Sixteen participants have successfully completed Module 3: Strategic Advocacy and Community Stories, Impactful Advocacy within Boundaries, a training organized by Young Lives Malaysia. The program equipped participants with practical skills to develop strategic advocacy campaigns, engage key stakeholders, and amplify community voices through evidence-based and dignified storytelling.
As part of the training, participants were introduced to a stakeholder mapping exercise using a Power and Impact Map tool. Following the identification of their advocacy goal and outcome, participants were guided to map stakeholders based on the power and influence each holds over a given issue, sorting them into categories such as those to convert, manage closely, monitor, or keep informed as allies. The exercise was designed to help participants identify the right target audiences and allies before proceeding with their advocacy plans.
Advocacy Rooted in Protection and Dignity
A central focus of the training was on advocating effectively while protecting the safety, privacy, and dignity of the communities being served. Participants explored how to build stronger advocacy efforts grounded in compassion, responsibility, and the “Do No Harm” principle, ensuring that storytelling and campaign strategies do not compromise the wellbeing of the communities they represent.
A Program Built on Capacity and Collaboration
The training reflects Young Lives Malaysia’s broader work in building capacity among refugee communities in Malaysia. Through its various programs, the organization offers foundational English courses and specialized training in areas such as media literacy, team entrepreneurship, community development, and refugee teacher training, aimed at facilitating multiple entry points for refugees regardless of life stage or education level.
Beyond this training, the organization continues to expand its range of programs and initiatives for refugee communities, reflecting a belief that lasting impact is achieved not in isolation, but through ongoing collaboration with partner organizations and community-based groups.