ISHR Ambassador Training –Weekly Discussion

Date: March 4, 2025

Location: Virtual Meeting

Topic: Master the Art of Communication and Feedback.

Attendees: ISHR panel members & 2025 Ambassador Cohort

The International Society for Human Rights (ISHR) recently held a dynamic and engaging training session with the 2025 Ambassador cohort, focusing on the crucial elements of effective communication and feedback within a team setting. The session kicked off with a lively discussion on establishing ground rules for respectful and productive interactions. Ambassadors brainstormed a comprehensive list of guidelines, including:

• Promoting a positive and inclusive environment: This means active listening, no interrupting, and maintaining respectful dialogue.
• Embracing technology etiquette: Muting microphones when not speaking, minimizing background noise, and utilizing online tools effectively.
• Fostering collaboration and teamwork: Working together towards shared goals, using consistent presentation templates, and valuing diverse perspectives.

The conversation then shifted to the art of giving and receiving constructive feedback. The ISHR team emphasized the importance of:

• Empathy and understanding: this means putting yourself in the receiver’s shoes and framing feedback in a positive and supportive manner.
• Specificity and clarity: Providing concrete examples and asking clarifying questions to ensure feedback is actionable and relevant.
• Timeliness and collaboration: Offering feedback promptly and creating a culture where feedback is viewed as an opportunity for growth and improvement.

To ensure these principles are put into practice, the Ambassadors were encouraged to:

• Pin the ground rules in their WhatsApp group for easy reference.
• Schedule regular feedback sessions with colleagues to discuss project ideas and progress.
• Explore deeper training on effective feedback practices.
• Develop strategies for presenting ideas to external audiences who may not have prior context.

The session also explored the nuances of internal and external communication, highlighting the importance of utilizing tools like WhatsApp and email effectively for internal collaboration, while also considering how to represent the organization and its message through social media, hashtags, and consistent messaging.

Throughout the session, the ISHR team fostered an open and interactive environment, encouraging Ambassadors to share their own experiences and perspectives on communication and feedback. The training provided valuable insights and practical tools that will undoubtedly strengthen the Ambassadors’ ability to collaborate effectively, communicate their message with impact, and contribute to the advancement of human rights around the world.