CVSS and EU Launch Advocacy Training for Jamaican CSOs to Bolster Sustainable Development

The Council of Voluntary Social Services (CVSS), backed by the European Union (EU), is setting a new benchmark in Jamaica’s approach to sustainable development with its latest initiative. Starting March 4, a series of advocacy training workshops, funded through the 13th European Development Fund, aims to empower over 135 civil society organisations (CSOs) under the ‘Advocate, Innovate and Mobilise (AIM)’ project. This 30-month endeavor seeks to fortify the local volunteering culture, emphasizing its pivotal role in achieving Jamaica’s Vision 2030 and the Sustainable Development Goals.

Empowering Civil Society Through Training

Nancy Pinchas, CVSS’s executive director, highlighted the workshops’ significance in promoting a vibrant civil society capable of advocating for community rights and fostering an inclusive, democratic society. With threats to civil liberties and social injustice on the rise, these training sessions are designed to equip CSOs with the necessary tools and strategies for effective advocacy and positive change mobilization. Carol Narcisse, a renowned advocate and trainer, will lead these sessions, stressing the critical role of civil society in policy-making and addressing key issues like environmental protection, child welfare, and health.

Strengthening Advocacy Skills and Strategies

The advocacy workshops will cover a range of topics, including Introduction to Advocacy and Policy, Understanding the Advocacy Landscape, and Developing Effective Advocacy Plans/Programmes/Strategies. AnnMarie Kirlew Williams, CVSS’s programme manager, outlined that the workshops aim to provide CSOs with an advocacy toolkit, enhancing their ability to articulate community needs and engage in policy-making processes effectively. This initiative not only aims to amplify the voice of civil society in democracy and development but also to ensure that CSOs are well-equipped to advocate for vulnerable groups within society.

Building a Sustainable Future for Jamaica

As the CVSS concludes its grant proposal writing workshops, the focus shifts towards maximizing the impact of civil society in Jamaica’s development journey. By offering these advocacy training sessions free of charge, CVSS and the EU are investing in the capacity-building of Jamaican CSOs, ensuring they are ready to lead the charge towards a more sustainable, fair, and peaceful Jamaica. With registration soon opening on Eventbrite and the CVSS website, this initiative marks a significant step forward in recognizing and harnessing the power of volunteerism and civil advocacy in shaping the future of Jamaica.