KMOP is proud to announce the successful completion of an online training workshop titled “Constructive Engagement and Policy Advocacy,” held on 28 May from 11:00 to 14:00 CET. The interactive session brought together 15 professionals from Albania and Greece, aiming to equip participants with practical tools and strategies to influence decision-making processes and drive sustainable, community-led change.
This workshop was conducted within the framework of the Inclusive EduJobs project, which promotes the social and economic inclusion of Roma and Egyptian communities in Albania by enhancing local capacities in inclusive education and employment services.
Key Themes and Highlights
Participants engaged with a range of core topics related to constructive engagement, including:
- Keynote Presentation by Mr. Fotis Skouras, Scientific Expert on Roma Social Inclusion & Empowerment. Mr. Skouras shared valuable insights on inclusive policy-making and advocacy practices, emphasising the importance of evidence-based, trust-building approaches.
- Introduction to Constructive Engagement Principles, with practical applications in policy dialogue.
- Strategic Advocacy Techniques to increase policy influence and community impact.
- Hands-On Guidance in developing action plans that include both short- and long-term advocacy goals.
Mr. Skouras underscored constructive engagement as a critical pathway for fostering collaboration between citizens, civil society organisations (CSOs), and government institutions. He described it as an evidence-based, dialogic process that promotes transparency, maturity in dialogue, and shared outcomes, even among opposing parties.
Constructive Engagement Tools Explored
The session introduced several engagement methods, including:
- Citizen Advisory Committees
- Stakeholder Negotiations
- Formal Mediations
- Independent Constructive Engagement Organisations
- Multi-Level, Interconnected Engagement Initiatives
Advocacy Strategies in Practice
Participants also explored actionable advocacy techniques, such as:
- Building relational power and cross-sector networks
- Setting clear objectives and developing negotiation strategies
- Ensuring transparency, confidentiality, and visibility in advocacy campaigns
- Crafting long-term advocacy goals supported by concrete short-term actions
The workshop also featured real-world case studies presented by both the facilitator and participants, highlighting effective strategies for inclusive policymaking and community empowerment.
Conclusion
In closing, all participants emphasised the importance of inclusive, evidence-informed policy development and the essential role of community voices in shaping public decisions.