Targeted Support & Twinning
IOF's strategic support initiatives to mobilize the osteoporosis movement
"How can we change from a small, all-volunteer organization to an effective, professional group?" This is just one of the many challenges facing IOF member national societies.
Yet, much of the strength of the global osteoporosis movement resides with the people in the national societies These committed individuals fight on the frontlines to generate public awareness, change legislation and business patterns, and mobilize support. However, global initiatives must be implemented locally, and national situations differ considerably. Many of the most important challenges to fighting osteoporosis take place at the national level.
"The IOF targeted support and twinning program was created to help IOF national member societies become more effective," notes Dan Navid, IOF CEO. "The strength of the worldwide osteoporosis movement depends on the ability of all our members to convince officials that policies have to change, to mobilize public support for osteoporosis-related initiatives, and to find the funding for important programs."
Therefore, one of the most important contributions that IOF can make to the osteoporosis effort, and one of the most important services it can offer to its member national societies is to help the national groups improve their professional capacity.
Why are some societies more successful than others? What is strategic support?
The strategic support program, which encompasses various forms of targeted support, aims to help IOF member national societies become as effective as possible. It comprises these elements:
- Professional skills workshops at World Wide Conferences
- Wake Up Communications Workshops
- Targeted Support
- Twinning
- Ongoing advice and support, specific consultations
Professional skills workshops at IOF World Wide Conferences
IOF has staged workshops at at each of the IOF World Wide Conferences of Osteoporosis Patient Societies held since Oslo in 1997. At least six different themed workshops are offered to the participants, which comprise the patient-oriented IOF member societies.
Wake Up Communications Workshop
Wake Up Communications Workshops are run by Paul Sochaczewski. Sometimes, they are run specifically for IOF member national societies (Mexico, Lebanon, Australia) and sometimes, they are run for other audiences, but IOF member national societies are invited.
IOF is prepared to offer these workshops to member national societies on a case-by-case basis. Members, please contact IOF.
Targeted support and twinning
This has been a cornerstone of the IOF strategic support program.
The Targeted Support program involves providing each of the selected national societies with a professional coach/facilitator who will work intensively with the relevant national society to create a work plan that meets that society's needs.
IOF targeted support has been offered in many countries, including Bulgaria, Brazil, China, India, Iran, Panama, and Vietnam. Twinning, whereby IOF facilitates the travel and information exchange of an experienced society with a new society, is also supported every year.
Ongoing advice and support, specific consultations
IOF provides ongoing advice and support to IOF member national societies in the form of specific one-on-one consultations concerning communications plans, particularly as they relate to World Osteoporosis Day (WOD).
Members: for specific information and application forms for the Strategic Support Programs described above see IOF members only.
