Digital Activism and Social Change

COURSES AND TRAININGS

Summer and Winter Schools

Overview and purpose

Social media has become a powerful tool for driving social change and mobilizing communities. But how can activists and organizations use it strategically to influence policies and strengthen democracy?

This intensive 5-day course equips participants with practical skills to leverage digital platforms for advocacy, community organizing, and social mobilization.

Through hands-on workshops, case studies, and engagement strategies, participants will learn how to build effective digital movements and turn online participation into real-world action.

Learning Outcome

By the end of this course, participants will:

Use social media for advocacy and awareness campaigns.
Develop digital strategies to mobilize communities and engage citizens.
Create compelling content for activism and democratic participation.
Understand the impact of disinformation and manage digital reputation.
Analyze data and metrics to optimize digital activism campaigns.
Organize events and collective actions using digital tools.

Admission information

Language: English
Language level prerequisites: B1 or higher
Audience: Activists, young leaders, nonprofit organizations, communication experts, and anyone looking to use digital platforms for social change.
Prerequisites: No prior experience required. Participants can bring advocacy projects or initiatives to develop during the course.
Maximum number of participants: 20

location

Choice of two destinations:

Rome, Italy – A center of political history and social movements.
Madeira, Portugal – A creative environment for digital content creation.

Duration and Daily Schedule

5 days (including a guided city tour).

Daily Schedule

Day 1: Digital Activism and Mobilization Strategies

Morning: The power of social media in social movements.
Afternoon: Workshop – Creating a digital strategy for change.

Day 2: Creating Engaging Content for Advocacy

Morning: Visual storytelling and persuasive writing for social campaigns.
Afternoon: Workshop – Content production for Instagram, TikTok, Twitter, and Facebook.

Day 3: Misinformation and Digital Reputation Defense

Morning: Identifying and countering fake news and digital attacks.
Afternoon: Fact-checking techniques and crisis communication management.

Day 4: Guided Tour – Activism and the History of Social Change

Visit to activist centers and local organizations to learn from real-world experiences.
Practical activity: Create a mini digital campaign inspired by the history of the location.

Day 5: Campaign Management and Final Presentation

Morning: Data analysis and optimization of digital strategies.
Afternoon: Pitch session – Presentation of campaigns with expert feedback.

Why Choose This Course

Practical and interactive learning: Workshops on digital strategies and tools.
Expert trainers: Specialists in advocacy, communication, and social mobilization.
International experience: Learn from successful activism models across Europe.
Networking and collaboration: Connect with activists and organizations.

What Sets Us Apart

Designed for changemakers: A course for those who believe in making a difference.
Hands-on approach: Concrete strategies, digital tools, and real case studies.
Digital portfolio: Each participant leaves with a campaign ready to launch.