In Uzhgorod, they study advocacy too

The training of 12 participants of the best practices share program of the NGO "Learning Advocacy" supported by the International Foundation "Renaissance" began in October. Half of the participants are trained in Kyiv, at the NGO "Life", another half – in Uzhgorod, at the "Ecosphere".

The purpose of training of program participants is to receive practical skills in planning advocacy campaigns, the use of various advocacy tools, the participation in events and practical activities in the framework of effective advocacy campaigns of the organizations that conduct training.

Having won in advocacy campaigns on tobacco products in Ukraine (the law banning tobacco advertising, smoking in cafes, bars and restaurants) the NGO "Life" is conducting a campaign to raise excise taxes on tobacco products. Interns of the organization, as part of the NGOs’ best practices exchange program "Learning Advocacy" were able to take a direct part in events: picketing of the parliament and awareness campaigns on the streets of Kyiv. Interns of the "Ecosphere" take part in the campaign "Stop mass construction of mini hydroelectric power stations in the upper reaches of the Carpathians mountain rivers!". The participants of the program have the opportunity to take part in the consultations of representatives of local communities, visit the operating mini HEPS’s and study environmental and social impacts of their activities. They also have the opportunity to participate in the information activities of the organization, to learn how to prepare information requests and analytical writing.

The participants of the program, if necessary, can receive advice from experienced experts on organization of their own advocacy campaigns.