Influencing Change
“I have moved from hoping to change things to knowing what work we need to do to identify and influence decision makers: this is thanks to the programme.”
- Alison Moy, Influencing Change 2012
“I found every talk informative and useful – a first on a training course in my experience!”
- Influencing Change 2012 participant
Supporting London based individuals and community organisations to influence public policy through the development of skills, knowledge and practice in campaign strategy and planning.
Influencing Change is an introductory level course for London-based individuals on how to gain influence and campaign for change in public policy. The course focuses on how local authorities, central and European government make decisions, and offers information and expert advice on how to influence them. Participants will learn about developing a campaign strategy and plan, working with the media, tactically addressing issues and involving stakeholders.
Dates and course content
This is a four-day course spread over four months and includes the opportunity for further group sessions and one-to-one coaching. Guest speakers with expertise in campaigning, tactics, media and government will provide in-depth knowledge and insider perspectives.
Day One - Thursday 25th October 2012
Developing a campaign strategy
Day one commences with a thorough introduction to the course: put campaigning in context and providing an understanding of how campaigners can influence policy outcomes. It will introduce you to the foundations of planning a campaign - identifying your targets and mapping influences on decision-makers.
Day Two - Friday 9th November 2012
Influencing Government
Discover the workings and roles within London, Central Government, Parliament and the European Union, and how they can best be used as mechanisms for change. You will closely examine what powers they hold, how they work and ways on how to influence them to effect change.
Day Three - Thursday 13th December 2012
Profile, pressure and tactics
Explore the who, what, where and how of using the media to increase the profile of your campaign.
Learn the basics of tactical campaigning: where and when do you change tactics and what tactics would you apply to your campaign?
Day Four - Wednesday 16th January 2013
Stakeholder involvement, alliances and evaluation
Learn how to involve individuals and communities on whose behalf who you are campaigning on. Day four also covers best practice in developing coalitions, the benefits and the constraints of coalition work, and the key steps in monitoring and evaluating campaigning successes.
One-to-one coaching and additional support
Influencing Change is an opportunity to gain personal support to achieve your goals. All participants will take part in a pre-assessment of their current campaign and on their experience. Participants will be entitled to a one-to-one coaching session on their specific campaign or influencing issues. SMK and Trust for London may also organise occasional themed discussions based on needs identified by participants. In previous years, discussions and training have occurred around fundraising and extra work on core campaign tactics.
Cost
The course is supported by Trust for London and will be delivered at their central London office. There is a course fee of £100 per participant. This is a heavily subsidised rate. Please note all components of the course are mandatory.
Eligibility
This course is open to individuals from London-based grassroots, voluntary or small organisations. It is aimed at those who wish to understand and influence public policy on behalf of their beneficiaries. Participants will have limited experience or training in campaigning and influencing public policy. Each participant will have developed a basic influencing/campaign strategy plan for their work by the end of the course.
Please note that as this programme is very popular, priority places will be given to those individuals who have the least experience in campaigning, have the fewest resources, and need the most support in developing their campaign/issue further. All participants must be campaigning and based in the greater London area.
How to apply
Applications for Influencing Change 2012 are now closed.
What past participants said about Influencing Change
"I feel my campaign planning skills now have structure and a clear progression. This course has given me confidence that this is the right approach and that it is going to be effective.”
"I have learnt a lot throughout the course and feel much more confident and my self-esteem has grown. I feel like I can move my campaign forward and make success..."
"The whole training was great , the combination of speakers, discussion amongst participants, the wealth of resources to tap into..."
