Brief introduction

The course “Advocacy for Youth Employability in Mexico” was developed in collaboration between the Citizen Initiative for the Promotion of the Culture of Dialogue AC and the Dr. José María Luis Mora Research Institute. Its main objective was to train youth to become effective advocates and promote priorities in economic, social and labor policies. 

Initially designed for the youth with whom Iniciativa Ciudadana works, it was later expanded to include civil society organizations in 2024. 

The course, coordinated by Professors Sonia Romero and Blanca Gómez from the Mora Institute, and Professor Karla Ambrosio from Citizen Initiative, had the specific objective of identifying key aspects to carry out effective advocacy actions in public policies for youth employability, considering the context of the 2024 electoral contest. 

The first course was aimed at “opportunity youth leaders” in Mexico City. The second course will be aimed at leaders of civil society organizations (CSOs) with intervention models for youth employability in Mexico City.

Thematic lines 

1. Explore the Social and Solidarity Economy and/or Social Entrepreneurship as viable alternatives to provide decent employment for youth. 

2. Promote the implementation of second chance programs and provide support for the completion of Upper Secondary Education.

3. Establish multi-sector alliances that promote comprehensive training for work, as well as incentives for the promotion and protection of labor rights, with a focus on inclusion and intersectionality.

4. Develop a local care policy with the aim of expanding opportunities for development and autonomy for young women.

Methodology of the Course-Workshop 

The first course-workshop was developed using a participatory methodology with which participants identified various strategic aspects to carry out an impact on public policies for youth employability. 

Syllabus 

Day 1. Fundamentals of Youth Advocacy. 

Topic 1. Social actors and youth. 

1.1. Organized civil society: Instruments and mechanisms for citizen participation. 

1.2 Youth: adverse realities (Mexico City and national context). 

Topic II. What is advocacy and why is it relevant for youth? 

2.1 Definition and types of incidence. 

2.2 Advocacy aimed at youth care with a multi-stakeholder and multi-level approach. 

2.3 Meeting with successful experiences of incidence in matters of employability in the thematic lines. 

Topic III. Tools for Political Analysis. 

3.1 Identification of problems and needs in the community (Problem tree for the design of public policies). 

3.2 Presentation of the public policy cycle. 

3.3 Identification by teams of a problem for youth employability (problem tree) and socialization in plenary session. 

Day 2. November 29/ Topic: Strategies and actions for advocacy. 

Topic IV. Key elements for generating advocacy strategies. 

4.1 Identification of key actors and strategic allies. 

4.2 Relevance of human rights, structural justice, gender, intersectionality, inclusion and youth approaches in advocacy. 

4.3 Negotiation techniques and establishment of strategic alliances for advocacy. 

4.4 Encounter with successful negotiation experiences. 

Topic V. Successful experiences for advocacy. 

5.1 Strategies for assertive advocacy: success stories. 

5.2 Lessons learned and good practices for advocacy. 

5.3 Team design for the development of advocacy strategies for youth employability. 

Topic VI. Mobilization and awareness-raising actions.

6.1 Organization of peaceful demonstrations and public events. 

6.2 Communication campaigns: use of social networks and traditional media, narrative and storytelling techniques. 

6.3 Online and offline awareness campaigns. 

6.4 Teams draft advocacy strategies for youth employability and share them in plenary with a panel of expert guests for feedback. 

Development of the course-workshop 

On the first day, 15 people attended, and on the second day, 17 people, forming a highly participative young group during the two-day workshop-course. 

Theoretical and practical sessions were held, including team exercises on the problem tree for a public policy proposal on the first day. 

Throughout the sessions, the exchange of ideas and dialogue with the speakers was encouraged, addressing doubts, comments and expanding on topics of interest to the participants. 

Successful experiences were highlighted, which served to illustrate initiatives, strategies, methodologies and good practices. 

At the end of the workshop, 14 certificates were given to the participants and 11 to the teachers, adding up to a total of 25 certificates for the coordination of the course.

Conclusions 

The workshop was considered timely and pertinent in addressing the need to strengthen the capacities of youth in influencing public policies, especially in the workplace. 

The participating group, supported by Citizen Initiative over time, demonstrated a continued interest and commitment to their training in various subjects. 

For the Mora Institute, this experience represented a valuable opportunity to contribute to the formative process of youth and promote their skills for advocacy, particularly in the political sphere. 

The course included the participation of teachers who are experts in topics such as effective negotiation, public policy cycle, project design and successful experiences of influence, among others. 

The alliance between Citizen Initiative and the Mora Institute highlights the possibility of joining forces to educate future generations and carry out joint social advocacy work to benefit the living conditions of youth in Mexico.