Deeper and Deeper Platform of Daphne General: Candidate for Associate Vice President-Externals, Projects Department ACOMM, with

the help of the projects department, has established its identity and independence from other organizations in Ateneo by developing projects that focus on using creativity for a purpose. At the same time, ACOMM has remained open to collaborations and tie-ups with various organizations and companies. Specifically, projects has spear-headed many of the organizations events, activities, workshops, competitions, etc. It fosters a relationship with its members by assigning specific roles such as project managers and project associates as well as builds connections to companies and sponsors by inviting them to a number of projects. For ACOMM 10, the department can work on maximizing each project by cultivating stronger membership ties and developing deeper relationships with other organizations and companies. The VP and AVPs will work consistently and precisely in exploiting the organizations mission to use Creativity for a cause in its projects. AVP on AVP Here is where the distinction of the AVP-Internals and AVP-Externals comes in. Although it is inevitable that both AVPs goals are the same, which is to create projects that utilize creativity for a purpose, it is the execution of the roles that differ. For AVP-Externals, he/she will tap into the other departments in ACOMM, other organizations and academic departments in the Ateneo, other organizations and companies outside Ateneo to help in the projects. For AVP-Internals, he/she will focus on ACOMM members and communication majors to create stronger ties within the organization and the course. Essentially, externals are the bridge to the corporate communication department and internals are the bridge to the human resources department.

Within the department, stronger membership ties must be made through the proper distribution of managers and associates to the projects. A screening process must still be used for the acceptance of managers and their associates. Also, to properly allocate funding for the projects there must be a difference between major projects and minor projects. A scheme or template will be followed according to the category of the project. Presence of Project Associates in the development of projects Project managers and project associates are the babies of the department because they grow as a leader or member when their projects are developed. Both the PMs and PAs should feel the need to be present during the formation of the projects as both their skills are required to create a successful event, activity, etc. It must be stressed that the PAs are there to help the PMs with their tasks and jobs. They are not just an assistant but really more of the right hand of the managers.

Aside from attendance, having the PAs initiate or make an effort to work must be paid attention to. Associates that are not working nor dont attend meetings can be replaced by a willing and deserving PA. It is important to handpick the PMs and PAs for their projects however the PMs can choose 2 of their PAs to ensure that team work and camaraderie are present. Since the PMs will be acquainted with the PAs of their choice, they can provide no reason not to work effectively and efficiently on the project. Major Major, Minor Minor There should be a distinction between major (flagship) projects and minor projects to help in the conceptualizing and executing of the project. Major projects such as the Social Media Summit, Crash Course, Cover over Coffee, Fieldwork, I Have Kwento, and Foodie Festival should be given a different approach for its formation. Whereas, minor projects such as photography workshops, advertising talks, hosting workshops, and social media marketing workshop should follow a different path in its creation. Major projects must be allocated more time and funds than minor projects because it requires a heavier work-load, needs a more comprehensive strategy for preparation, and caters to a bigger audience. Minor projects dont necessarily need a big sum of money but still need an equal amount of time because it still has a work-load, involves careful planning, and caters to an audience. For example, Crash Course would need approximately P50, 000 to fund a decent party and expose the organization but the photography workshops would need only P3500 or less to promote and provide the audience a meaningful series of activities. Classifying the projects are not limiting them but instead helping the PMs and PAs think outside of the boundaries given. After identifying the category, everything else will follow such as the amount for promotions, who to approach as sponsors, where to hold the event, etc.

Outside the department, there are a few ideas that can be developed this year. Networks It is essential in every project to reach out to every member of its audience, whether that is an Atenean or not. I wish to extend ACOMM beyond Ateneos walls by providing a database that will provide information on other organizations inside and outside Ateneo, possible companies and sponsors that may take interest in the project, and non-government organizations whose causes are aligned to that of the organizations. This will provide project managers a framework and some options for when they deliberate on possible collaborations and tie-ups or if they simply need an audience to participate in the event. The information necessary in the database are who to approach regarding the project and how to contact them, be it through telephone, email address, or mobile number. I shall respect the organizations policies with external connections as well as the companys/other organizations policies with private information.

Presence in the Ateneo Community For those outside ACOMM, we are to be considered one of the most creative and talented bunch of people in Ateneo. I wish for this image to be retained, if not, strengthened in the projects this coming year. It is important to take into consideration the branding of ACOMM, which is Creativity for a Cause, whenever holding projects, that way we are able to integrate this as a main objective in each plan or project. An example would be utilizing non-traditional advertising in promoting our major projects such as Social Media Summit. What better way to promote than to use social media? Using effective promotional strategies will help get an audience in the Ateneo, lessening the dependence on traditional promotions and increasing the usage of non-traditional promotions.

Post-Evaluations with the collaborators or sponsors It is necessary to complete post-evaluations forms right after an event or project to ensure that the audience and the organizers are fresh from the experience. The forms should be complete when conducting the focused group discussion on points for improvement of the project. FGDs should take place no more than 1 week after the project. However, these post-evaluation forms and FGDs should also include the collaborators and/or sponsors of the event so that maximum assessment of the project can be made objectively. Getting feedback from the event sponsor, collaborator, or any third party involved is needed for a complete assessment of the project. They can give advice on points for improvement, strengths of the project, and recommendations. This will give post-evaluations an all-around perspective, not just within the team but with the tie-ups as well. With ACOMM in its 10th year in 2012, it is vital to the organization that stronger ties are made within the association and Ateneo as well as outside the school. Each project must align itself to the current mission of ACOMM: Creativity for a Cause, remain within the financial budget given, include sponsors and companies in the post-evaluation of the activity. Each project manager and project associate must effectively distribute the work and efficiently perform their tasks to achieve a successful project. With this, I hope ACOMM 10 becomes one of the best years the organization has seen and experienced, opening possibilities for the organization to reach beyond Ateneo and closing the relationship within the organization members and students of course.