Apply for upcoming training “Communicating and framing for social change”

In this workshop, you will:

• Learn about the role of communication, values and framing in social change
• Learn new tools for framing and strategic communications including analysis and creative activities
• Explore what this means for your LGBTI groups and organisations (whether in communications, campaigning, fundraising, community organising, working with allies, or advocacy).

Complete the application form and return to Valeria Santostefano ILGA-Europe Senior Programmes and Policy Officer Officer before 6 July 2017 at 18.00 CET.

What’s the context for this workshop?

While protection of human rights of LGBTI people continues to improve in some countries, activists in other regions face increasing hurdles. We are confronted with a marked growth in divisive rhetoric, intolerance is more and more normalised by certain political groups, and in some cases new pieces of legislation have made our movement’s work harder.

Our aims remain the same: for LGBTI people feel comfortable, safe and respected in their rights in the many dimensions of their life. For this to become a reality, we require changes across many different levels, from the personal and cultural to the political and legislative.

Contributing to sustainable social change is a key goal of ILGA-Europe’s work. Our 2014-2018 Strategic Plan describes the necessity to shift our thinking towards new strategies, new alliances and new narratives. We are invested in understanding the complexity of social change and in taking an active role in it.

Rethinking the way we communicate is part of such shift. The stories we tell shape what people think about LGBTI people and issues. Whether working with LGBTI communities, building alliances, campaigning or advocating for new pieces of legislation; the way we ‘frame’ our work and our messages will significantly affect our impact.

As part of our work on social and cultural change, ILGA-Europe is inviting you to apply for Communicating and framing for social change, a training to be held on 15-17 September 2017 in Brussels, organised in collaboration with the Public Interest Research Centre (PIRC).

What will the workshop cover?

The workshop will combine theoretical content, participatory activities, peer-learning and lots of opportunities to share your own experiences and hear from the experiences of others.

Things we’ll cover:

• Theory and  research around social and behavioural change
• How people think and how to change their minds
• How the theory works in practice
• Moving from your vision through to the outcomes you want to see
• Understanding your audience
• Framing & testing communications
• Applying the theory to your own work: identifying & creating new interventions.

Who should come?

You are welcome to apply to take part in the programme if:

• You work or are active in an LGBTI group or organisation (including the broader geographic Europe)
• Your organisation supports your participation in the training
• You personally have a leading role in developing your organisation strategies and work in multiple domains such as communications and advocacy, fundraising, community organising, etc.
• You are able to participate for the full duration of the training
• You communicate effectively in English.

Selection criteria

The selection will be based on the:

• General quality of the application (Are the arguments and explanations used coherent and clear?)
• Relevance of the organisation’s work in relation to ILGA-Europe work (Is it an LGBTI group or organisation? Does the group or organisation engage in communication/ advocacy/community work/etc.?)
• Role of the applicant within the organisation (Is the role of the applicant coherent with the topic of the training, and relevant to guarantee a proper follow-up?)
• Motivation (Is the applicant/organisation’s motivation significant and does it complement the training topic?)

Date and place of the training

Date: 15-17 September 2017
Place: Brussels, Belgium
Arrival: 14 Sept, Thursday
Departure: 17 Sept, Sunday, after 17:00 or 18 Sept, Monday

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 Thursday 14 September to the evening of Sunday 17 September inclusive. Any other costs, relating to meals and accommodation outside of these times, will have to be covered by the participant unless previously agreed with ILGA-Europe.

Application process

Please complete the application form, and return to Valeria Santostefano, ILGA-Europe Senior Programmes and Policy Officer before 6 July 2017 at 18.00 CET.

The result of your application will be announced by the end of July.

Download the application form here