Advocacy Academy

Informed by over a decade of proven experience, we’ve trained hundreds of students, professionals, academics, and activists around the world.

At ICAAD, we’re committed to offering human rights education that is responsive to the needs of local activists and the next generation of leaders. We bring together the latest innovations in legal advocacy, social science, movement building, and research enriched with grounded insights from our local partners to provide accessible and practical resources for creating systemic change.

Advocacy Essentials Certificate Program

The Advocacy Essentials Certificate program is designed for activists, artists, professionals, and leaders across civil society, social enterprise, and mission-driven organizations who want to sharpen their advocacy skills and create meaningful change.

The curriculum blends cutting-edge research, legal strategies, and on-the-ground insights from frontline advocates around the world. The result is a unique, action-oriented learning experience that equips participants with the tools, analysis, and networks to drive systemic change.

Earn ICAAD’s Advocacy Essentials Certificate by completing four world-class online courses, or take individual courses to deepen your knowledge in specific areas. No matter where you are in your advocacy journey, the Advocacy Academy offers the knowledge and skills to grow your impact.

“This course has been transformative. I wish I had this training years ago. If you have an issue you are really concerned about and you would like to have a clear idea about where to start and what kind of support and from whom you will need, this course will help you make a plan. When you would like to take action, you need a plan so you know where to go. Along the way, you get lots of support and meet like-minded people. It’s like a shortcut to clarity and strategy. I know what I’m doing now and what to do next.”

Human Rights Advocate, UK and Aotearoa New Zealand, Frames: Human Rights for Impact Course Alumni 2024

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“Generally when you take advocacy courses, a lot of different ideas are lumped together which isn’t always helpful. This course was both comprehensive and specific. It allowed us to soak up the specifics relevant to our issues and access the depth we needed. The course will expand your perspectives and skills to carry forward in your advocacy journey, so you can more accurately represent the issues your community is facing. It’s a great micro-credential that offers so many ways to engage and connect with one another.”

Ashleigh Putt-Fallows, Aotearoa New Zealand, Frames: Human Rights for Impact Alumni 2024

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“It was encouraging to know and learn about participants from around the world who share the common interest of a more equitable future. I came in with my own biases however the ability to be able to be present and having that shared space to share and grow together was inspirational and heart warming to see the potential of what we could achieve if we come together in the right way, weaknesses, strengths and all.”

Development Professional, 2024 Foundations: reflexing Course Alumni

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Explore what courses are open for enrollment, and reserve your spot.

Explore current courses

Bring a course to your organization

For Advocates and Changemakers

If you’re working to challenge injustice, expand your impact, and connect with a global community of changemakers, the Advocacy Academy offers:

Practical strategies to navigate legal, policy, and advocacy spaces
Real-world case studies from around the world (including the Pacific Islands and Caribbean)
A global network of solidarity to support and sustain your work
Flexible and accessible learning that fits your schedule and needs
Earn a certificate that amplifies your credibility, showcases your expertise, and unlocks new opportunities for impact.

Embark on this one-of-a-kind learning experience, and become a more effective leader with the tools, analysis, and relationships to make impactful change.

“This course helped me to become more resourceful and open-minded. It gave me an understanding of how we move towards a better future through solidarity, and it has made my passion of being an advocate burn.”

Human Rights Advocate

Foundations: re:flexing 2024 Course Alumni

For Sponsors and Grantors

Supporting the Advocacy Academy is a strategic investment in systemic change. Your support equips those most impacted by injustice with the tools to transform the very systems that have marginalized them. In a world where structural inequities are growing, bold action is necessary. The Advocacy Academy provides a clear path to long-term impact fueled by self reflection, understanding the lived experiences of different communities, and learning practical tools to advance justice.

Equips advocates with essential tools to drive systemic change in their communities
Provides an immediate, tangible impact by empowering those who are already best positioned to put their learning into action
Strengthens advocacy ecosystems rather than addressing issues in isolation. People do not live single issue lives.
Creates a ripple effect because when advocates are trained, entire communities benefit

Your support expands access by democratizing educational opportunities and fuels the next generation of leaders seeking to create a more equitable future globally, ushering in more just futures, hand-in-hand with high-impact change makers.

Sponsor students in the Advocacy Essentials Certificate program

Learn more about sponsoring the next generation of change makers

Your sponsorship will equip artists, activists, and civil society professionals on the frontlines of injustice with the skills and knowledge to drive meaningful change in their communities and beyond. This can be offered to the communities you serve and fit your funding remit.

Contact Erin Thomas (erin@icaad.ngo) to identify how you can invest in raising the next generation’s voices. We can align your funding priorities with Advocacy Academy offerings, bringing valuable training to the communities you serve.

Here’s how your impact can be recognized:

ICAAD is more than an international human rights advocacy center—we are advocates ourselves. Our multidisciplinary approach, combining law, data, art, and strategic advocacy, has been instrumental in dismantling systemic discrimination worldwide.

Proven Track Record. Over a decade of experience training advocates and working alongside communities to create policy change.

Global Reach, Local Impact. Partnering directly with frontline advocates to ensure training is grounded in real-world needs.

Action-Oriented. Focused on practical tools and strategies, not just theory.

What do the courses involve?

Grow your skillset, build connections, and amplify your impact.

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Live Discussions

Join interactive, live video sessions to connect, collaborate, and build solidarity with like-minded individuals from around the world.

Short, Thought-Provoking Homework

Designed to deepen your understanding while fitting into a busy schedule.

Practical Application

Learn how to apply advocacy strategies to the issues that matter most to you.

Earn a Certificate

Earn a recognized certificate for each course on your journey to complete the program and validate your expertise.

Whether you’re an artist, activist, or professional, our fully online, month-long courses offer a unique blend of cutting-edge theory, practical tools, and grounded case studies – all designed to help you grow your impact.

Earn your Advocacy Essentials Certificate with ICAAD by completing the four online courses from anywhere in the world. Courses can also be taken individually.

Advocacy Essentials Certificate Program Information Sheet

Alumni Spotlights

Scroll through stories from our Advocacy Academy Alumni

"More Than a Course"

Michito Mudimba, Christian Youth Volunteers Association Trust (Zimbabwe)

“Frames was really more than a course. It was about confidence. I participated with my organisation, and it stoked our passions for the work we do. The course was more than I was expecting. You feel like you’re not the only one in this fight.

Our board members and intern also participated, and they were able to understand the issues we work on better. We all improved our ability to build evidence to explain the issues in our community. Now, we know what we’re talking about when it comes to human rights. We know how to involve the right people. It’s also going to help us with writing proposals and doing monitoring and evaluation.”

Personal, Professional, and Community Impact

Nelson Kumamusa Kere (Solomon Islands)

“This course round was unique because I participated as a student and contributor. It was such an enriching experience. The course has had a huge impact on my professional and personal life. The word empowered comes to mind. The course has given me the confidence to talk about decolonisation in my professional work in international development. It’s supported the commentary, research, and advice I give in my role. In all areas of my life, it’s given me confidence to ask questions and really find out about how systems are working, or not working, for communities.

Before this course, I had never experienced a space like this to build solidarity with people all over the world. It was so rich having participants from around the world and finding solidarity across our diverse but interrelated issues. Sharing my own story and hearing others’ stories deepened my understanding of my own context.

The research I did for my Advocacy Roadmap also gave me great insight into who I am as a person. From my studies, I’ve become a perfectionist which can lead to self-doubt and holding myself back. This has given me the confidence to apply this research to my professional and advocacy work, and it’s inspired me to return to complete my Master’s program.

For human rights advocates, this is a very valuable platform and opportunity to share a space in solidarity with people from all around the world and learn about the different issues that each of us is facing. And in that, we discover that there is so much that we share in common. Through our shared values, we can work towards the changes that will make this world more just and equitable.”

Intersectionality Applied

Aminu Aliyu, Disability Rights Advocate, Global Advisor, Billion Strong (Nigeria)

“This course has significantly influenced my perspective on advocacy, especially in how I approach systems of oppression and the need to build inclusive and strategic campaigns. It has reinforced the importance of framing advocacy efforts within human rights principles, ensuring that they remain focused on addressing inequalities and promoting justice.

The advocacy roadmaps and power analysis tools will guide me in integrating human rights frameworks into our climate action, inclusive disaster risk reduction (DRR), and adaptation/mitigation strategies. These efforts will focus on amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, particularly women, youth, and people with disabilities, ensuring they play an active role in shaping climate policies and resilience-building initiatives. Through these frameworks, I aim to advocate for inclusive policies that address the intersectionality of gender, disability, and climate change, making sure that these communities are central to the design and implementation of impactful climate action plans.”

Why the Advocacy Academy?

There are many challenges beyond our control—but investing in the Advocacy Academy isn’t one of them.

For participants, this program provides:

A clear framework for advocacy, adapted for their specific context to support, guide, and amplify local action
The skills to work effectively within international systems and local movements
A deeper understanding of how to challenge injustice at its roots

For sponsors and grantors, this is a concrete way to create change:

A direct, immediate investment in movement builders who are already best-positioned to make change in their communities
A sustainable approach—building long-term capacity rather than short-term fixes
A way to contribute meaningfully to global justice by backing high impact change makers around the world

Join Our Global Community

Our alumni come from 22 countries and counting. Grow your support network of peers working for justice around the world.

Sponsor the Next Generation of Change Makers

Help people develop the skills and knowledge to protect their rights and the rights of others.

ICAAD’s Advocacy Academy directly strengthens the capacity of community change makers.

Your support can unlock even more of these vital training opportunities, ushering in more just and equitable futures, hand-in-hand with high impact change makers.

$50 sponsors one month of hosting online learning

$100 sponsors one live discussion for students

$250 sponsors one student for one course

$1,000 sponsors one student's certificate program

Group Trainings & Workshops

We support individuals and organizations around the world with practical tools and resources to bring about social change. All of our support can be tailored to your needs.

Are you looking to upskill your staff? Create a unique offering for your students? Or build your organization’s capacity?

We work with law firms, universities, government agencies, and private and non-profit organizations to help teams grow to new heights and create transformative impact.

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With over a decade of multidisciplinary experience, the ICAAD team has rich knowledge and expertise in areas that may be able to help. We offer bespoke online, hybrid, and in-person workshops and training suited to your needs.

Complete the Expression of Interest below to start the conversation

I'm interested in bringing a course to my organization

Advocacy Academy

Informed by over a decade of proven experience, we’ve trained hundreds of students, professionals, academics, and activists around the world.

Advocacy Essentials Certificate Program

Explore what courses are open for enrollment, and reserve your spot.

For Advocates and Changemakers

For Sponsors and Grantors

Learn more about sponsoring the next generation of change makers

ICAAD is more than an international human rights advocacy center—we are advocates ourselves. Our multidisciplinary approach, combining law, data, art, and strategic advocacy, has been instrumental in dismantling systemic discrimination worldwide.

What do the courses involve?