Deadline: 15-mar-22

The Rainbow Advocacy Program (RAP) 2022-23 is now open as a unique training on the SDGs and human rights mechanisms for LGBTIQ+ activists from the South and East to learn, network, collaborate and gain hands-on experience in advocacy at the UN.

The Rainbow Advocacy Program (RAP), implemented with the kind support of ILGA World and Sida, is a 13-month fellowship for LGBTIQ+ activists from the South and East to influence change at home through UN advocacy.

The program is visionary and unique in its approach combining both human rights and development frameworks, in particular the 2030 Agenda. Participants will gain practical advocacy experience by engaging in the processes of UN, learning from experts and peers, and implementing an advocacy project in their constituencies.

With this situation in mind, RFSL (The Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and Intersex Rights), the Swedish Federation for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Rights, launched the Rainbow Advocacy Program (RAP) aimed at addressing some of the many gaps and challenges. The program builds on the findings of the preliminary study, which included an online survey, desk research and in-depth discussions with Southern and Eastern LGBTIQ activists and other relevant actors.

Goals

The main objective of the program is twofold: to strengthen the advocacy capacity of LGBTIQ organizations in the South and East and to facilitate the participation of underrepresented groups in international advocacy forums. In doing so, the program aims to:

  • Provide a learning-by-doing opportunity for activists
  • Share knowledge, information, resources, network and contacts
  • Provide access to UN advocacy spaces
  • Sustaining UN engagement in an informed, effective and safe manner
  • Securing more spaces for civil society in UN forums
  • Create a group of community experts to engage in international advocacy

Eligibility criteria

You are eligible to apply for the Rainbow Advocacy Program if you:

  • Are willing to commit to the full 13 month period of the program;
  • Are from a country in the South and East as listed by the Development Assistance Committee (DAC).
  • Identify as part of the LGBTQI community;
  • Have 1 to 3 years of experience in advocacy, at the local, national, regional or international level;
  • Have basic knowledge of international human rights mechanisms;
  • Belong to an LGBTIQ organization;
  • Have a role in the organization that includes advocacy work;
  • Your organization is working or plans to work with international advocacy as part of its strategy for the coming years;
  • Can communicate freely in English, both written and spoken.

Scholarship requirement

For scholarship recipients to receive the certificate of completion, the following requirements are in place:

  • Be available and actively engaged throughout the duration of the program;
  • Participate in both in-person trainings;
  • Remain employed/involved in the organization applied for on behalf of;
  • Implement the LOTS project in cooperation with the organization;
  • Submit LOTS project reports;
  • Participate in online sessions and webinars.

For more information, visit https://www.rfsl.se/en/organisation/international/rainbow-advocacy-program/

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