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People, Power, and Politics: Influencing Political Decision-Makers on Human Rights

Build your knowledge of human rights and British politics and learn key strategies to influence and advocate for human rights.

1,271 enrolled on this course

Various images and the words 'People, Power, Politics'

People, Power, and Politics: Influencing Political Decision-Makers on Human Rights

1,271 enrolled on this course

  • 3 weeks

  • 1 hour per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Open level

Find out more about how to join this course

Discover how to become an effective advocate for human rights through politics

On this three-week course from Amnesty International UK, you’ll get a deeper understanding of the UK political system and human rights to help you advocate for change.

From the different routes of influencing, to how you might create your own strategy for change, you’ll develop the knowledge, skills, and confidence to advocate for positive human rights change.

Explore the UK political system and how political decision-makers impact human rights

From the UK Government to your MP, Mayors to Local Councillors, there are lots of different structures and players, each with their own varying levels of responsibility and influence.

You’ll start this course by looking at the structure and processes that drive British politics before moving on to learn about the role parliamentarians have in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms.

Develop the skills to engage with and influence politicians on human rights change

So many key moments for human rights are brought about by persuading a politician to support your cause in Westminster or to speak out on an issue, or through campaigning for many years to secure change.

During the final week of this course, you’ll explore the different ways to effectively work with politicians for positive human rights change. You’ll then apply everything you’ve learned to design plans to convince decision-makers to act.

Learn from the experts at Amnesty International UK

Amnesty International is a global movement of more than 7 million people campaigning for a world where human rights are enjoyed by all.

Created by an international team of human rights educators, researchers, campaigners, and activists, this course will equip you with the knowledge and skills to take action for human rights.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    What does the UK political system look like?

    • Welcome to the course – People, Power and Politics: Influencing political decision makers on human rights

      This entry-level course will guide you through key areas to become an effective advocate for human rights through politics.

    • Structure of Westminster and the UK government

      Over the centuries, the Palace of Westminster, Parliament and the UK’s governing powers have changed.

    • Devolved institutions and local government 

      The devolution settlements across the nations are complex and different. Broadly speaking health, education, culture, the environment and transport are devolved matters.

    • Celebration of success!

      You have successfully completed the first week of the People, Power and Politics course.

  • Week 2

    How do people in politics impact human rights change?

    • Welcome to Week 2!

      In this section of the course, you will learn about the role parliamentarians have in the promotion and protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and how they can make your voices heard.

    • Select committees and all-party parliamentary groups

      Backbenchers can join two types of groups in Parliament – select committees and All-Party Parliamentary Groups (APPGs).

    • Ways NGOs work with politicians

      Non-governmental organisations (NGOs) build working relationships with parliamentarians in order to get an issue noticed and to press for change.

    • Celebration of success

      You have successfully completed the second week of the People, Power and Politics course.

  • Week 3

    How can I create human rights change?

    • Welcome to Week 3!

      In this final week of the course, you will learn more about how best to engage with and influence political decision-makers on human rights issues.

    • Using your influence

      Let’s look at how you can engage with political decision-makers, from researching them to setting up a meeting.

    • Top tips – in detail

      Whether it’s your first time or you are a seasoned pro, trying to influence a decision-maker can be confusing. Who should you target? What would you like them to do?

    • Letters and emails

      Letters and emails are likely to be the main interaction you have with a political decision-maker.

    • The importance of people power

      At the heart of all successful social change movements and political campaigns is people power.

    • Congratulations! You have completed People, Power and Politics

      We hope People, Power and Politics fulfilled your expectations.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Demonstrate the basic structure of the Westminster Parliament
  • Explain the difference between Parliament, the UK Government, Local Government and the devolved institutions
  • Explain things politicians can do to influence human rights
  • Identify how politicians can influence human rights internationally
  • Identify how politicians work with NGOs and charities
  • Demonstrate ways of effectively working with politicians
  • Describe the influence that people power can have with politicians
  • Design plans for engaging politicians on human rights issues

Who is the course for?

This course is designed for anyone looking to better understand human rights and how to influence political decision-makers on human rights in the UK.

Who will you learn with?

Who developed the course?

Amnesty International UK

We are Amnesty International. We speak out for anyone and everyone whose freedom and dignity are under threat.

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Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$39.99/month

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$109/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 10 May 2024

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

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  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
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Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

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