The Day After (TDA) conducted an insightful training workshop to empower 18 dedicated male and female Civil Defense volunteers who had experienced the aftermath of the February 6 earthquake in northern Syria. This workshop was meticulously designed with a dual focus: to foster the development of their communication and advocacy skills.
The core objectives of the training workshop were manifold. First and foremost, it aimed to enhance the capabilities of volunteers who work on the front lines, directly assisting earthquake victims in northern Syria. By bolstering their advocacy skills, it sought to empower them to effectively champion their causes, amplify their voices, and resonate the concerns of their communities on a broader scale. Through this empowerment, the volunteers would be better equipped to make a lasting impact and share their valuable experiences with the wider team.
The workshop was thoughtfully structured into two distinct phases. In the initial phase, participants delved into the foundations of effective communication. This encompassed a comprehensive exploration of communication concepts and principles. Simultaneously, participants were introduced to the notion of advocacy and its profound significance within the Syrian context. Practical exercises were thoughtfully incorporated to identify the most vital advocacy tools that could be harnessed to achieve objectives. This applied to advocacy efforts across institutional, local, and international domains.
The second phase of the training was dedicated to formulating advocacy plans. Employing a participatory and interactive approach, this stage engaged participants in collaborative workgroups and discussions with the trainer. Here, participants learned the intricacies of planning an advocacy campaign, including the essential considerations of strengths and weaknesses. This dynamic planning and implementation process would enable volunteers to be even more effective advocates and agents of change.
