AALEP PUBLIC POLICY ADVOCACY EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME®

In order to enable individuals and entities to develop their competencies to use public policy advocacy tools and mechanisms effectively and raise their awareness of participation in the decision-making process, the delivery of a multi-modular training programme is viewed as a crucial activity.

The AALEP EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME® is a long-term course that extends over a six month period. The whole training is implemented in 6 teaching modules, each module lasting for 24 hours of direct teaching delivered in 4 days of six hours per month (Fridays and Saturdays). Each module is focused to specific subject relevant for understanding the process of Public Policy Advocacy. All modules are delivered through non-formal methodology where a balance between theory and pratice is achieved.

Aside of modular lectures and practical work each participant receives individual support services after each delivered module in order to receive additional support or use time for consulting on relevant matters for the course.

The AALEP EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME® contributes to the capacity building of the organizations represented, increased visibility of the organizations on a national level, and the development of partnerships/coalitions among the organizations working with the same target group within one country.

Capacity building: The AALEP EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME® contributes in the mutual capacity building of both participants and their organizations to engage in public policy advocacy. Indeed, participants are able to share their experience within their organization and see the organization they are associated with as an entity that can work in public policy advocacy to achieve its objectives. The capacity building is seen in terms of gaining knowledge for public policy advocacy i.e. advocacy process, analyses of legislation, partnership cooperation on national level, gaining experience for initiating change in legislation, working with different institutions, preparation of policy paper, developing, organizing and implementing advocacy campaigns.

Increased visibility and increased potential to influence the decision-making process: In terms of getting in contact with relevant stakeholders, gaining support from decision-makers, or just possession of capacity in public policy advocacy.

The AALEP EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME ® provides the skills and knowledge to get involved in decision-making processes on a local, regional, national, European or international level, increase knowledge and understanding of national and European policies, legislation and utilization of policy paper to initiate policy change, increase communications with public authorities and implementation of advocacy actions (campaigns).

In terms of sustainability, it is up to the participants to implement the gained knowledge and skills i.e. to use their advocacy capacities and to act vigourously in the implementation of activities that will achieve their desired outcomes. Through the training they have received, participants will know what to do and how to do it and see the practicality behind these activities. The structure of the AALEP EXECUTIVE CERTIFICATE PROGRAMME® enables participants to face the challenge in the public policy advocacy process and puts them in a position to respond to these challenges.

For some the AALEP Programme may be their start in public policy advocacy. For others it may be an additional upgrade where they can identify their strengths and weaknesses in this process.