The Rights Reporter Foundation (RRF) announces a Call for Applications to its 4 day long Video Advocacy Training for drug policy and harm reduction activists in Asia, to be held in Bangkok on 20-23 May 2019. Application deadline is 17 April, 2019. About the training Since 2007 the video advocacy team of the Rights Reporter Foundation has been producing short online advocacy videos that translate the often-complicated issues of human rights, drug policy reform, and harm reduction into easily understandable and interesting video pieces. These videos not only inform, but motivate and mobilise for direct action for change. It is our strategic goal to train and enable other NGOs in effectively communicating in the language of video, to influence people’s thinking and public policies, and to build vibrant and tolerant communities that value human rights. Members of the Rights Reporter Foundation have been training activists in video advocacy and working with the media since 2009. We have held 2 to 5 day video advocacy training for about a hundred activists from the drug policy, harm reduction, and human rights fields. We have held training in Budapest, Bangkok, Kiev, Mexico City, Jakarta, Skopje, and Wellington (New Zealand). The video advocacy training covers the whole spectrum of video advocacy, including video advocacy theory, camera handling, interview techniques, editing, and distribution. We maintain a working relationship with the participants of the training courses. Currently there are 37 members of our Drugreporter Video Advocacy Network which consist mostly of our alumni. The aim of the network is to strengthen collaboration and share information and resources between members. Who are we looking for? The RRF is ready to train 10 activists from Asia who would like to use video in their harm reduction and drug policy reform advocacy work. The applicant must work in the field of harm reduction and drug policy reform advocacy, or be closely affiliated with such an organisation, and the person applying must meet the following requirements:

• Understanding of harm reduction/drug policy reform and its human rights dimensions;
• Time/capacity to produce videos (preferably not executives or senior staff members who have no time/capacity to make movies);
• Fluency in English;
• Basic computer and Internet skills;
• Good communication skills (ability to make reports, interviews);
• Good working relationship with harm reduction/drug policy organisations from the country;
• Commitment to make videos about drug policy/harm reduction in the longer term.
• participants should have some sort of video recording device, that they will use at the training. It can be a photo or video camera or even a smartphone.

Participants are required to produce at least one video piece at home after the training. It is crucial that we use our limited resources to train those who guarantee that they will become actively engaged in video production. What will you learn at the training? The training is 4 days long. During the training, participants will learn: 1. Pre production: What is video advocacy and how to plan and prepare for your videos. You will study examples of the RRF’s and other NGO’s work, the definition of video advocacy, its strengths and weaknesses, how to build your video advocacy strategy, planning your budget and fundraising, storytelling, what to pay attention to with regards security and consent, and more. 2. Production: What is the necessary equipment, how to operate your camera, how to make interviews and record your story. You will have hands on practice with your own camera or phone and you can practice in real interview situations. 3. Post-Production: How to edit your own film on Adobe Premiere Pro CC and get it out to your target audience. You will learn all the necessary basic editing skills to put together your important story. Financing and cooperation The training is financed by the Robert Carr Civil Society Network Fund and is organised by the Rights Reporter Foundation. The RRF is working in close cooperation with the International Drug Policy Consortium Bangkok Office, which is holding a Support. Don’t Punish (SDP) campaign strategy development workshop at the same time in Bangkok. Ideally, NGO members at the two events should come from the same organisations, so that they can work effectively together upon their return. We are even holding a 2 hour session together on the 23rd of May, focused on how to use video advocacy in SDP campaigns. Logistics The training will be held in Bangkok. All logistics, including travel and visa costs will be organized and financed by the RRF, from the funding provided by the Robert Carr Civil Society Network Fund. During the training we will make travel arrangements and provide accommodation and meals for the participants. How to apply? Fill out this online application form by 17 April 2019. If you have any questions about the Workshop or the application process, please do not hesitate to write to us at takacsistvangabor@rightsreporter.net.