Planning for Advocacy

Self-Study Certificate Course

When Good Intentions Aren't Enough

A poorly planned advocacy effort can do more harm than good, potentially harming the communities you aim to support and undermining your cause. This training equips you with the skills to design effective advocacy campaigns that drive positive social change, whether you're addressing unmet needs, reversing harmful situations, or shifting public opinion.

Through successful advocacy, you can:

• Influence policy changes for marginalized groups
• Mobilize resources for underfunded programs
• Protect community assets and rights
• Build public support for critical issues

Gain the expertise to:

• Understand Advocacy Fundamentals: Master the core principles of advocacy, distinguishing it from service-oriented approaches, and learn how to assess readiness for effective advocacy efforts
• Set Objectives and Plan Strategically: Conduct research to gather critical insights, define clear advocacy goals, and develop targeted campaigns that align with stakeholder interests and broader social contexts
• Engage Stakeholders and Build Coalitions: Navigate power dynamics to identify allies, address opposition, and foster inclusivity and solidarity across diverse communities
• Implement Tactics for Change: Leverage effective communication, grassroots organizing, and media strategies to influence policy and drive impactful social change

Who This Is For

This training is for people working in relief, development, or humanitarian contexts who are responsible for advocating on behalf of communities or causes. It's ideal for:

• Project leaders and managers looking to expand their advocacy skillset
• Field staff engaging directly with communities to address unmet needs
• Teams aiming to integrate advocacy into their strategies

No prior experience needed—the course delivers clear, practical guidance for newcomers while providing strategic insights and advanced applications for seasoned practitioners.

How You'll Learn

This course offers a self-paced, practical learning experience, combining study materials, reflections, exercises, and end-of-module assessments. Designed around the real-world challenges faced by humanitarian and development professionals, the course encourages you to pause, reflect, and actively develop skills you can confidently apply to your own context as you learn.

Flexible self-study
Access practical downloadable video presentations, transcripts, handouts, exercises, templates and tasks, allowing you to learn and apply skills at your own pace.

Knowledge checks
Assessments at the end of each module test your understanding, reinforce learning, and help you reflect on key concepts.

Course Discussion Forum
Share questions, insights, and challenges with peers. Instructor Neil Kendrick monitors and responds regularly to support your progress.

Certificate of completion
Successfully complete all modules and assessments to receive your certificate.

Impact Stories

9.0/10 Rating (based on 31 reviews)

Course Details

Includes:

• Lifetime access to comprehensive modules with downloadable videos, handouts, and transcripts
• Practical templates and planning tools for immediate application
• End-of-module assessments and certificate of completion
• Course discussion forum to share insights and questions with peers

Course developed and presented by Neil Kendrick, founder of ELD Impact, with 25+ years of experience training humanitarian professionals across 20+ countries.