CERTIFICATE IN ADVOCACY AND NETWORKING
13 September – 1 October, 2004

Wherever change needs to occur, advocacy has a role to play. Development practitioners and civil society actors increasingly find 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, secure funding for a health clinic or a program to address homelessness, 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 is designed to enhance the capacity of civil society to influence decision-makers and policy makers by building a 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 in advocacy work today. Content includes:

Conceptualizing advocacy – Determining goals: policy influence, civil society strengthening, democratization or social transformation?; understanding concepts: politics, power and participation.
Planning advocacy – Analyzing the social and political context; defining problems and selecting priority issues; identifying advocacy targets, allies, opponents & constituents; designing effective messages; monitoring and measuring effectiveness
Working collaboratively with partners – Joint campaigning (structures, working relationships, issues); linking local & global advocacy issues; role of Northern partners.
Building and mobilizing constituencies for change – Building constituencies through networking and the use of new information technologies; applying educational methods to raise awareness and mobilize support; using the media as a tool for social action

WHO SHOULD ATTEND
The program is intended for civil society actors who are either currently engaged in or are responsible for advocacy work within their organizations or networks, internationally or in Canada. Applicants should have:
• 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 five years of experience in community-based development
• A university degree (preferred); minimum secondary school certificate.

WHERE IS THE PROGRAM OFFERED?
The Coady International Institute of St. Francis Xavier University has been promoting community self-reliance since it opened its doors over 40 years ago to educate leaders from around the world. Established in 1959, the Coady Institute is world-renowned as a centre of excellence in community-based development. Over the past four decades, the global reach of the Institute has grown immensely. A worldwide network of over 4,400 graduates and partners in more than 130 countries are working to improve the lives of millions of women, men and children. The Certificate Program is offered at the Coady Institute’s facilities on the historic St. Francis Xavier University campus in the heart of Eastern Canada’s scenic coastal town of Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

FEES
All program costs are quoted in Canadian dollars and subject to revision. Partial bursaries for tuition are available through the Institute and are awarded on the basis of need. Candidates are fully responsible for covering the cost of their own travel and living expenses.
Total: CAN $3,000

APPLY
For more information please contact the Registrar or check the Coady website.

The Registrar
Coady International Institute
St. Francis Xavier University
PO Box 5000, Antigonish, Nova Scotia B2G 2W5 Canada
Email: [email protected] [2]
Phone: 902.867.3953 Fax: 902.867.3907
Website: www.stfx.ca/institutes/coady [3]