Advocacy and Policy Change for Non-Profits Training Course

Module 1: Introduction to the Advocacy and Policy Change for Non-Profits Training Course

ü  Defining advocacy vs. lobbying vs. activism

ü  The role of non-profits in the policy lifecycle

ü  Setting SMART advocacy objectives

ü  Understanding the political economy of change

ü  Practical Session: Identifying a "High-Impact Policy Ask" for your organization

Module 2: Policy Analysis and Problem Identification

ü  Analyzing current laws and regulatory gaps

ü  Root cause analysis: Moving from symptoms to systems

ü  Gathering and utilizing evidence for policy change

ü  Comparative policy research techniques

ü  Practical Session: Developing a "Problem Tree" for a specific social issue

Module 3: Strategic Power Mapping and Stakeholder Engagement

ü  Identifying decision-makers and influencers

ü  Analyzing stakeholder interests and power levels

ü  The "Spectrum of Allies" framework

ü  Building relationships with non-traditional partners

ü  Practical Session: Creating a visual Power Map for a target policy change

Module 4: Integrated Advocacy and Communication Strategies

ü  Crafting the core advocacy message: Narrative and framing

ü  Media relations for policy change: Press releases and op-eds

ü  Public speaking for advocates: Elevating the "Human Story"

ü  Crisis communication in sensitive advocacy environments

ü  Practical Session: Drafting a 60-second "Elevator Pitch" for a policymaker

Module 5: Legislative Process and Direct Lobbying Techniques

ü  Navigating the halls of power: How laws are made

ü  Preparing for and conducting meetings with officials

ü  Writing effective policy briefs and memos

ü  Testifying at public hearings and technical committees

ü  Practical Session: Role-playing a high-stakes negotiation with a "Politician"

Module 6: Grassroots Mobilization and Community Organizing

ü  Principles of community-led advocacy

ü  Organizing town halls and public forums

ü  Techniques for effective door-knocking and petitioning

ü  Mobilizing "Constituent Power" to pressure representatives

ü  Practical Session: Designing a grassroots mobilization timeline

Module 7: Digital Advocacy and Social Media Campaigning

ü  Leveraging social media platforms for policy awareness

ü  Crowdsourcing and online petition tools

ü  Using data visualization to simplify complex policy data

ü  Digital security for advocates and activists

ü  Practical Session: Creating a mock social media "Campaign Blitz"

Module 8: Building and Managing Advocacy Coalitions

ü  Pros and cons of working in networks

ü  Formalizing coalition structures and decision-making

ü  Managing conflict and divergent interests in groups

ü  Resource sharing and joint fundraising for advocacy

ü  Practical Session: Drafting a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a new coalition

Module 9: Monitoring, Evaluation, and Learning in Advocacy

ü  Challenges of measuring "Influence" and "Policy Change"

ü  Developing advocacy-specific KPIs and indicators

ü  The "Outcome Harvesting" methodology

ü  Using learning loops to pivot strategy mid-campaign

ü  Practical Session: Building an Advocacy M&E framework

Module 10: Ethics, Legal Compliance, and Risk Management

ü  Understanding local laws governing non-profit political activity

ü  Transparency and ethical considerations in lobbying

ü  Risk assessment: Physical, legal, and reputational

ü  Sustaining momentum: Preventing advocate burnout

ü  Practical Session: Conducting a "Pre-Mortem" risk analysis for a campaign

About Our Trainers

Our trainers are seasoned policy experts, former legislative staffers, and veteran non-profit leaders with over 20 years of experience in high-level advocacy across East Africa and internationally. They have successfully led campaigns that resulted in landmark legislative changes in health, education, and environmental policy. Each facilitator brings a blend of political "insider" knowledge and "outsider" grassroots experience, providing participants with a 360-degree view of the policy change process.

Quality Statement

Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training is committed to providing world-class training that is both theoretically sound and practically applicable. We continuously update our curriculum to reflect the latest trends in digital advocacy and global policy movements. Our goal is to ensure that every participant returns to their organization with the confidence and competence to effect real-world change.

Tailor-Made Courses

We understand that every organization has unique challenges and opportunities as well as unique training needs. Phoenix Training Center offers tailor-made courses designed to address specific requirements and challenges faced by your team or organization. Whether you need a customized curriculum, a specific duration, or on-site delivery, we can adapt our expertise to provide a training solution that perfectly aligns with your objectives. We can customize this Course to focus on your industry, specific risk profile, or internal stakeholder dynamics. Contact us to discuss how we can create a bespoke training program that maximizes value and impact for your team. For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Admission Criteria

ü  Participants should be reasonably proficient in English. 

ü  Applicants must live up to Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training admission criteria.

Terms and Conditions

ü  Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free

ü  What is catered for by the Course Fees: Fees cater for all requirements for the training – Learning materials, Lunches, Teas, Snacks and Certification. All participants will additionally cater for their travel and accommodation expenses, visa application, insurance, and other personal expenses.

ü  Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.

ü  The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.

ü  Approval of Course: Our Programs are NITA Approved. Participating organizations can therefore claim reimbursement on fees paid in accordance with NITA Rules.

Booking for Training

Simply send an email to the Training Officer on training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com and we will send you a registration form. We advise you to book early to avoid missing a seat to this training. Or call us on +254720272325 / +254737296202

Payment Options

We provide 3 payment options, choose one for your convenience, and kindly make payments at least 5 days before the Training start date to reserve your seat:

ü  Groups of 5 People and Above – Cheque Payments to: Phoenix Center for Policy, Research and Training Limited should be paid in advance, 5 days to the training.

ü  Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.

ü  Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

ü  Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.

ü  Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.

ü  No refunds will be made 14 days or less before the training commencement date. However, participants who are unable to attend may opt to attend a similar training course at a later date or send a substitute participant provided the participation criteria have been met.

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

For physical training attendees, we can assist with recommendations for accommodation near the training venue. Airport pick-up services can also be arranged upon request to ensure a smooth arrival. Please inform us of your travel details in advance if you require these services. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737296202