LM Module 10: Advocate for and Amplify Youth Needs

Welcome to the 10^th module on your journey to building digital communities for social change: advocate for and amplify youth needs.

This module is partially based on the “Introduction to Advocacy” training developed by advocacy expert Susan Van Esch.

Purpose

Today’s world is one of divergent developments. On the one hand, we can see that progress is being made: technological advances have made it easier for young people to access reliable sexual and reproductive health and rights (SRHR) information and to enter spaces in which they can connect with peers and safely discuss the issues they care about. However, we have also witnessed a rise in conservative voices and governments and an increased suppression of reproductive rights, freedom of expression and youth participation in decision-making. These issues strongly affect the countries in which RNW Media works. Space for civil society is shrinking and young people have difficulties in exercising their rights and claiming their space.

To respond to this increasing repression and violation of rights, we need to step up and invest in our advocacy work. The role RNW Media takes in advocacy is one of technical partner: we make use of our strengths in media and campaigning and collaborate closely with other advocacy partners. We also use amplification in order to advocate and create an enabling environment for policy and political change. This module will cover both the key elements of advocacy as well as a wide range of amplification tactics.

Learning Goals

After completing this module, you will be able to:

• Define the key elements of advocacy and amplification
• Distinguish between different advocacy tools and activities
• Value the importance of legitimacy, SMART objectives, power analysis, partnerships and effective messaging in advocacy
• Outline an advocacy strategy and plan
• Distinguish between different tactics of amplification, including through social media, traditional media and physical offline actions
• Understand how offline events and online work can mutually reinforce one another