SIT Study Abroad: Policy Advocacy Certificate for Graduate Credit

Develop a foundational understanding of the processes citizens and civil society organizations can use to influence the policies of governments, corporations and other powerful institutions. You will begin your program with online coursework, which will introduce you to the key concepts and analytical skills related to policy advocacy. This knowledge will be grounded through the analysis of case studies. You will develop the foundational knowledge and skills to understand, evaluate, and draw lessons from different campaigns, with a focus on the policy, political, and strategy elements that are part of a successful campaign. In Spain, you will have the opportunity to examine real world examples of policy advocacy in the context of the Basque Country, through lectures and firsthand experiences of people in the field. Using the Basque Country and Bilbao as a case study, you will develop an understanding of the specificities and nuances of policy advocacy in a multilevel governance framework. The Basque Country is a fantastic place to explore these issues due to its unique governing structure involving local, autonomous, and central governments, as well as the European Union, all of which have different functions in the Spanish context. Highlights Apply core concepts of policy advocacy, including power, policy, and political systems, in understanding a variety of advocacy campaigns. Analyze the different approaches of advocacy interventions in various policy areas and evaluate the effectiveness of interventions or campaigns. Explore multidimensional perspectives on advocacy based on the experiences of different organizations and individuals in the Basque Country. Examine the implications for policy advocacy in contemporary Europe.