Be a better grassroots advocate

VOLUNTEERS of community groups are invited to take part in free training sessions to strengthen their advocacy and governance skills.

Non-Profit Training will lead a workshop at Bannockburn Cultural Centre, and online, with funding from a Golden Plains Shire Healthy Active Living Community Strengthening Grant received by Geelong Volunteering last year.

Content will cover the power of advocacy in raising the profile of a grassroots group, and advancing it, what an effective advocate looks like, community structures and issues, planning, representing a group, and good communication.

Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Gavin Gamble said it’s a chance to upskill and grow.

“Volunteers and community groups wanting to effectively raise issues and drive change will greatly benefit from the free advocacy training sessions,” he said.

“These sessions are a fantastic example of the projects that council’s Community Strengthening Grants can support, having been funded by a Community Strengthening Grant in 2021.

“Applications for the second round of the 2022 grant program are open until 2pm on Friday, 30 September, and I strongly encourage community groups to apply.”

Volunteers can attend the in-person workshop on Tuesday 25, October from 12pm to 3pm, or the online class on Thursday, 3 November from 6pm to 8.30pm.

The sessions are open to anyone, but those intending to take part need to register at goldenplains.vic.gov.au/events.  Contact 5220 7111 or [email protected] for more information.