Here’s what people are saying about their experiences with CLI programs:

CLEAR: Communicating for Leadership, Effectiveness And Results

“The reason I think your programs are so important is that the best stories and interviews always come from the top leadership, so the more CEOs learn to communicate with the press, the better things are for everyone.”

“This has far surpassed what I could have imagined in terms of content and quality. I believe that no matter how long one does this work there’s always room to learn more…however, as I get older I usually try to manage my expectations when going to conferences or trainings. CLI is a refreshing change – it’s the first time in years that I’ve participated in a training program that provides tools for sharpening and honing that which I already know, and challenges me with skills and ideas that are new. Each of the three day sessions has been exciting, energizing, and creatively and intellectually inspiring. That, combined with the fact that I can immediately apply what I learn, makes this program invaluable.”

“Most nonprofit executive directors have come up through the program area and are fueled by passion for the cause but lack the skills and the funds to translate that passion into a communications strategy. That lack so often prevents them from being able to strengthen and grow their organizations. The training that CLI provides responds directly to that challenge in nine very full, productive and well-organized days that even someone who has been around as long as I have found extremely helpful. The staff is highly professional but approachable and the other participants are all engaged in significant efforts. They were reflective of the very thoughtful and important investment that the Packard Foundation makes in both good people and good ideas.”

“It's a wonderful program and the staff is top notch. It will provide a huge opportunity for Bread for the World and Bread for the World Institute to take the good work we already do in communications to an entirely new level….I reported back to our entire management team, and there was a lot of excitement around the table about where this could lead us as an organization.”


The SPIN Project

"The SPIN Project is quite simply an essential resource. They have had a transformative impact on our communications work, and that of the country's economic justice movement."

"The SPIN Academy taught me almost everything I know about how to be an effective communications professional. I came away with new skills, new confidence, and a whole new group of friends and colleagues that I continue to learn from and lean on. It's so much fun learning from experts, with people who do what you do from all over the country. Do NOT miss the opportunity to go the SPIN Academy!"

“The Spin Project helped us travel from media skills to full-on communication strategies — and we've used these tools not just in our own organization, but in our work with HIV/AIDS and social justice groups around the country. We've moved from effective soundbytes to becoming truly strategic communicators on multiple levels, and have seen the results in our media work, in our community organizing campaigns, and in the efforts of our member organizations.”


Strategic Communications Grantmaker Training

“This is a fabulous training for foundations and other non-profits that deeply care about innovation and effectiveness. Not only is it useful in vetting ideas with a communication component, but it is helpful with strategic thinking pertaining to issue campaigns in general. Bottom-line: CLI provides the savvy building blocks for any contemporary social change endeavor. The presenters are top-notch and the handouts are helpful even after the training is over.”



Have you experienced one of CLI's programs? Tell us what you think.