Public Policy Influencing And Advocacy

CONCEPT NOTE

INTERNATIONAL TRAINING ON PUBLIC POLICY INFLUENCING AND ADVOCACY

BACKGROUND

In today’s complex and interconnected world, the ability to effectively influence public policy is essential for driving social change and promoting sustainable development. The Public Policy Influencing and Advocacy Course at the Environmental Capacities and Sustainability (ECAS) Institute is designed to equip professionals with the tools and strategies necessary to navigate the policy-making landscape successfully.

This comprehensive program delves into the intricacies of policy formulation, implementation, and evaluation, providing participants with a deep understanding of governance structures and decision-making processes. Emphasizing practical skills, the course covers the development of impactful advocacy campaigns, stakeholder analysis, and effective communication techniques tailored to diverse audiences. By integrating theoretical knowledge with real-world applications, the course prepares individuals to engage with policymakers, build strategic alliances, and advocate for policies that align with their organizational objectives and societal goals.

Whether you are a policymaker, NGO staff member, community leader, or professional seeking to enhance your advocacy skills, this course offers the insights and tools necessary to make a meaningful impact in the public policy arena

OBJECTIVES OF THE TRAINING

By the end of this course participants will be able to:

1. Gain a comprehensive understanding of how public policies are formulated, implemented, and evaluated.
2. Learn to design and implement effective advocacy campaigns that influence policy decisions.
3. Master the art of persuasive communication to effectively convey policy positions to diverse audiences.
4. Identify and assess key stakeholders to build strategic alliances and coalitions.
5. Understand the political landscape to effectively engage with policymakers and institutions.
6. Incorporate ethical principles in policy advocacy to promote integrity and accountability.

WHAT YOU WILL LEARN

Upon completion of this comprehensive course participants will have a clear understanding of:

• Techniques for conducting thorough policy research and analysis to inform advocacy efforts.
• Methods to develop comprehensive advocacy plans with clear objectives and measurable outcomes.
• Approaches to effectively lobby policymakers and influence legislative processes.
• Strategies for utilizing traditional and digital media platforms to amplify advocacy messages.
• Skills to form and manage coalitions that strengthen advocacy initiatives.
• Tools to assess the impact of advocacy campaigns and refine strategies accordingly.

DURATION AND PROGRAM

TARGET PARTICIPANTS

The Public Policy Influencing and Advocacy Course at the Environmental Capacities and Sustainability (ECAS) Institute is designed for professionals committed to shaping public policy and driving social change. This course is ideal for policy makers, civil servants, non-governmental organization (NGO) staff, advocacy officers, communication specialists, and community leaders seeking to enhance their ability to influence policy decisions and advocate effectively for their causes.

Participants will gain the tools and confidence to engage in policy processes, advocate for their causes, and contribute to the development of equitable and sustainable policies.

TRAINING MODULES

No	Module	Details
1.	Introduction to Public Policy and Governance	Understanding the principles and practices of public policy. Exploring the role of governance in policy development. Differentiating between “Big P” and “Little p” policy. Examining the concept of “Health in All” policies. The role of evidence-based public health in policy development. at the state and local levels. Utilizing digital media in community organizing and policy development
2.	Policy Research, Analysis, and Advocacy	Conducting policy research and analysis. Developing systematic strategies for lobbying and advocacy activities. Influencing policy development and implementation processes. Utilizing practical tools and methods to plan and carry out advocacy initiatives. Forming strong coalitions and choosing political target.
3.	Political Economy and Policy Development	Understanding political economy and the role of neoliberalism. Linking policy pronouncements to financial commitments. Exploring national development priorities and the global development agenda. Applying rights-based social accountability for public service improvement. Networking and lobbying for influencing policy change.
4.	Stakeholder Engagement and Coalition Building	Identifying and mapping stakeholders for policy change. Building and sustaining effective coalitions. Engaging with community stakeholders and policymakers. Developing and implementing advocacy days at the state and local levels. Utilizing digital media in community organizing and policy development.
5.	Communicating Policy Messages and Media Engagement	Developing clear messages for different kinds of stakeholders. Overcoming barriers to communication. Using digital media in community organizing and policy development. Understanding challenges in using digital media for policy development. Engaging with media to disseminate policy messages effectively.

TRAINING STYLE

The Public Policy Influencing and Advocacy Course at the Environmental Capacities and Sustainability (ECAS) Institute employs a variety of training styles to ensure a comprehensive and engaging learning experience. Interactive Lectures provide foundational knowledge through dynamic presentations, encouraging active participation and discussion. Case Studies offer real-world scenarios for analysis, allowing participants to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations. Group Discussions facilitate the exchange of ideas and experiences among peers, enhancing collaborative learning. Role-Playing Exercises simulate policy advocacy scenarios, enabling participants to practice and refine their skills in a controlled environment. Workshops focus on developing specific competencies through hands-on activities and guided instruction. Self-Assessment Tools help individuals identify their advocacy strengths and areas for improvement. Panel Discussions with industry experts provide diverse perspectives on policy advocacy challenges and best practices. By integrating these diverse methods, the course aims to equip participants with the knowledge and skills necessary to effectively influence public policy and advocate for meaningful change.

GENERAL NOTES

• Training manuals and additional reference materials are provided to the participants.
• Upon successful completion of this course, participants will be issued with a certificate.
• We can also do this as a tailor-made course to meet organization-wide needs. Contact us to find out more: info@ecasiafrica.org.
• Payment should be sent to our bank account before the start of training and proof of payment sent to: info@ecasiafrica.org.

ABOUT ECAS INSTITUTE

The ECAS Institute designs and delivers independent and targeted training, research, and consulting services. Our work focusses on climate change and resilience building, carbon markets, renewable energy, nature-based solution, biodiversity conservation, agriculture and food systems, We are located in Nairobi Kenya and work across the African region. We have implemented training and research assignments in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Somalia, Malawi, Rwanda, Congo, and South Africa. Globally, we have supported our partners from the UK, Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Germany, and USA.