CSS is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with PIO Toolkit to deliver a series of live virtual one-hour “Lunch & Learn” training sessions led by internationally recognized strategic communications expert, author, and trainer Christine Townsend.
This collaboration expands access to high-impact, practical communications training—designed specifically for busy professionals who need timely, relevant insights without stepping away from their day.
Bite-Sized Training, Real-World Impact
There has never been a more challenging time than now. Professional communicators and leaders are expected to respond quickly, confidently, and strategically—often in high-pressure situations.
These one-hour Lunch & Learn sessions are built to deliver focused, actionable guidance in a flexible format that fits into the workday. Each session targets real-world challenges communications professionals face right now.
Featured Training Topics
Participants can join sessions covering critical and timely issues, including:
- Handling First Amendment Auditors, Influencers, and Citizen Journalists: Learn how to respond professionally and effectively while protecting your organization and maintaining public trust.
- Handling Misinformation in the Moment: Develop strategies to quickly identify, address, and correct misinformation before it escalates.
- Crisis Communications Under Pressure: Gain tools to stay clear, calm, and credible when stakes are high and time is limited.
- Working with Leadership and Elected Officials: Strengthen your ability to advise, align, and communicate effectively with key decision-makers.
Learn from a Global Expert
Christine Townsend brings decades of experience advising senior leaders, government agencies, and organizations worldwide. Known for her practical approach and engaging delivery, she helps professionals turn complex communication challenges into clear, strategic action.
These sessions are designed to be:
- Highly interactive
- Scenario-based
- Immediately applicable
Participants will walk away with tools and techniques they can use the same day.
Accessible, Engaging, and Designed for You
The live virtual format ensures accessibility while maintaining the energy and engagement of real-time instruction. Whether you’re joining from your office or over your lunch break, these sessions are designed to maximize value in minimal time.
Ideal for:
- Public Information Officers
- Communications Directors
- Municipal and government leaders
- Law enforcement and public safety professionals
- Anyone responsible for public messaging
A Strategic Partnership
By partnering with PIO Toolkit, CSS is combining its commitment to professional development with a platform trusted by communications professionals nationwide.
Together, CSS and PIO Toolkit are delivering timely, relevant training that helps organizations strengthen communication, build trust, and respond effectively in today’s complex media environment.
The Series
Wednesday, May 6, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST
Handling First Amendment Auditors, Influencers, and Citizen Journalists
What should your staff say — or not say — when someone walks in with a camera rolling? This live session covers the legal boundaries, de-escalation language, and professional strategies government teams need to handle First Amendment auditors, influencers, and citizen journalists. You’ll leave with a printable legal quick-reference guide your whole team can use.
Wednesday, May 13, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST
Handling Misinformation in the Moment
When a false narrative about your agency starts spreading, you have minutes to respond. This live session gives you a proven triage process, messaging language that protects credibility, and internal coordination strategies for when leadership, legal, and operations all want different things. You’ll leave with a printable triage grid and messaging checklist you can use immediately.
Wednesday, May 20, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST
Crisis Communications Under Pressure
When a crisis hits, the communicator’s job isn’t just messaging — it’s managing pace, politics, and pressure all at once. This live session covers what the first hour actually looks like from the PIO’s seat, how to issue statements when facts are still developing, and how to manage leadership, media, and your own wellbeing simultaneously. You’ll leave with a first-hour crisis playbook including holding statement templates.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 12:00 PM EST
Working with Leadership and Elected Officials
The hardest part of government comms isn’t the message — it’s getting leadership to understand why it matters. This live session covers how to manage up effectively, navigate elected officials with their own comms instincts, and position yourself as a strategic adviser rather than a task-taker. You’ll leave with a managing-up toolkit including briefing templates and scripts for common friction points.
Details
Each session is $99 and includes live participation, a recording, and a practical takeaway resource. All attendees will also receive a discount code for 20% off membership to PIO Toolkit
Sessions are open to all government communicators, PIOs, emergency managers, and public sector comms staff. No prerequisites required.
All sessions are delivered via Zoom. You’ll receive login details after registration.
Spaces are limited. Register now to secure your spot.
Meet Christine, Grab Your Lunch
Christine Townsend is an internationally recognized strategic communications expert with more than 30 years of experience across journalism, policing, and government communications. She specializes in crisis communication, media strategy, and community engagement, helping public sector organizations build trust and navigate complex, high-stakes situations. Christine is the founder and editor-in-chief of PIO Toolkit, a global platform supporting government communicators, and has trained agencies worldwide in effective public engagement strategies. Her career includes serving as Director of Communications for the City of London Police, where she led communications for major international events and critical incidents, and advising government and public safety organizations across the U.S., U.K., and beyond. At Capital Strategic Solutions, she supports clients in developing strategic communications, crisis response frameworks, and meaningful community engagement initiatives.