Advocacy for Social Transformation

THE CONTEXT: The majority of Advocacy organisations are led by experienced professionals or by highly trained people. Grassroots young people often face exclusion of Youth Advocacy processes for a number of reasons like belonging to a minority, lack of networking abilities, info-exclusion phenomena or, the focus of this project, lack of competences for advocacy-making. (in project application form) THE AIM: This project aims to improve the quality of youth participation in European countries by developing young people and youth workers competences in the field of advocacy through a non-formal education training. THE OBJECTIVES:  To provide participants with standard theory, skills and tools to design, implement and evaluate meaningful and effective advocacy strategies for social transformation;  To provide an opportunity for participants to design an advocacy process to implement as a follow-up of the training, while strengthening the network and cooperation between the involved partner European NGYO’s;  To develop a more strategical approach to the youth activities of the involved partner NGYO’s;  To create a space to elaborate on the existing obstacles for social inclusion, cultural diversity and active participation of young people, including structural discrimination, while developing possible solutions;  To develop a better understanding of social transformation and advocacy principles in order to plan and deliver effective advocacy processes. THE SETTING & CONTENT: 22 participants from different countries will meet in the city of Amarante, Portugal, for a residential training in order to learn and develop together their Youth advocacy-making competences (and have a lot of fun along the way!). The group will be accommodated in wards rooms of four people.The bathrooms are shared and have shower cabins. Most of the meals served will be vegetarian with Fair Trade and biologically produced food. More info on: http://www.aventuramaraoclube.com/p/casa-juventude.html Trainers will follow non-formal education methodological principles, based in peer learning, experiential learning; participative methods will be used – participants shall expect to be very active along the whole programme. Everything will happen in English language. This is an ideal opportunity to learn with your international peers and to initiate (or further develop) your own advocacy strategy, aiming to transform your own NGO or/and the social environment you're active in. Target Group: Active youth workers, trainers, coaches or youth leaders. For this training, some previous experience with youth advocacy processes is favorable. A strong motivation and support shall exist to implement a follow-up Youth Advocacy action. THE COSTS: Participation fee: 20€ (Accommodation and food is included) 70% of the travel costs are reimbursed after the training (maximum costs apply according to the country of the sending NGO). Unfortunately, the participants will need to cover 100% of their eventual VISA costs. HOW TO APPLY: Before you apply, make sure you meet the following participant profile:  To fit into the target group (as in this document);  Full availability to attend the training (from 08 to 14.10.2013), in Portugal;  Influence in decision making on your NGO;  Able to communicate in English language;  When selecting participants, priority will be given to those who will be involved in a Youth Advocacy process in the next 12 months;  Unfortunately, it will be only possible to include participants coming from (and returning to): Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, France, Portugal, Romania, Spain, Turkey;  Candidates from partner organisations will have priority - please consult Dínamo if you wish to contact directly the involved partners. If you meet this profile, fill your application form online: http://goo.gl/I9bo6 until 15.08.2013, 23:59 CET. You’ll be informed about the selection results during August 2013, by email. For further information, please contact Mr. Matia Losego at tcadvocacy@dinamo.pt. CONTACTS: ► Dínamo email: tcadvocacy@dinamo.pt – the preferred and cheapest way to get in touch with us and get your answers. Mr. Matia Losego is the contact person for this training course in Dínamo.