Blog
Read insights & tips on advocacy from our alumni and other public interest experts.
“Our role as communicators is crucial in making sure the voices of civil society are heard.”- Dylan Power-Civil Society Europe (CSE)
Dylan Power is the Communications and Outreach Officer at Civil Society Europe (CSE), the platform for civil society organisations at EU level. It brings together 24 European networks composed of European and national civil society organisations in different areas of citizens' concerns. CSE promotes a space for structured civil dialogue and citizens’ participation at all levels
“Find the balance between communications and policy and shape the message together from the very beginning.”- Oriana Henry-BEUC-The European Consumers Organisation
Oriana Henry is Communications Officer at BEUC-The European Consumers Organisation, which represents independent consumer organisations to the EU institutions. It defends the interests of European consumers across a range of topics including digital rights, energy, food, health, safety, sustainability and trade policy.
“It's critical to understand the real-world impacts of EU policies. Those directly affected must be heard.”- Rita Raleira, AidEnvironment
Rita Raleira is an expert in deforestation-free supply chains and policy analysis at AidEnvironment, a not-for-profit organisation that aims to drive sustainable and equitable change in supply chains.
“Push forward your narrative—one where everyone has a place in society and can thrive, no matter their identity.”- Sawsane Djazouli, #DiasporaVote!
Sawsane Djazouli is the Policy and Communications officer at #DiasporaVote!, a non-profit organisation that aims to ensure representation and inclusion to racialized communities living in Europe
“I believe the way we eat — and the policies that shape it — are central to building a just and liveable future.”- Matthijs Germs, Verdante
Matthijs Germs is an independent EU policy advisor and the founder of Verdante a mission-driven EU policy consultancy working at the intersection of EU agriculture and food policy, plant-based foods, and sustainable proteins.
“Menstrual health remains a taboo subject, and very little has been done to address it.”- Justine Okolodkoff, Règles élémentaires
Justine Okolodkoff is Deputy director at Règles élémentaires, the first French association dedicated to combating menstrual insecurity and the taboo surrounding periods.
“Break the ice! Don't hesitate to approach people, even if it feels intimidating” - Laia Aycart Piquer, CONCORD
Laia Aycart Piquer is the Policy and Advocay Adviser at CONCORD – Europe’s leading confederation of NGOs focusing on sustainable development policy and international cooperation.
“The stigma around brain disorders is a barrier and obscures the true societal impact of these conditions." - Dominika Suchonova, European Brain Council
Dominika Suchonova works as Communications and Advocacy Coordinatorfor the European Brain Council (EBC), a non-profit promoting brain health and research to improve life for millions in Europe with mental or neurological conditions.
“We need to ensure sustainable education, research and lifelong learning opportunities across Europe.” - Tove Keldsen, Association of Nordic Engineers
Tove Keldsen is Communication Manager at the Association of Nordic Engineers (ANE), which advocates for engineers’ role in building a sustainable society through education and lifelong learning.
“The immense power of the fossil fuel lobby is a huge challenge. Our work to expose their influence is vital.”- Dominic Eagleton, Global Witness
Dominic is a Senior Campaigner for Global Witness, an international NGO dedicated to holding corporations and governments accountable for their destruction of the environment and their failure to protect human rights.
“Poverty issues should be mainstreamed into every single piece of legislation”- Solal Billon - ATD Fourth World
Solal Billon is advocacy officer for ATD Fourth World, an international movement that fights poverty and its root causes. ATD Fourth World has been working directly with people living in poverty on the ground, building trust and building solutions with them.
“Lawyers should be able to carry out their work without fear of reprisals” Tara Fiechter - Lawyers for Lawyers
Tara Fiechter works as a Programme Officer for Lawyers for Lawyers, an NGO working to promote the independence of the legal profession worldwide by supporting lawyers who are at risk because of their work
“We must act quickly to strengthen EU regulations, or we face serious consequences when it comes to harmful chemicals” - Iiris Lamminmaki - HEAL
Iiris Lamminmäki is Advocacy and Campaigns Officer at HEAL, working to ensure a clean environment for healthy lives by pushing for a ban on harmful chemicals and reduced exposure across Europe.
“Decisions taken by the EU shouldn’t have a negative impact on human rights beyond its borders!”- Paula Saucedo-Deutsche Menschenrechtskoordination Mexiko
Paula recently joined the German Human Rights Coordination Mexico as EU Advocacy Officer, supporting Mexican organisations in their fight against rights violations, impunity, and for democracy and justice.
“The education system should enable children and young people to become agents of change” – Gabrielle Franck – QUEST
Gabrielle Franck is a Policy Officer for Quality Education in Europe for Sustainable Social Transformation (QUEST), a European network that brings together civil society organisations, schools, universities and public bodies advocating for change in education and lifelong learning.
“It is up to the individual to decide whether or not to have a family” – Johanna Tassot - ESHRE
Johanna Tassot works as a policy officer for the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE). Her organisation promotes study and research in the field of reproduction. She advocates for better policies for people affected by infertility and for the medical professionals helping them.
“You cannot have a circular economy without the social element at its core” – Marie-Jeanne Gaertner – RREUSE
Marie-Jeanne Gaertner joined RREUSE almost 2 years ago. RREUSE is an international network of social enterprises working in the circular economy. She works on textiles policies and coordinates RREUSE’s participation in a Horizon Europe funded project that aims to increase circularity and sustainability in textiles and clothing in Europe: Circular & Sustainable Textiles & Clothing (CISUTAC).
“The EU must be wary of aquaculture's harmful impacts”– Yves Reichling – Feedback EU
Yves Reichling, is the project manager for the Our Fish, Notre Poisson programme at Feedback EU, a Netherlands-based environmental campaign group working for food that is good for the planet and its people.
“A transition with and for the people” − Maris Pedaja, Friends of the Earth Estonia
Maris Pedaja works on the energy transition and environmental campaigning for Friends of the Earth Estonia and the CEE Bankwatch Network in Estonia. She monitors the use of public finance for the energy transformation and advocates for a democratic shift to achieve a just and sustainable transition.
“We challenge actors in the digital age” − Sebastián Becker, European Digital Rights
Sebastián Becker Castellaro defends freedom of expression in the online sphere as a Policy Advisor at European Digital Rights (EDRi). He focusses on platform regulation and policies counter disinformation and ‘surveillance advertising’, the systematic harvesting, marketing, and use of personal data in the online advertising industry.