advocacy training for the organic sector in Ireland

ADVOCACY TRAINING

for the Organic NGO Sector

ENFO Offices, 17 St Andrew Street, Dublin 2

Tues 22 January 2008 - 10am to 4.30pm

Advocacy is defined as arguing in favour of something, such as a cause, idea, or policy; and as engaging in active support. How would this training event be of value to the organic sector? While we may be individually capable of arguing the case for the sector, this event could help develop a stronger collective voice, at a time when there is a window of opportunity for bringing about a faster pace of progress. The organic sector is made up of a diverse range of organisations, and individuals, with a very high level of motivation in relation to environmental, social, and health issues. This training can help us build coalitions around specific issues, and equip us with additional advocacy and campaigning skills.

This is an all-island training event that will bring together representatives of organic NGO�s from both sides of the border, to address issues of common concern. The event is organised by the Organic Centre, in partnership with NorthWest Organics.

The trainer, Brian Harvey, is the author of �Working for Change � a guide to influencing policy in Ireland�, a handbook for community and voluntary organisations on how to influence the policy-making process. The handbook is published by Combat Poverty, and will be available at the workshop. It describes how political and administrative systems work; how, where and when groups can intervene; and advises on the skills and strategies needed to get involved in making a difference, whether at a local, regional or national level.

The one-day workshop will be based on the handbook, and will provide training in the following areas:

1. Defining advocacy and campaigning

2. Setting objectives for a campaign

3. Tools of a campaign eg. policy reports, media, research, newsletters, mailing lists, conferences, writing letters, etc

4. Case-studies of successful campaigns

5. Coalition building and networking

There will also be an opportunity during the final session to discuss the potential for building collaborative partnerships around specific policy issues, and for developing a broader advocacy network within the organic sector. For further information, please contact Wayne Foord at the Organic Centre, tel. 00353 (0)71 9854338, or Kevin Hickey at NorthWest Organics, tel. 048 71337950.