Academy for public policies – from idea to realization

Updated on September 24, 2023
by admin

Academy description

The Academy for Public Policies is an intervention for development, raising awareness about certain social situations, as well as building capacity for action among participants.
The main goal is to improve the knowledge and skills of young leaders for managing processes and adopting public policies.

Through holding 4 thematic units, 15-18 young progressive youth will learn how to create a platform for the realization of their ideas for a better society (idea, networking, financing, communication).
During the 4 thematic units, the participants will receive answers to the following topics:
• How do I create an idea?
• What does it mean to network and get support for my idea?
• How to secure financing for my idea?
• How to inform the broad and affected public about my idea? How to prepare a communication strategy?

At the academy, a hackathon will be organized for the participants, which will encourage them to achieve the realization of something they have imagined.
The academy is organized in a period of 6 months (April-November), 4 thematic units will be held for a duration of 2 days or a total of 8 working days.

Academy objectives

The goals of the academy are for the participants to acquire knowledge and skills for managing processes and adopting public policies.
In addition, to learn about the experiences of other countries as well as the future of social democracy.

Participant Profile
The academy is suitable for young people who have progressive views and share social democratic values aged 21-29. If the need arises during the selection of participants, age concessions can be made.

Number of participants
In order to ensure the appropriate dynamics of the academy as well as to achieve efficiency, the number of participants should range from 15 to 18 participants.

Overview of thematic units

How do I create an idea?
What does it mean to network and get support for my idea?
How to secure financing for my idea?
How to inform the broad and affected public about my idea? How to prepare a communication strategy?

Duration of the academy

The academy has a total duration of 6 months, in which there are 8 working days divided into 4 thematic units of 2 days each. The agenda for each thematic unit consists of an introductory, final session and 6 thematic sessions of 70-90 minutes each. Thematic units can be held as separate or combined with each other as a training package.

Way of conducting the academy

The academy is in the format of interactive workshops. The approach of the trainer is open, that is, the trainer has his own section for the presentation of the contents with space for questions and discussions by the participants
The sessions consist of 70% exercises through which the participants will be able to use the acquired knowledge and directly put themselves in the situation of decision makers or leaders who need to translate a certain idea into a public policy that will serve the public interest. In addition, two thematic units include inspirational speakers who will raise the motivation of the participants and encourage them to act in their environment.
The training should include a hackathon or challenge through a partnership with a company or organization that should work with the participants (something like the Brainster principle)
Training is best conducted in person because it requires intensive interaction and discussions about value systems and attitudes. However, it can be quickly adapted to distance learning. The training should be implemented in a space that offers the opportunity to build trust between the participants as well as a space for informal discussions on the topic. It is significant that there is a representation of men and women as well as different ethnic communities in the group of participants.

Approach of trainers

The aim of the academy is to provide space for the participants to apply the acquired knowledge and practical skills that will strengthen them for further action and advocacy for progressive public policies that represent the public interest. Presentations should cover the basic issues of the topic and leave room for practical implementation of what has been learned. Audiovisual aids are crucial to making presentations more effective.
Applying an appropriate seating arrangement can encourage active participation and encourage exchange of experiences between participants. It is recommended that participants sit in small groups around a table. There should be enough space in the room for role playing, demonstration and movement exercises.