Course Objective 

The course provides support to CSOs on how effectively influence the decision-making process whether they are at the local, provincial, national or  international level.  The course will also allow you to better understand the importance of the involvement of citizens in the decision-making process, in order to set policy goals and priorities more linked with the people’s needs.

Moreover, it will give you an idea of how citizens can take part in different activities to pursue a common purpose which respects the principles of liberty, democracy, respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms, as well as the rule of law. During the course you will also learn how the CSOs can analyse specific national issues, spread information and change the way in which public affairs are managed.

Finally, you will also see different kind of activities to be done and tools that can be used in order to bring the government closer to the people.

Course Modules 

The course is divided into three modules:

Lesson 1 How CSOs can influence the decision-making process

This first module will give you a broad idea of the decision making process  and the important stages of the public policy cycle.

Lesson 2 CSOs advocacy and lobbying activities

This module focuses on the different activities that CSOs can promote to influence the decision making process. You will gain a practical knowledge on how to define your message, develop your action plan, implement and monitor your activities and much more.

Lesson 3 Opportunities

In this module you will get useful information on how to participate in different initiatives and/or activities promote by NGOs/CSOs/international Institutions and other organisations working in the international development field to effectively influence the decision making process

Course Requirements

This is an online course, thus it will require a computer with an internet connection and a web-browser (e.g. Internet Explorer, Firefox). A reliable Internet connection is necessary throughout the course duration. All the course materials are provided in the course modules. Participants are not required to purchase any additional materials, resources, or books.

Duration and Additional Features

This is an on-line self-learning course and offers high degree of flexibility to participants who are free to follow the lessons at any time, but are requested to complete the course within its global duration of 15 days. The average duration of the course is 3 days.

The course is in English and it is free of charge.

Application Procedure

To attend this course, you should first Register to the ENV.net e-learning platform (click here) and then choose the course that you wish to attend from the course catalogue. You will receive an email of confirmation of the registration to the course, that however will be accessible from the 1st day of the course period.