Boost your capacity to tell the story of your campaign or advocacy project. Engage people in action, reach key stakeholders and translate words and ideas into impact.

Effective Communication Techniques, the final unit of the Graduate Certificate of Community Advocacy is open for enrolment, running this September and October. Complete this unit on its own, or use it to kick off the Graduate Certificate with completion of the other three units in 2015 (Theories of Social Change; Community Organising; Organisational Dynamics).

bansky muralAt the end of this module, students will be able to:

  • Develop communications plans to further campaigns and community advocacy projects
  • Understand and practise narrative power analysis, framing and message development
  • Utilise different communication channels to reach identified audiences for campaign and advocacy projects

Classes and course resources will explore:

  • Campaign Communications Strategy Concepts and Frameworks
  • Audiences and Communication Channels
  • Framing, Story-based Strategy and Narrative Power Analysis
  • Media Relations and Spokesperson Skills
  • Digital Campaigning
  • Communicating with Powerholders, Lobbying and Accountability Tactics
  • Art, Design and Creative Tactics
  • Responding to Greenwashing and Astroturfing
  • Celebrating Success and Claiming Wins

The unit will be run by experienced activist educator Holly Hammond, along with guest speakers with specialist expertise:

  • Tim Norton will present on digital campaigning. Tim is the author of Social Media Strategies for Advocacy and Targeted Communications and the co-founder of the FWD Australasian digital campaigning conference. He has worked in communication strategy and digital media roles for Oxfam Australia, Essential Media Communications, and the office of Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.
  • Adrian Dodd will present on media relations. Adrian is a communication consultant with Essential Media Communications. He works with unions, environment groups and the odd government and sporting organisation. Read Adrian’s article ‘The media game has changed‘.

The unit will include case studies of recent campaigns and activities to apply new skills and knowledge to students’ own projects. Assignments are crafted to be beneficial to the work of campaigners, community organisers and other community advocates.

Classes are held 9am-4pm in central Melbourne on:

  • Friday 19 September
  • Friday 3 October
  • Saturday 11 and Sunday 12 October
  • Friday 17 October
  • Friday 31 October

When considering enrolling in this unit please factor in a similar amount of time for studying outside of class. A collection of readings will be provided before commencement.

The Graduate Certificate in Community Advocacy is a formal qualification offered by the Chisholm Institute. Fees for the unit are $950 and VET-FEE Help loans are available to Australian citizens. Please note this course is not able to be taught by distance at this stage, attendance at classes is expected.

To express interest in this course contact Holly Hammond on 0421 508 446 or holly@plantowin.net.au