Creating change in societal issues requires persuading an indifferent public to care, engage, and advocate where communication has always been, and will always be, a key aspect. However, CSO communication staff often lack opportunities to develop strategic skills, as their work is frequently limited to documentation and reactive content rather than proactive communication. Their role is often overlooked or treated as an afterthought, and they have limited opportunities to connect and collaborate, making it harder to build relationships and partnerships.

Therefore, on February 26, 2025, Chill & Spill Vol.1 was launched as a safe space for CSO communication staff to learn, share, grow, and most importantly, have fun while building mutual support. Chill & Spill is a quarterly event, meaning there will be four gatherings each year, and the next one is coming soon, so stay tuned. Now, let’s take a look at what happened at Chill & Spill Vol.1!

The event kicked off with an interactive talk show introducing Chill & Spill and its benefits as well as purpose. Keeping the tone casual, the session featured storytelling from seasoned veterans who shared their journeys in the field of communication.
Participants also engaged in a Q&A session, gaining deeper insights from their experiences. Let’s look at some key takeaways from this session.

• Simplifying complex & serious social issues in campaigns does not diminish their "honor" or significance

While these social issues are important and deserve public attention, their complexity can make them difficult to understand, leading to disengagement. Therefore, clear and accessible communication is essential to help the public grasp their importance, fostering awareness, engagement, and action, without compromising their depth or “honor”

• Are CSO coalitions ineffective? They can work if built on trust and friendship

A coalition can be highly effective when it has diverse members, a strong mass base, and media recognition. However, managing a large coalition becomes increasingly complex, especially without a foundation of trust. Many coalitions struggle because they are formed out of necessity rather than genuine relationships and shared concerns. Therefore, prioritizing trust and strong interpersonal connections before forming a coalition increases the likelihood of smooth collaboration and long-term success, aligning with Chill & Spill’s mission to strengthen relationships among CSOs.

• Are there any "secret recipes" to stay sane and build resilience while working in CSOs?

Maintaining mental well-being requires a balance of self-care and social support. Practices like meditation, regular exercise, and sufficient sleep help manage stress, while engaging in hobbies that provide quick, tangible results, such as cooking can offer a sense of accomplishment and relaxation. Beyond personal habits, having a strong support system is equally important. Building friendships, especially outside the CSO circle, prevents isolation and helps avoid the risk of being trapped in an echo chamber. Exposure to diverse perspectives can foster fresh insights, emotional resilience, and a healthier work-life balance.

Beyond the talk show, we wanted participants to collaborate and have fun together. That’s why we introduced the Craft & Connect session, where participants were divided into small groups to create bag charms while chatting. A variety of beads, strings, and accessories were provided, with each charm featuring Chill & Spill branding. Here’s a glimpse of the fun!

In the end, participants could feast on snacks while chatting with other participants to foster further networking or just casual relationship

Chill & Spill is a safe space for CSO communication staff to learn, share, and have fun together. Through interactive discussions and fun activities, we foster collaboration, skill-building, and mutual support.

We will be initiating this event on every quarter. Join us and be part of the community by clicking on this link https://chat.whatsapp.com/Lasc9R5MFMyLi1eO7WTP2v or scanning the barcode below!