Strengthening Community Advocacy and Fighting Injustice in the Global South
The Advocacy Project (AP) believes that civil society can be a powerful force for social change. Inspired by this vision, we seek to support marginalized communities in the Global South that face poverty, violence, and discrimination. Working through graduate students (Peace Fellows) we help advocates from partner communities to tell their story, strengthen their organizations, and launch innovative campaigns.
How It Started
AP has worked with 118 community-based partners since 1998. They include the Bosnian family (BOSFAM), an association of women who lost relatives in the 1995 Srebenica massacre. Sarah Reichenbach (right), one of 15 Fellows who have worked at BOSFAM, is seen here with BOSFAM members at the massacre site.
Meet Our Team
AP is run by a small salaried staff, supported by a large network of friends and volunteers with deep roots in their communities. Scott Allen served as the US Director to the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development in London before rejoining the AP Board in 2017. He is seen here with a freed child worker during a visit in 2012 to AP’s partners in Nepal.
A commitment to Transparency
We expect to be held to a high standard of transparency and ask the same of partners. Sitan Konate handles accounts for Sini Sanuman, our partner in Mali. During five years of working with AP, Sitan has filed over 4,000 receipts, handled over $700,000 of grant money and produced strong reports.
Where Our Money Comes From
AP depends heavily on the generosity of individuals. In 2017, 523 individuals made 778 donations to our program, totaling $166,405. This enabled us to support 10 start-ups, deploy nine Fellows and raise $340,369 for partner organizations. The Zonta Club of Washington has been a loyal supporter since 2007. Mary Ellen Bittner, a former president of Zonta International is seen here with Kirstin Yanisch and Vicky Mogeni in 2017 before they left to serve as Peace Fellows in Nepal.
Meet Our interns
AP draws on talented interns to support our program in Washington. We want them to learn but also have fun, and they leave behind fond memories and their thoughts in writing.”I learned a great deal from you – most importantly attitude, work ethic and compassion. I went into AP’s office very happily every day!” – Rita Lo, Columbia University and 2016 intern.