“The best training sessions and instructors I could imagine!”
“Finally, something designed specifically for managers!”
“A chance to step outside my everyday bubble, with excellent fellow participants and trainers.”
These are just a few examples of feedback from participants in the Communication and Leadership Lab for Social Service Organisation Managers, “Communicate. Inspire. Make It Happen.” The first two training cycles concluded in early November. Participants rated their overall learning experience at 9.3 out of 10, particularly highlighting the practical sessions, professional trainers, the opportunity to view their organisation's work from a fresh perspective, and the exchange of experiences with other leaders in the social services sector.
More importantly, the knowledge gained through the Lab is already being put into practice! Participants report that, following the training, they have reviewed their organisations' internal communication practices, changed meeting formats, improved their public speaking skills and begun communicating their organisations' key messages more clearly. One participant organised their first major organisation-wide meeting after completing the Lab, bringing colleagues together to agree on shared goals and future priorities. Another has started rewriting their organisation's website content in simpler, more accessible language.
“You need to know and understand how to lead yourself before you can lead others.” This reflection from one participant captures the essence of the Lab. Strong leadership is not only about managing processes, but also about communicating, listening, inspiring others and creating an environment where new ideas and positive change can flourish.
The Communication and Leadership Lab, “Communicate. Inspire. Make It Happen.”, is organised by the Society Integration Foundation for managers of social service organisations. Its aim is to strengthen professionals' communication and leadership skills and deepen their understanding of social innovation. The Lab helps managers develop more effective internal and external communication so that their organisations can better reach their target groups, understand their needs and deliver services more effectively. At the same time, the training encourages participants to explore new and innovative approaches to the provision and development of social services, helping to identify more effective solutions to society's needs. The first two training cycles brought together more than 30 managers of social service organisations from different regions of Latvia. Held in Riga, the sessions included representatives of municipal institutions, non-governmental organisations and businesses.
Each training cycle consisted of five sessions, with 80% of the content devoted to practical activities. Participants explored the fundamentals of communication, internal and external communication strategies, public speaking skills and the emotional aspects of leadership. Particular attention was also paid to social innovation and how communication can be used as a tool to drive positive change in the social services sector. The sessions were led by experienced professionals: communication experts Liene Ločmele and Sigita Pildava, innovation expert Liene Kupča and psychologist Ieva Vaine.
The programme also featured a presentation by the social innovation organisation Hospiss Māja, sharing its experience of developing internal and external communication. This gave participants a practical example of how purposeful communication can strengthen an organisation's work and raise public awareness of socially important issues. Another significant benefit of the Lab was the opportunity to exchange experiences and establish new professional connections within the sector.
The Communication and Leadership Lab will continue in 2027, with three additional training cycles for managers of social service organisations from across Latvia scheduled for January and February. These will take place in Riga, Liepāja and Jēkabpils. Further information will be available, and registration will open in early January. Those interested in participating are invited to email atbalsts.inovacijam@sif.gov.lv to reserve a place.
The Communication and Leadership Lab, “Communicate. Inspire. Make It Happen.”, is part of the European Social Fund Plus (ESF+) project “Support for New Approaches to the Provision of Community-Based Social Services”, implemented by the Society Integration Foundation.
