Decision-making checklist
  • Message templates
  • Interview preparation guides
  • Media pitch scripts
  • Boundary-setting language examples
  • Downloadable templates

FACILITATOR

Sophia Fifner brings expertise in strategic communications and trauma-informed training. As CEO of Columbus Metropolitan Club and creator of The Civic Reset framework for sustainable advocacy, she combines professional communications experience with understanding of how to engage meaningfully without burning out. Her approach helps advocates use their voice strategically while protecting their wellbeing.

 

EXPECTED OUTCOMES

Participants will have:

  • A clear framework for deciding which opportunities to accept
  • Confidence to prepare for and handle media interviews
  • Professional scripts for setting boundaries
  • Their core message developed and practiced
  • Practical tools they can use immediately

 

DIGITAL COURSE LOGISTICS

Session Schedule:

  • Duration: Three 90-minute sessions
  • Delivery: Virtual platform (Zoom/Teams)
  • Group Size: 20-35 participants
  • Format: Interactive with breakouts, polls, and hands-on activities

Technical Requirements:

  • Stable internet connection
  • Computer/tablet with camera and microphone
  • Quiet space for participation

Participant Preparation:

  • Pre-session materials sent 48 hours in advance
  • Optional prep calls for technical support
  • Access to digital resource library before Session 1

 

REGISTER HERE!

Details

Date:
February 12, 2026
Time:
5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Event Tags:
,

Venue

Zoom

 

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