October 25 – November 12, 2010
May 30 - June 17, 2011
October 24 – November 11, 2011
Advocacy and Citizen Engagement
Purpose
Wherever change needs to occur, advocacy has a role to play. In this age of globalization, development practitioners and civil society actors around the world are increasingly finding the need to be actively engaged in influencing the policies, programs and laws that affect their work at the grassroots level. Whether the goal is to protect a threatened watershed, get funding for a health clinic, enact laws to make buildings accessible for people with disabilities, or change laws which discriminate against women, advocacy can help to accomplish those goals.
This three-week certificate explores advocacy as a political act. It is designed to enhance the capacity of civil society to influence decision-makers and policy makers by building the constituency for change and mobilizing public opinion around issues of common concern. The program explores the theoretical foundations of advocacy, key elements of advocacy planning, strategies for action and critical issues affecting advocacy work today. This program is designed to strengthen participants' capacity to critically reflect on previous advocacy experiences, and to enhance their knowledge and skills in the use of strategic planning tools to create more effective advocacy and networking initiatives in the future. The program is intended for civil society actors who are either currently engaged in or are interested in pursuing development solutions through the political process.
Objectives
By the end of this three-week certificate, participants will gain:
- An appreciation for the role of advocacy in civil society;
- A deeper understanding of key concepts underlying advocacy work, power, politics, participation, and good governance;
- More insight into how to build and strengthen the capacity of citizens, especially disadvantaged communities, to undertake advocacy for social change;
- Knowledge about various advocacy strategies and approaches used around the world to achieve social change;
- Knowledge about networking and the key issues related to working with networks, alliances, coalitions and partnerships, nationally and internationally;
- Skills in planning effective advocacy campaigns;
- Skills in influencing public policy and public opinion in support of social change;
- Skills in evaluating the impact of advocacy and networking initiatives;
- Enhanced knowledge through the sharing of experiences about key issues related to advocacy and constituency building.
Method
The program will be learner-centered. The workshop format will emphasize active participation and exchange among participants within a collaborative learning environment. Short lecture inputs, video and written case studies, and group exercises will be combined with individual readings and in-depth group discussions. Participants will have an opportunity to apply the advocacy planning process in interest-based issue groups throughout the three-week program.
Assessment
Participants' learning will be assessed through completion of an individual learning project related to an advocacy issue of their choosing. The project consists of three parts:
- a two-page paper tailored to a decision-maker who has the power to make the desired change happen;
- an information poster to raise public awareness and interest in the selected issue;
- a 10-minute oral presentation to motivate and persuade people who are affected by the issue and potential allies to become actively involved.
Where the program is offered
The Coady's educational programs are offered at the Institute's facilities on the historic campus of St. Francis Xavier University. The campus is nestled in the heart of Eastern Canada's scenic coastal town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia. With a population of 5,000, Antigonish boasts a diverse heritage, rich in Scottish, Irish, Aboriginal, French and African-Canadian ancestry.
Resources
The Coady Institute offers its participants access to:
- A library specializing in adult education and community-based development literature
- Comfortable residences
- All university facilities, including computer labs, athletic facilities, campus library and dining hall
- Many on-campus activities including guest lecture series, socials, intramurals, theatre and music
Fees
Program costs are quoted in Canadian dollars and are subject to revision.
| Tuition | Room & Board | Total |
| $2,000 | $1,000 | $3,000 |
Scholarships
Applicants from developing countries are eligible for Coady Institute scholarships and bursaries that cover most of the cost of tuition, room and board. This support is the result of generous funding from the Canadian International Development Agency and a number of individual and institutional donors. Special efforts are made to enable women and aboriginal peoples attend. The Coady Institute is not able to support the cost of travel.
Admission Requirements
- A good working knowledge of English
- Mid to senior level position in a community-based organization, people's organization, government department, intermediary organization, NGO or equivalent
- At least two years of experience in community-based development
- A university degree (preferred)
- Minimum secondary school certificate
Note:
Applicants should have some direct experience in advocacy work and want to enhance their understanding and skills in this area.