With a Master’s degree in international relations: European Union studies and previous experience at the European Commission and NATO, Iliana Dimitrova is keen to leverage this initiative to broaden her perspective and refine her advocacy skills. Throughout her work at the European Commission, she gained valuable insights into the policy-making process and the intricate dynamics of policy-making at both national and European levels. This experience equipped her with a nuanced understanding of navigating complex stakeholder environments, a skillset directly applicable to her current role as a project manager within the tech industry.
Participating in the Advocacy Academy presents a compelling opportunity to further refine her advocacy skills and deepen her knowledge of effective policy implementation strategies.
Iliana had the chance to work on this goal as a participant of the AUBG Advocacy Academy, in partnership with the Bulgarian Entrepreneurial Association (BESCO), during the spring of 2024.
Read more about her takeaways in her story below:
Personal impressions
One of the most transformative experiences I had during the Advocacy Academy was a session on Public Policy Development in a multi-level governance system. I had always been deeply passionate about my causes, often communicating them in ways that resonated most with me. However, the training emphasized the importance of tailoring our messages to the values and interests of those we aim to influence.
During an exercise, we were tasked with developing an advocacy campaign for a hypothetical policy change. Initially, I approached the task by focusing on what I believed were the most compelling arguments. However, our facilitator encouraged us to step into the shoes of the stakeholders we were trying to persuade. This meant understanding their values, priorities, and concerns, and framing our message in a way that aligned with their perspectives.
We had to present our campaign to a mock panel representing different sectors, including government officials, business leaders, and community activists. I realized that the language and priorities I used needed to shift significantly for each group. For the business leaders, highlighting the economic benefits and potential for innovation was key. For the government officials, emphasizing policy alignment and public welfare was crucial. And for the community activists, focusing on social justice and community impact resonated the most.
This experience fundamentally changed my approach to advocacy.
I learned that successful advocacy isn’t just about passionately pushing for a cause but also about strategically communicating in a way that others can understand and support.
It became clear that the effectiveness of advocacy lies in our ability to listen, adapt, and find common ground with those we seek to influence.
Takeaways
The skills and knowledge I’ve gained from the Advocacy Academy will significantly enhance my effectiveness in my current role as a Project Manager at Hewlett-Packard Enterprise.
One of the key takeaways from the Academy is the importance of strategic communication tailored to stakeholder interests and values, and the art of positioning your message to garner the necessary support for your objectives. In my role, managing diverse, multinational teams, these strategies will enable me to better align perspectives, find common ground and understanding and ensure project goals resonate with all team members.
Additionally, the Academy has reinforced the idea that effective leadership involves empowering others and fostering a sense of shared purpose. In leading my project teams, I will focus more on creating an environment where every team member feels heard, and where shared interests and mutual benefits are identified and promoted. By incorporating inclusive decision-making processes and actively seeking input from all team members, I can enhance team cohesion, gain support for my objectives, and drive more innovative and effective solutions.
In summary, the Advocacy Academy has equipped me with enhanced communication, coalition-building, negotiation, and leadership skills, along with a deeper understanding of new forms of participatory politics in a geopolitically-shuttered world.
I aim to leverage these skills not only to enhance my current role but also to contribute meaningfully to larger initiatives, such as promoting democratic development in Bulgaria.
Impact
The Advocacy Academy has the potential to catalyze significant positive change in Bulgaria by empowering individuals with the tools and knowledge necessary for effective policy advocacy. It is crucial for more people to familiarize themselves with advocacy techniques and understand that lobbying is a powerful communication tool that can be used for both positive and negative purposes. By educating a broader audience about the principles and techniques of successful advocacy, the program aims to reshape perceptions and harness this tool to drive beneficial policy changes.
One of the essential realizations this program promotes is that effective advocacy is not solely about assertiveness; it’s about making a meaningful difference by influencing others and creating a shared vision for the future.
In my opinion, the Advocacy Academy contributes to advancing democracy in Bulgaria in three key ways:
- Equipping advocates with practical skills: Participants gain hands-on experience in strategic communication, policy analysis, and coalition building, which are essential for effective advocacy.
- Fostering collaboration across sectors: By bringing together leaders from government, business, and civil society, the Academy promotes a more inclusive and cooperative approach to policy-making, ensuring diverse perspectives are considered.
- Building a network of change-makers: The Academy helps to create a lasting network of advocacy experts who can support and learn from each other, amplifying their collective impact.
All these elements combined create a powerful foundation for advancing policy advocacy, promoting social justice and strengthening democracy in Bulgaria.
Highlights
As part of the Advocacy Academy I had the privilege of getting to know people from different walks of life and to interact with representatives from the business, government and NGO world. I believe that one of the things that truly sets this Academy apart lies within its holistic and inclusive approach. It fosters dialogue among a diverse group of stakeholders from the public and private sectors, as well as civil society, creating a platform for breakthrough ideas at the intersection of varied perspectives.
The initial retreat was a memorable start, allowing us to build trust and get to know each other better. This set the stage for the immersive and interactive sessions that followed, all inspired by problem-based learning. This unique methodology not only enabled us to gain insights from distinguished lecturers but also encouraged us to learn from the rich and varied experiences of our fellow participants.
I also liked attending external events, such as the dedicated session with the Deputy Head of Representation of the European Commission in Bulgaria. This provided additional networking opportunities and reinforced the importance of creating connections beyond our immediate circles.
Looking ahead, I am eager to maintain the relationships forged during the Academy. The network of incredible and inspiring individuals—true movers and shakers—will undoubtedly be invaluable as we continue to advocate for legislative changes and democratic development in Bulgaria. I am confident that our paths will cross again and that we will continue to leverage each other’s expertise, fostering the friendships that began here.
In conclusion, the Advocacy Academy has not only equipped me with the necessary tools for effective advocacy but has also introduced me to a community of passionate and dedicated individuals. These experiences and connections are the cornerstone of our collective effort to create positive change, and I am looking forward to the great things we can achieve together.
Piece of advice
As I look to the future, my aspirations center on applying the advocacy skills and leadership principles I’ve acquired through the Advocacy Academy to real-world scenarios. I am eager to leverage these skills to drive meaningful policy changes, enhance dialogue between diverse stakeholders, and contribute to the creation of a more inclusive and democratic society in Bulgaria and beyond.
My advice to future participants of the Advocacy Academy is to be bold and ambitious in their objectives. Embrace challenges with an open mind and a willingness to push beyond traditional structures. This program offers a unique opportunity to connect with remarkable individuals from various sectors, providing invaluable insights and experiences that will not only help you grow professionally but also contribute meaningfully to your personal development.
I would recommend the Advocacy Academy to anyone with a curious mind and a passion for making a difference.
This program is ideal for individuals who are eager to be the change they wish to see in the world, whether they come from government, business, or civil society backgrounds.
The quality of public decision-making significantly improves when diverse voices are heard, and this Academy equips you with the tools to ensure your voice is impactful. Whether you are a civil servant, a business leader, or a member of a non-profit organisation, the skills and knowledge gained here are universal, applicable in advocacy activities, negotiations, and everyday life.
