The material and case studies collected during “Training of Trainers” (ToT) programme in Albania, Macedonia and Serbia, together with input from the wider MRP network of partners, have now been edited and included in the DIANET advocacy toolkit and trainers’ handbook, “Minority Rights Advocacy in South-East Europe, A Toolkit for NGOs”.

The Toolkit provides resource materials, practical tools and reference cases for NGOs, not only in the 3 countries covered by the workshops, but also from the wider region of SEE. Its purpose is to inform local and national civil sector activists, groups and organisations about advocacy processes, methods and practices that can help to:

•    develop effective advocacy

•   build effective coalitions

•  strengthen networking

•   and broaden local support with regard to minority rights.

The Toolkit has two main sections:

1.    An introduction to minority rights advocacy in South-East Europe, with key arguments and tools in the context of the wider human rights framework and of relevant organisations.
2.    Clarification of the concept of advocacy and a practical 8-step guide for the advocacy process from the definition of the issue for policy action, through to the development and implementation of an action plan. These practical tips are illustrated by case studies provided by MRP/DIANET partners and by lessons learned from their own advocacy efforts.

The DIANET Toolkit for NGOs is now available in English but will be translated shortly in BCS, Albanian and Macedonian. It may be downloaded here. A hard copy may be obtained free of charge by e-mail at public@kbs-frb.be or by calling the King Baudouin Foundation’s Contact Centre on +32 70 233 728.