INTRAC Advocacy and Policy Influencing Blended Learning programme (online) - February to March 2015

<a href="http://www.intrac.org/events.php?action=event&id=547"><b> Part One, Trainer-led and self-directed: 2 – 5 February 2015
Part Two, 1:1 Coaching: week of 2 March 2015
Part Three, Trainer-led: 24 March 2015</b>
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Is developing and implementing an advocacy strategy critical to success in your project or programme? Do your staff and partners need support to achieve your advocacy objectives? In this capacity building programme, you will have the opportunity to develop and troubleshoot the implementation of an advocacy strategy as well as build your knowledge and confidence.

This programme will give you the knowledge and skills to influence policy and practice in your own context. You will learn skills to help you plan and deliver an effective advocacy strategy; enhance your ability to lobby decision makers; and gain confidence in the ways in which you relate to different audiences. You will also have the skills to analyse power dynamics and choose your advocacy activities so they have maximum impact.

<b> Objectives of the programme</b>

At the end of the programme, participants will:
• Be able to identify different approaches to advocacy and the values and strategies that underlie them
• Be familiar with the stages of the advocacy planning cycle and be better equipped to develop an advocacy strategy
• Be able to analyse the external environment and policy processes identify appropriate ‘levers of influence’
• Be aware of power dynamics and the role they play in achieving advocacy success
• Have examined how an integrated advocacy campaign can successfully combine lobbying, media work and popular mobilisation
• Have reviewed appropriate tools and methods for monitoring and evaluating advocacy initiatives.

<b>Intended audience</b>

This programme is relevant to those who either have little experience but have to implement advocacy work or those with some experience in advocacy which they would like to build on. The programme is suitable to those based both in the UK and overseas within suitable time zones.
<b> What does capacity building through ‘blended learning’ involve? </b>

INTRAC’s innovative blended learning programmes are an effective and cost efficient way to build staff and partner capacity. They combine training delivered remotely by a highly experienced trainer, with one to one coaching to support attendees as they apply the learning to their current work and context. Participants also have time to work through resources independently and choose the optional modules that are most relevant to them. The programme is delivered through the innovative use of web conferencing technology (webinar), skype and INTRAC’s learning platform (moodle).The structure of the programme allows individual’s needs to be addressed while they balance their work commitments. The programmes are delivered over eight weeks, and each programme has three parts:

<b> Part One, Trainer-led and self-directed: 27 – 30 January 2014</b>
In week 1, participants 'remotely' attend four days of training including three hours of trainer-delivered content (via webinar) per day, and three hours of self-directed and peer learning. Participants then devise action plans for incorporating learning into their work.

<b> Part Two, 1:1 Coaching: week of 24 February 2014</b>
In week 5, participants have a 50 minute one-to-one coaching session (via phone or skype) with the trainer. This time is tailored to the needs of each participant. Examples of use of the coaching time include:
• Reviewing learning and considering how to integrate it into current work
• Having contextual or issue-specific support
• Getting feedback or tailored support based on the advocacy strategy they have developed as part of the course.

<b> Part Three, Trainer-led: 18 March 2014</b>
In week 8, participants attend a final three-hour webinar to consolidate learning, share their reflections on the challenges or successes of applying learning to the workplace, cover any outstanding learning needs, and discuss action plans.

<b> What are the costs and the benefits?</b>

The cost is £850. This represents a significant saving compared to a standard UK open training course, including no extra cost of travel, accommodation or subsistence. It also reduces environmental impacts associated with overseas travel. Participants can attend the programme from around the world and benefit from engaging video, audio and chat with a highly experienced international trainer and international group of participants who work for civil society organisations. The programme is supported by a learning platform where participants can access a range of resources, share learning and network. The coaching element ensures that individual’s specific needs are addressed and learning can be applied to actual work.

<b>More information</b>

For more information about this course and our other courses please contact the INTRAC Training Team:

Phone: +44 (0)1865 263040/201851
Email: <a href="mailto:training@intrac.org?Subject=INTRAC%20Blended Learning%20API%20programme">training@intrac.org</a>
Web: <a href="http://www.intrac.org/pages/en/training.html">www.intrac.org/pages/en/training.html</a>

INTRAC is accredited as a non-collegiate provider by the British Accreditation Council for Independent Further and Higher Education.