To help answer these questions, ILGA-Europe is inviting you to apply for Framing our rights and affirming common values - Rethinking communication to achieve sustainable change, a training course to be held on 11-13 September 2015 in Brussels. The training will be supported by an ongoing peer learning process following this session, organised in collaboration with the Public Interest Research Centre (PIRC).

What you’ll learn

You will gain a deeper understanding of values: learn about current research and academic theory; explore the relationship between values and the way we communicate the issues we care about (‘framing’); and enjoy the opportunity to reflect on your personal values and those embodied in your work.

We will explore how to design, deliver and evaluate new campaigns, communications or projects; how to identify positive interventions and start thinking about how to put this theory into practice in your day-to-day work.

We will outline how a values and frames analysis can help us tell better stories; get more people more deeply involved in our work, and design our strategies and campaigns in collaboration with other organisations.

In the longer term, this training will also help ILGA-Europe and participants to better understand priority issues and targets around which to develop positive framing; deconstructing and mapping narratives around LGBTI issues in Europe and developing effective responses to damaging anti-LGBTI rights frames.

How we’ll do it

The training will combine theoretical content, participatory activities, and continued opportunity for peer-learning and sharing experiences.

Beyond the training

Participants will also be supported after the training. ILGA-Europe and PIRC will facilitate groups’ discussions with participants through periodic meetings (remotely via teleconferencing services) in the months following the training. This will be discussed further at the training but we see this as integral to the course. It will be an exciting opportunity for those who attend to be involved in an ongoing process of sharing experiences and, ultimately, contribute to a stronger movement.

Who should come?

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

• Your organisation works on LGBTI issues in the European Region (countries of the Council of Europe plus Kosovo and Belarus)

• Your organisation supports your participation in the training
• You personally work in communications, advocacy or play a part in shaping your organisation’s positions or messages
• You are committed to integrate the learning from this course into your daily work context
• You are able to participate for the full duration of the training session and can commit to attending the follow-up action-learning groups
• You communicate effectively in English.

ILGA-Europe would also be interested to hear from people who would like to attend the training with a partner from their own organisation, ideally working in different work areas or departments. This is not a prerequisite and every candidate should fill in an individual application form.

Selection criteria

The selection will be based on the:

• General quality of the application (Is it well written? Are the arguments and explanations used coherent and of a good quality?)
• Relevance of the organisation’s work in relation to ILGA-Europe work (Is it an LGBTI organisation? Does the organisation engage in advocacy / communication / community work?)
• 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?)

Practical details

Date and Place of the Training

Date: 11-13 September 2015
Place: Brussels, Belgium
Arrival: 10 Sept, Thursday
Departure: 14 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 10 September to the evening of Sunday 13 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’s Programmes and Policy Officer at by Monday, 13 July, 18.00 CET.

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

Download the application form here