Training Course on Advocacy and Public Policy for Lobbyists and Policy Advocates

Course Outline

 

Module 1: Foundations of Public Policy and Advocacy

ü  Defining public policy, advocacy, and lobbying

ü  The role of lobbyists and advocates in a democratic system

ü  Different models of policy influence

ü  The importance of public opinion and stakeholder engagement

ü  Ethical responsibilities of policy advocates

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing the policy landscape for a chosen industry or issue.

Module 2: Understanding Legislative and Regulatory Processes

ü  Overview of legislative bodies and their functions (e.g., parliament, congress)

ü  The journey of a bill: from idea to law

ü  Understanding regulatory agencies, rulemaking, and enforcement

ü  Key decision-makers, committees, and legislative staff

ü  The impact of electoral cycles on policy priorities

ü  Practical Session: Tracing the legislative path of a recently passed law or regulation.

Module 3: Policy Analysis, Research, and Argumentation

ü  Conducting comprehensive policy research and data analysis

ü  Identifying policy problems, solutions, and potential impacts

ü  Crafting compelling policy arguments: evidence-based persuasion

ü  Developing executive summaries, issue briefs, and white papers

ü  Anticipating and countering opposing arguments

ü  Practical Session: Drafting a concise issue brief advocating for a specific policy position.

Module 4: Developing Strategic Advocacy Campaigns

ü  Setting SMART objectives for advocacy campaigns

ü  Strategic framework for campaign planning: goals, target audiences, tactics, resources

ü  Building a theory of change for policy impact

ü  Mobilization strategies vs. direct lobbying strategies

ü  Budgeting and resource allocation for advocacy initiatives

ü  Practical Session: Developing a high-level advocacy campaign plan for a specific policy issue.

Module 5: Direct Lobbying and Communication with Policymakers

ü  Preparing for and conducting effective meetings with legislators and staff

ü  Delivering persuasive testimony at hearings and public forums

ü  Crafting effective legislative asks and policy recommendations

ü  Building rapport and trust with government officials

ü  Following up and maintaining relationships

ü  Practical Session: Role-playing a meeting with a policymaker to advocate for a specific issue.

Module 6: Grassroots Advocacy and Coalition Building

ü  The power of grassroots mobilization in policy advocacy

ü  Strategies for engaging and empowering constituents

ü  Building and managing diverse coalitions and alliances

ü  Organizing advocacy events, call-in days, and letter-writing campaigns

ü  Leveraging digital tools for grassroots activation

ü  Practical Session: Designing a grassroots outreach plan for a policy campaign.

Module 7: Media Relations for Policy Issues and Public Opinion

ü  Using earned media to shape public opinion on policy debates

ü  Pitching policy-related stories to journalists and news editors

ü  Preparing spokespersons for interviews on complex policy topics

ü  Writing effective op-eds and letters to the editor for advocacy

ü  Managing media narratives and responding to negative publicity

ü  Practical Session: Drafting an op-ed piece to influence public opinion on a current policy debate.

Module 8: Ethical Lobbying, Compliance, and Transparency

ü  Overview of lobbying disclosure laws and regulations

ü  Understanding restrictions on gifts, campaign contributions, and revolving door ethics

ü  Best practices for ethical conduct and professional standards in lobbying

ü  Avoiding conflicts of interest and maintaining transparency

ü  Case studies of ethical dilemmas in advocacy

ü  Practical Session: Analyzing hypothetical scenarios for compliance and ethical considerations.

Module 9: Measuring Advocacy Impact and Policy Outcomes

ü  Defining and measuring success in policy advocacy (e.g., legislative wins, regulatory changes, public awareness shifts)

ü  Quantitative and qualitative metrics for assessing lobbying effectiveness

ü  Challenges in attributing policy outcomes to specific advocacy efforts

ü  Post-campaign review and lessons learned

ü  Demonstrating the return on investment (ROI) of advocacy

ü  Practical Session: Developing a framework for measuring the success of a policy advocacy initiative.

Module 10: Global Trends, Emerging Issues, and Future of Advocacy

ü  The impact of global political and economic trends on public policy

ü  Digital transformation in lobbying and the use of AI and data analytics

ü  The rise of stakeholder activism and ESG in policy debates

ü  Navigating political polarization and fractured information environments

ü  The evolving role of the lobbyist and advocate in the 21st century

ü  Practical Session: Discussing the implications of a major global trend (e.g., climate change policy, technological regulation) on future advocacy strategies.

About the Trainers

The training will be delivered by a team of highly experienced Lobbyists, Public Affairs Directors, and former senior government officials with extensive backgrounds in navigating legislative processes, building bipartisan relationships, and shaping public policy across various sectors.

Our trainers bring a wealth of practical strategies, real-world case studies, and insights into effectively influencing government decision-making and achieving policy outcomes. Their expertise ensures that participants gain actionable skills and a deep understanding of excelling in the dynamic world of advocacy and public policy.

Quality Assurance

We are committed to delivering high-quality, practical, and relevant training programs that empower professionals to excel in their roles and contribute significantly to the success of their organizations. Our courses are continually updated to reflect the latest industry trends, regulatory changes, and best practices.

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

1. Discounts: Organizations sponsoring Four Participants will have the 5th attend Free
2. 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.
3. Certificate Awarded: Participants are awarded Certificates of Participation at the end of the training.
4. The program content shown here is for guidance purposes only. Our continuous course improvement process may lead to changes in topics and course structure.
5. 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 / +254737566961

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:

1. 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.
2. Invoice: We can send a bill directly to you or your company.
3. Deposit directly into Bank Account (Account details provided upon request)

Cancellation Policy

1. Payment for all courses includes a registration fee, which is non-refundable, and equals 15% of the total sum of the course fee.
2. Participants may cancel attendance 14 days or more prior to the training commencement date.
3. 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.

Tailor Made Courses

This training course can also be customized for your institution upon request for a minimum of 5 participants. You can have it conducted at our Training Centre or at a convenient location.

For further inquiries, please contact us on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737566961 or Email training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com

Accommodation and Airport Transfer

Accommodation and Airport Transfer is arranged upon request and at extra cost. For reservations contact the Training Officer on Email: training@phoenixtrainingcenter.com or on Tel: +254720272325 / +254737566961