Thank you for the clarification. 

There are no plans to introduce a group known as "accredited spokespeople" or anything like that. 

As I say, not attending won't mean we'll ask you not to speak with the media - I'm not looking to restrict anyone's voluntary activities, but support them.   That said, I do think it is useful for anyone who speaks with the media who isn't trained to seriously consider taking advantage of this opportunity if they can. From my point of view, it's obviously better and more effective for those dealing with the media to be trained - but it isn't a requirement.

Thanks,

Stevie

On 31 October 2012 17:11, Andy Mabbett <andy@pigsonthewing.org.uk> wrote:
AIUI, only "accredited" trainers will be eligible to undertake certain
Wikimedia-UK training projects

I wanted to be clear (as I suspect is sensibly the case) that no
similar restriction for "accredited spokespeople" would operate.

Cheers,

A.

On 31 October 2012 16:57, Stevie Benton <stevie.benton@wikimedia.org.uk> wrote:
> Hi Andy,
>
> Thank you for your email.
>
> I'm glad you like the look of the course. I designed it with the training
> provider to meet the needs of volunteers who may speak with the media from
> time to time because of their programming work.
>
> I'm not sure what you mean regarding accreditation for trainers I'm afraid -
> could you clarify please?
>
> Not attending won't prevent a volunteer from speaking with the media. It's
> about empowerment, not restriction. Attending will enhance the skills and
> confidence of volunteers in dealing with the media, and make them more
> effective in their use of the media and promotion of their work. Of course,
> the office is here to support volunteers in that as well!
>
> I do hope this helps but am happy to answer any other questions people may
> have. Do please remember that places are limited.
>
> Thanks and regards,
>
> Stevie
>
> On 31 October 2012 16:50, Andy Mabbett <andy@pigsonthewing.org.uk> wrote:
>>
>> On 31 October 2012 16:40, Stevie Benton <stevie.benton@wikimedia.org.uk>
>> wrote:
>>
>> > I just wanted to remind you of the availability of media training for
>> > our
>> > volunteers who may come into contact with members of the press. Please
>> > do
>> > take a look and, if you;re interested, please do let me know.
>>
>> The course outlined looks like a very good one.
>>
>> I'm already comfortable with speaking to the media; I've had similar
>> training in my past professional life, and a fair amount of experience
>> (for Wikimedia and elsewhere), so I wouldn't want to take up a p\ace
>> that would surely be of more benefit to others,
>>
>> Please can you confirm that not attending won't prejudice a community
>> member from being put forward to speak to the media (c/f accreditation
>> for trainers)?
>>
>> --
>> Andy Mabbett
>> @pigsonthewing
>> http://pigsonthewing.org.uk
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> Wikimedia UK mailing list
>> wikimediauk-l@wikimedia.org
>> http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
>> WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
>
>
>
>
> --
>
> Stevie Benton
> Communications Organiser
> Wikimedia UK
> +44 (0) 20 7065 0993 / +44 (0) 7803 505 173
> @StevieBenton
>
> Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and
> Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered
> Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT.
> United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia
> movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who
> operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects).
>
> Wikimedia UK is an independent non-profit charity with no legal control over
> Wikipedia nor responsibility for its contents.
>
>
>
> _______________________________________________
> Wikimedia UK mailing list
> wikimediauk-l@wikimedia.org
> http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
> WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org
>



--
Andy Mabbett
@pigsonthewing
http://pigsonthewing.org.uk

_______________________________________________
Wikimedia UK mailing list
wikimediauk-l@wikimedia.org
http://mail.wikimedia.org/mailman/listinfo/wikimediauk-l
WMUK: http://uk.wikimedia.org



-- 
Stevie Benton
Communications Organiser
Wikimedia UK
+44 (0) 20 7065 0993 / +44 (0) 7803 505 173
@StevieBenton

Wikimedia UK is a Company Limited by Guarantee registered in England and Wales, Registered No. 6741827. Registered Charity No.1144513. Registered Office 4th Floor, Development House, 56-64 Leonard Street, London EC2A 4LT. United Kingdom. Wikimedia UK is the UK chapter of a global Wikimedia movement. The Wikimedia projects are run by the Wikimedia Foundation (who operate Wikipedia, amongst other projects).


Wikimedia UK is an independent non-profit charity with no legal control over Wikipedia nor responsibility for its contents.