Community Advocacy Training Registration

Principles of social justice and human rights are fundamental to community work. The knowledge and skills the training aims to provide will enhance the capacity and competency of participants in supporting vulnerable and disadvantaged children,
young people, families, and communities.

DAY ONE: Saturday 26 October 2024                                                        
TIME: 8.30am to 4.30pm
VENUE: Australian Catholic University
22 Main Street, Blacktown

DAY TWO: Saturday 2 November 2024
TIME: 8.30am to 4.30pm
VENUE: Local Court of NSW
Downing Centre Local Court
Level 5, 143-147 Liverpool Street, Sydney

WHAT DOES COMMUNITY ADVOCACY MEAN?
This training will assist in enabling staff members of community organisations to better support those who are not able to adequately convey their concerns and problems under which they are labouring to various authorities, government agencies, tribunals and courts.

Clients can face many difficulties approaching court or government authorities on their own, including language barriers, disabilities, fears, anxieties and a lack of understanding of procedures.

Understanding the basics will assist in advancing existing experience. There are many systems in place to manage our society. It is difficult for most to understand this. 

It is even harder for those who are new to the country, with additional barriers such as language and isolation, to find solutions to their problems. 

This programme is expected to contribute towards empowering community development workers to better advocate on behalf of their constituents and clients.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND?
The focus of the training is on those working in community development organisations within four local government areas (LGAs): Blacktown, Cumberland, Parramatta, and the Hills Shire Council. Participants should have empathy, listening skills,
verbal skills, and leadership. Fluency in a language other than English would be a great advantage.

WHY SHOULD YOU ATTEND?
Your participation will improve your capacity as an advocate for your clients and community members.
Participants attending this 2-day training will gain:
– a background on the history of law making and the ways to contribute to law reform based on society’s needs;
– an understanding of societal governance at three levels of governments and associated bureaucratic instrumentalities;
– skills needed to effect change through advocacy;
– an appreciation for negotiations, mediation and conciliation;
– an understanding of legal institutions and court processes.

COMMUNITY ADVOCATE NETWORK
We hope to develop a network of these community advocates and provide them with ongoing support and additional periodic training. Such strategies will help them to improve their skills and legal knowledge for the roles they undertake in this field. It is expected that TLC will be able to raise resources to support continuing education and provide support to the network.

EXPECTATIONS
It is expected that all those who register will complete the training workshop and will use their skills to advance the cause of those who need their help.