Open Call: School of Political Leadership for IDP Councils in Ukraine

The School of Political Leadership for IDP Councils in Ukraine is a capacity-building programme designed to strengthen leadership, advocacy skills, and policy influence among representatives of Councils for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs). The initiative provides practical training, networking opportunities, and advocacy tools to help IDP Councils participate more effectively in local and national decision-making processes.

Overview of the School of Political Leadership for IDP Councils

The School of Political Leadership for IDP Councils in Ukraine is a training programme developed for representatives of Councils for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) to strengthen their ability to advocate for IDP rights and influence public policy.

The programme is implemented by the NGO “Access Point” and builds on previous initiatives focused on strengthening the capacity of IDP Councils across Ukraine.

Unlike earlier capacity-building efforts focused mainly on institutional development, this edition places greater emphasis on:

• Political leadership.
• Advocacy and public engagement.
• Policy influence.
• Strategic communication.
• Cooperation between IDP Councils.

The programme recognizes IDP Councils as important actors in local governance and as representatives of internally displaced communities.

Purpose of the Leadership Programme

The main goal of the School is to empower IDP Council representatives with practical skills and knowledge needed to:

• Participate effectively in decision-making processes.
• Advocate for policies supporting internally displaced persons.
• Develop stronger relationships with government institutions.
• Promote community-driven solutions.
• Build cooperation between IDP Councils across Ukraine.

The programme aims to transform IDP Councils from advisory bodies into active participants in shaping policies and programmes affecting displaced communities.

Key Focus Areas of the Training

The School of Political Leadership focuses on several important areas related to advocacy and governance.

Advocacy and Policy Influence

Participants learn how to:

• Develop effective advocacy strategies.
• Influence local and national policy discussions.
• Identify policy priorities.
• Communicate community needs to decision-makers.

Leadership Development

The programme strengthens leadership skills through:

• Practical exercises.
• Expert guidance.
• Real-life case studies.
• Public speaking practice.

Strategic Communication

Participants explore:

• Communication planning.
• Public messaging.
• Campaign development.
• Engagement with communities and stakeholders.

Understanding IDP Policies and Legislation

Training includes information on:

• The State Policy Strategy on Internal Displacement until 2030.
• Legislative updates related to IDP rights.
• Current challenges and opportunities in displacement policy.

Programme Structure and Activities

Participants will take part in two offline training sessions.

The training format includes:

• Two three-day sessions in Lviv.
• Expert-led workshops.
• Practical learning activities.
• Analysis of real cases.
• Interregional networking opportunities.

The programme combines theoretical knowledge with practical tools that participants can apply within their own IDP Councils.

Final Advocacy Forum in Kyiv

The programme will conclude with a final forum in Kyiv.

During the forum, participants will:

• Present developed ideas and initiatives.
• Discuss future advocacy priorities.
• Strengthen cooperation among IDP Councils.
• Identify key areas for future policy engagement.

Who Is Eligible?

The programme is open to representatives of Councils for Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine.

Eligible applicants include:

• Members of IDP Councils across Ukraine.
• Two nominated representatives from each IDP Council.

Applicants must have their nomination confirmed through:

• A formal decision of the relevant IDP Council.

The programme is intended for individuals who are actively involved in representing internally displaced communities and want to strengthen their advocacy and leadership abilities.

Support Provided to Participants

Selected participants receive full logistical support during the training programme.

Support includes:

• Travel assistance.
• Accommodation.
• Meals during training sessions.

After successful completion of the programme, participants receive:

• A certificate of completion.
• Membership in the School alumni network.

The alumni network connects IDP Council representatives working to advance the rights and representation of internally displaced persons.

Why This Programme Matters

Internally displaced persons face complex challenges related to housing, services, employment, social protection, and participation in decision-making.

Strong IDP Councils can help ensure that displaced communities have a meaningful voice in policies affecting their lives.

The School supports this goal by helping representatives:

• Build leadership capacity.
• Develop advocacy skills.
• Create stronger partnerships.
• Promote evidence-based solutions.
• Improve representation of displaced communities.

How the Programme Works

Applicants selected for participation will complete the following stages:

Step 1: Nomination by an IDP Council

Each IDP Council identifies and nominates two representatives.

The nomination must be officially confirmed through a Council decision.

Step 2: Participation in Training Sessions

Selected participants attend offline training sessions in Lviv.

The sessions include:

• Leadership training.
• Advocacy workshops.
• Communication exercises.
• Policy discussions.

Step 3: Development of Advocacy Priorities

Participants develop practical ideas and advocacy approaches based on their communities’ needs.

Step 4: Participation in the Final Forum

Participants present their ideas and contribute to setting future advocacy priorities for IDP Councils.

Benefits for Participants

Participants gain:

• Leadership skills.
• Advocacy knowledge.
• Policy engagement experience.
• Communication skills.
• National networking opportunities.

The programme also creates a community of IDP Council leaders who can collaborate beyond the training period.

Tips for Applicants

Applicants should:

• Clearly demonstrate their involvement in an IDP Council.
• Highlight their motivation to strengthen IDP representation.
• Explain how they will apply gained knowledge in their community.
• Be prepared to actively participate in all training activities.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the School of Political Leadership for IDP Councils in Ukraine?

The School is a training programme that develops leadership, advocacy, and policy influence skills among representatives of Councils for Internally Displaced Persons in Ukraine.

Who can participate in the programme?

Two nominated representatives from each IDP Council in Ukraine can participate, provided their nomination is confirmed through an official Council decision.

Where will the training sessions take place?

The offline training sessions will take place in Lviv, Ukraine.

What topics are covered during the training?

The programme covers advocacy tools, leadership development, strategic communication, public speaking, legislative updates, campaign development, and IDP policy strategies.

Is financial support available for participants?

Yes. Organizers provide support for travel, accommodation, and meals during the training sessions.

Do participants receive a certificate after completing the programme?

Yes. Participants who successfully complete the programme receive certificates and become part of the School alumni network.

What is the main objective of the School?

The main objective is to strengthen the ability of IDP Councils to advocate for displaced communities and influence local and national decision-making processes.

Conclusion

The School of Political Leadership for IDP Councils in Ukraine provides an important platform for strengthening the leadership and advocacy capacity of internally displaced representatives. Through practical training, networking, and policy-focused learning, the programme helps IDP Councils become stronger voices in community governance and the development of solutions for displaced populations.