SMEX Training of Trainers Program, 2009

During our first project, it became apparent that to broaden our reach, we’d need to build our capacity. Specifically, this meant training a group of individuals not only interested in social media, but who also had the drive to share what they learned with others.

To do this, we organized a five-month training of trainers program that blended online learning with in-person gatherings to develop a network of trainers whom we can call on when we’re called on to help. Nineteen participants completed the training, which included social media and project development coursework, digital production workshops, and seminars in facilitation and social change skills. Participants were also required to host Ideas Workshops to transfer what they had learned to others in civil society, practice their facilitation techniques, and spark new ideas for how social media can play a constructive role in Lebanon.

This second project, also funded by OTI Lebanon, culminated with a public Ideas Fair, where trainers hosted “tools tables” for attendees wanting to learn more about social media and SMEXbeirut moderated a discussion with funders and grantees about local social media projects and upcoming funding opportunities.

Leveraging Social Media for Social Change, 2008

In May 2008, Social Media Exchange implemented a six-month program funded by USAID’s Office of Transition Initiatives to introduce Lebanese civil society actors and NGO personnel to the potential of digital and social media for social change.

The project unfolded in two phases: The first phase consisted of an introductory seminar on the social web and how it can be applied to civil society initiatives. The second phase comprised hands-on workshops in blogging, Facebook activism, online collaboration, and search engine optimization and digital fundraising, as well as provided mentorship opportunities for select participants.

Workshops took place in Beirut and several other Lebanese cities and towns, including Baalbek, Bint Jbeil, Jbeil, Saida, and Sour.