Session 5: Networking and mobilization.

• Author: Nyamweya, Pauline
• Position: ADVOCACY TRAINING MANUAL: SEXUAL REPRODUCTIVE HEALTH RIGHTS

Objectives

By the end of this session, the participants will be able to:

* Develop a list of elements needed to form and maintain successful networks.

* Include a second objective to do with mobilization

Times

90 minutes

Materials

* Participant Handout B.6:

* flipchart paper

* markers

* masking tape

Advance Preparation

* Review Participant Handout B.6.

* Make copies of the discussion questions in Activity B for the participants

Key Ideas to Convey

* Networks are invaluable in advocacy because they create structures for organizations and individuals to share ownership of common goals.

* Mobilizing means "encouraging people to support something in an active way" or "to use things/people you have available to achieve something" Mobilizing is done through campaigns targeting:

* Affected group

* Influential Groups--opinion leaders, the public, and the media.

* Other interested groups Public education is important for mobilization as it builds a broad foundation of support. Effective public education provides people with information and shows them the expected outcomes of a proposed policy change.

* Media coverage is important in an advocacy campaign because it disseminates information to a large audience.

Training Steps

Activity A: Large-Group Activity (30 minutes)

1. Divide the participants into four groups.

2. Assign two groups the task of identifying the practical considerations in forming a network, i.e., what is necessary for a network to form?

3. Assign the other two groups the task of identifying the practical considerations in maintaining a network, i.e., what is necessary for a network to continue its work?

4. Ask each group to list its characteristics/elements on a flipchart and present their findings

5. Check to make sure that all of the participants understand the elements listed and why they are important for...