Extended deadline for training on 'Reframing messages, affirming common values'
ILGA-Europe is inviting you to apply for a communications training ‘Reframing messages, affirming common values: Rethinking communications to achieve sustainable change’ on 15-17 December 2014 in Brussels.
Deadline for applications: 15 October.
Who do we target?
We encourage the applications from individuals with the following profile:
- Working in communication and/or advocacy
- Actively contributing in shaping the position of their organisations around LGBTI issues
- Supported in their application by their organisation
- Committed to sharing experience and follow-up on the training by applying tools acquired within their organisation and in their national contexts
- Able to communicate effectively in English
- Able to participate for the full duration of the training session
Training rationale
Observation of recent developments in Europe highlights widening contrasts for LGBTI people. Some countries continue to move positively along the road of legal equality. However, new forms of criminalisation are being introduced through the spread of anti-propaganda law. Also, many countries are adopting laws and policies to restrict the human rights of LGBTI people. On the top of that, in a number of other European countries, some groups have become very vocal about their opposition to LGBTI equality.
Looking at these developments, we should never overestimate the level of public support, nor assume that social inclusion and equality flows inevitably from changes in the law. To be sustainable, a change needs to take place at different levels. That is why, as a movement, we need to aim not just for legal change but also political, institutional, and overall social changes.
In this perspective, the link between instigating social change (through advocacy work, policy framing and strategic communication) and people’s values particularly matters. In the past months, we have started exploring the connections between prevailing values in societies and successes of policies. To understand which values are behind certain behaviours – especially of opponents, and how in general values are formed and evolve is pivotal to develop strategies for change.
It is crucial to further increase our own awareness of our values and of the language we use, messages we promote, tools we develop, and spaces we chose to engage with key target groups. On the top of this, our ability to identify and set our objectives and agenda matter tremendously to overcome prejudices and stereotypes, and to convince decision-makers of the need to take action.
What can you expect from the training
During the training you will explore:
Understanding values
Gain a deeper understanding of values: learn about current research and academic theory; explore the relationship between values and frames; and enjoy the opportunity to reflect on your values and those embodied in your work.
We will explore how recent research - particularly from social psychology - can help us understand the full impact of our existing practices. No issue is an island, and we use values to understand how causes are connected - from human rights and equality, to climate change and poverty.
The workshop will also highlight some of the problems that can arise when communicators, campaigners and activists rely inadvertently on tactics that deepen people's self-interested concern for wealth, image or status.
Using values
The workshop will provide the tools to apply this values lens: how to develop and evaluate new campaigns, communications or projects; how to identify positive values interventions and start thinking about how to put this into practice in your day-to-day work, including how to introduce others to these ideas.
We will outline how a values and frames analysis can help us tell better stories as a movement; create more active participation in our work, and design our strategies and campaigns in coalition with other organisations.
Building community
Sharing our experiences will be at the heart of this course.
The training will be interactive and provide opportunity for peer-learning and experience sharing on successful community building measures. Participants are expected to actively follow-up on the training by integrating the knowledge and tools acquired in their daily work.
Practical details
Date and Place of the Training
Date: 15-17 Dec 2014
Place: Brussels, Belgium
Arrival: 14 Dec, Sunday
Departure: 17 Dec, Wednesday (the training will finish at 13:00 followed by lunch)
Travel reimbursement
Travel costs will be reimbursed by ILGA-Europe following full attendance at the training. Upon selection, participants are expected to make their own travel arrangements by the cheapest mode of transport available (economy class airfare or 2nd class train). Should your costs exceed €300, confirmation should be sought from ILGA-Europe prior to the booking/purchase of the ticket. Local travel (buses, trains, etc.) will be covered through a per diem provided at the training.
Meals and accommodation
ILGA-Europe will cover the accommodation and meals from the evening of Sunday 14 Dec to the evening of Tuesday 16 Dec included. Any other costs related to meals and accommodation outside of these times will have to be covered by the participant unless previously agreed by ILGA-Europe.
Application process
Please complete the application form, and return to Valeria Santostefano, Programmes and Policy Officer at valeria@ilga-europe.org by October 15 the latest. The result of your application will be announced by end of October 2014.
Download the application form here