The Advocacy Project (AP) believes that civil society can be a powerful force for social change. Inspired by this vision, AP seeks to support marginalized communities in the Global South that face poverty, violence, and discrimination. Working through Peace Fellows, AP helps advocates from partner communities to tell their story, strengthen their organizations, and launch innovative campaigns.

Founded in June 1998, AP was established to help marginalized communities and their advocates take action against injustice. AP defines communities broadly, and are particularly drawn to those that are despised and friendless. This has led AP to support – among others – Roma, Travellers, Dalit, pygmies, waste-pickers, and river gypsies. AP takes their side because it is the right thing to do, but also because they can produce gifted advocates who can mobilize large numbers of people to make the case for real change.

AP has worked with 118 community-based partners since 1998. AP is run by a small salaried staff, supported by a large network of friends and volunteers with deep roots in their communities.

The impact model is to partner with these community organization (who know the local context and key priorities) and send a Peace Fellow to help this organization tell its story. AP’s goal is to help the partner acquire advocacy tools and resources which enable them to take action. As the relationship matures, AP works with partners to map out a long-term program with clear goals that produce tangible benefits, change policy, and strengthen partner-defined outcomes. To learn about active campaigns and work, please view the AP website.

The Advocacy Project helps marginalized communities to tell their stories, strengthen their organizations, take action, and mobilize new support. AP currently support campaigns in Kenya, Nepal, Uganda and Zimbabwe. Click to read more about current projects and areas of focus.