HONG KONG SAR - Media OutReach - 16 August 2021 - Jockey Club Engage Digital Exploration (JC ENGAGE) has just
completed the first round of Video Storytelling workshop journey in 2021 with 14
NGO teams in Hong Kong serving across various sectors of society powered by a
team of 32 passionate skill-based volunteers from the corporate sector.
Research suggests that the top 3 challenges
for NGOs to engage the community are funding, manpower and an effective
strategy. To help NGOs communicate with their stakeholders effectively, Asian Charity
Services (ACS) has launched a 3-year program, named Jockey Club Engage
Digital Exploration, funded by The Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust,
to get the many impactful NGO stories heard, increase their organizational
profile and expand their reach in the crowded digital space.
This cannot be timelier
than in the current social distancing and COVID-19 environment where digital is
an essential element in everything we do.
In May, 45 NGO participants from 14 NGO teams
and 32 volunteers started their journey on video storytelling with ACS. They
learnt the fundamentals of video storytelling and video making tips via an
eLearning course followed by an interactive half-day workshop to discuss,
learn, share and create an impactful story for their organization.
With insights from professional communications practitioners, Perry Lam
and Iris Chan, to working together with ACS volunteers in the breakout
sessions, NGO participants reviewed their communications objectives and prepared
themselves to create a story to be remembered. The workshop series ended with a
lively panel discussion moderated by Treena Nairne, with avid storytellers including
Iris Chan, John Jamison and Maxime Vanhollebeke.
12 NGO teams have submitted their final
videos (link) and on June 8, they
pitched their stories in front of our judge panellists including local
celebrity and event host Astrid Chan, and communications consultant, Iris Chan.
After lots of sweat and dedication, 3 NGO teams: Agency for Volunteer
Service, Hong Kong Society for the Blind, PathFinders Limited have been
awarded with professional video production service worth HKD60,000 each to
realize their stories with professional video production house. The videos helped all NGOs to bring their
stories to the wider community with positive feedback from the judges all
around.
Judges' Comments:
"I was
happy to see how there are actually so many local NGOs serving the needs of
Hong Kong. As a result of this event, I
have become more informed about their meaningful contributions and ability to
deliver love and compassion to society, and I am thankful for all the NGOs and
wish them all the best of luck going forward." Astrid Chan, Reputable Host
in Hong Kong & Corporate Trainer.
"I was
inspired by the objectives of the JC ENGAGE program to empower NGOS in digital
storytelling – an important skill for today's stakeholder engagement. Being a judge and a speaker of the program, I
particularly enjoyed watching the videos of participating NGOs, and seeing how
they turned what they ad learnt into engaging and meaningful video ideas in a
short few weeks." Iris Chan, Regional Client Leader, PACT.
About the Winners:
Agency for Volunteer
Service ("AVS"), founded in 1970, is an
NGO that offers a referral service for those who wish to volunteer and
organizations requiring the service of volunteers. From mentorship to community involvement, AVS
serves the needs of many in society across a variety of sector needs. AVS, through its video, impressed the judges
with a clear portrayal of its services covering a wide range of needs.
Hong Kong Society for the
Blind ("HKSB"), founded in 1956, provides
a wide range of services covering eye care and low vision, primarily supporting
the vision impaired and improving the mental health and overall well-being of
these individuals. Through its touching
video, HKSB promotes its Mindful Music program to its supporters, using music
to uplift the moods and brighten up the days of the visually impaired elderly.
PathFinders Limited, founded in 2007, protects and supports the children of migrant
domestic mothers in Hong Kong. The
organization was founded on the belief that no child should be born alone and
be deprived of medical support, shelter and identity. Having served almost 7000 babies, the
organization is committed to supporting the welfare of children. This team wowed the judges and viewers during
the pitching segment, delivering a professional pitch to capture the importance
of supporting the children of migrant domestic workers.
There are so many meaningful NGOs in Hong
Kong serving our community with inspiring stories that are waiting to be
discovered. In August, we will be holding
a Digital Campaign series to propel our NGO partners' abilities to voice these
stories on the digital landscape and effectively reach into the minds and hearts
of their target audience. To sign up or
learn more about this event as an NGO or a volunteer, please contact us at
"email address".