I agree with Chrystal. I think if it's of any value, it would be train the trainer. As Chrystal said most CBOs are probably already doing this, and much more effective than the University or government entities. The value of the train the trainer would be to have the CBOs to work with and empower the community residents. And they are already doing that!
Probably the mostly effective way of learning is by doing it. You can go to the most expensive and prestigious training, but if you have never done a single advocacy activity, then it's just learning theory without practicing.
And yes, the tuition/registration fees are usually quite expensive. Unless you have a big enough budget for training (if you are rich :-) , or your organization is willing to pay, most people won't be able to attend. I am willing to pay out of my own pocket if it's within $50 to $100, and locally. Sometimes might be too much a hassle to get approval. But travel and lodging expenses are what's going to kill me.
Perhaps if we really want to help train more people, it should open up to anyone who has a passion and wants to be involved in advocacy work. And make it free or low cost, and local. Stipends and scholarships are nice, but who has the time to fill them out?
>>> Chrystal Ocean <[log in to unmask]> 05/01/07 12:12 PM >>>
Among the issues for me with respect to the linked page provided in Linda's
post is the $2,000 fee for a three-week course. Then there is the
eligibility criteria, including:
* 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
* Have some direct experience in advocacy work
I have difficulty understanding why anyone who already does advocacy and has
been doing it long enough to have reached a 'mid to senior level position'
would have need of this certificate. Of course, it's a certificate from an
institution of 'higher learning', so perhaps that's it. I see no value in it
otherwise.
Advocacy is something one does and lives. It is fundamentally an activity
which relies on making connections, in multiple senses, with people.
Advocacy is best learned on the ground, in the trenches. As one's
understanding of the issues grows, one's praxis that is advocacy improves.
But now, we are supposed to believe that an organic activity which grows
from the grassroots up is somehow deficient, because...
"As a result of this program, participants will be able to:
* Understand the conceptual frameworks for engaging in effective
advocacy work;
[All the work we activists are doing is ineffective because we haven't
conceptually framed it?]
* Demonstrate skills in influencing public policy and mobilizing public
opinion in support of social and economic change;
[We don't demonstrate this in doing our advocacy?]
* Enhance knowledge through the sharing of advocacy and networking
experiences, issues and approaches;
[We don't do this already, in our day-to-day advocacy activities?]
* Explore ways to establish an ongoing learning network for capacity
building in advocacy.
[Oh, now I get it.]
I wonder who the instructor is.
Ocean, WISE Coordinator.
http://www.wise-bc.org/
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