Targeted Support & Twinning
IOF's strategic support initiatives to mobilize the osteoporosis movement
One of the most important services IOF offers to its member national societies is assistance in expanding their professional capacity. The 'Targeted Support and Twinning Program' aims to help a small, all-volunteer organization develop into an effective, professional group.
IOF offers the following forms of strategic support:
- Professional skills workshops at World Wide Conferences of Osteoporosis Patient Societies
- 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.
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.
