Training Course on Voice For Change: Strategic Communication For Health Advocacy Training Course

Module 1: Foundations of Strategic Health Advocacy Communication
Learning Objectives:
Define advocacy and its role in advancing public health.
Explore communication principles that strengthen advocacy initiatives.
Subtopics:
Defining health advocacy and its strategic importance
Communication vs. advocacy: finding the intersection
Ethical considerations in advocacy communication
Global examples of successful health advocacy campaigns
Case / Exercise:
Case study: Advocacy campaigns leading to global tobacco control policies
Group activity: Mapping advocacy opportunities in participants’ contexts

Module 2: Crafting Effective Advocacy Messages and Narratives
Learning Objectives:
Learn how to design persuasive messages for different stakeholders.
Apply framing techniques for policy influence and behavior change.
Subtopics:
Elements of persuasive messaging (clarity, relevance, evidence, emotion)
Tailoring messages for policymakers, communities, and donors
Storytelling as a tool for advocacy impact
Countering misinformation and opposition narratives
Case / Exercise:
Workshop: Developing a message framework for maternal health advocacy
Role play: Delivering an advocacy pitch to a policymaker

Module 3: Leveraging Media and Digital Platforms for Advocacy
Learning Objectives:
Harness traditional and new media channels for greater reach.
Strengthen digital advocacy skills.
Subtopics:
Engaging traditional media (press releases, op-eds, interviews)
Using social media campaigns for grassroots mobilization
Digital storytelling through video, podcasts, and infographics
Managing media relationships and crisis communication
Case / Exercise:
Case study: Social media-driven campaigns on vaccine confidence
Practical activity: Designing a one-week social media advocacy calendar

Module 4: Coalition Building and Stakeholder Engagement
Learning Objectives:
Develop multi-stakeholder advocacy strategies.
Strengthen partnerships that amplify advocacy voices.
Subtopics:
Identifying allies, champions, and influencers
Building coalitions for collective action
Negotiation and consensus-building skills
Engaging community leaders and civil society organizations
Case / Exercise:
Simulation: Forming a coalition for a new public health law
Stakeholder mapping activity for advocacy networks

Module 5: Advocacy Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation
Learning Objectives:
Design measurable advocacy strategies.
Apply tools to assess advocacy communication effectiveness.
Subtopics:
Steps in developing an advocacy communication plan
Indicators and tools for advocacy M&E
Assessing impact at policy and community levels
Ensuring sustainability of advocacy efforts
Case / Exercise:
Case study: Evaluating the long-term success of an HIV/AIDS advocacy movement
Capstone project: Develop a mini advocacy campaign plan with objectives, messages, communication channels, and evaluation metric