The Huston School for Film and Digital Media, NUI Galway is to hold a public workshop to help local campaigners become even more successful in their public advocacy endeavours. The free workshop is being hosted in conjunction with the London based campaigners' charity, the Sheila McKechnie Foundation on Saturday, 10 March at Earl's Island from 10.00am to 3.00pm.

The workshop will feature political, media and campaign experts, who will give direct feedback on how to influence TDs, get the most from the media and adopt the most suitable tactics to achieve an outcome.

Rod Stoneman, Director of the Huston School of Film & Digital Media says: "Since we introduced the new Masters Degree in Public Advocacy and Activism last year, we have seen first hand how involved Galway is in the public advocacy arena.

"The workshop we have developed with the Sheila McKechnie Foundation will provide intensive training for those who may not be available to take a Masters programme but would like to improve and hone their skills. I also think this is a great networking opportunity and will further strengthen the solidarity of campaigners in Galway."

Claire McMaster, Chief Executive of the Sheila McKechnie Foundation says: "Great campaigns have enabled us to close the gap between the powerful and the powerless, to fight injustice at a local, national and global level. We are delighted to work in partnership with the Huston School of Film and Digital Media and admire their creative and innovative approach."

If you are currently involved in or wish to become involved in public advocacy, the Galway Campaign Skills Workshop will help you create effective, successful campaigns.

Spaces are limited to a maximum of 25 people and will be allocated on a first come, first served. For more information and to register, email Emily Buchanan at the Sheila McKechnie Foundation, emily.buchanan@sheilamckechnie.org.uk or call 0044.207.7707822

Notes to the Editor

The Huston School of Film & Digital Media

• The Huston School of Film & Digital Media offers a unique suite of courses with a single starting point – the centrality of cultural creativity.
• Well recognised as a education authority on production, direction and screenwriting, the school pioneers both creative and academic courses alike.
• Last year the school introduced a new Masters Degree in Public Advocacy and Activism. This programme is designed specifically for those working, or intending to work, in international or local advocacy; including community organization, development, labour, rights, health, and environment.
• The development of this innovative new masters degree was prompted by the realisation that while there are many Management, Communications, and Public Relations courses, none offers a focus on the issues and skills central to the role of those working in organisations which seek to shift attitudes and understandings in order to initiate change.

For more information, please visit www.filmschool.ie , telephone +353 (0)91 512 469 | or email info@filmschool.ie

The Sheila McKechnie Foundation

• The Sheila McKechnie Foundation is a new charity, established in 2005. The Foundation exists to equip campaigners with the skills they need to make a greater impact. It was formed in memory of Scottish Campaigner Sheila McKechnie, the former head of Shelter and Consumers' Association, who died in January 2004. More information about the Foundation's work can be found at www.sheilamckechnie.org.uk.
• The Foundation is currently being incubated in the London-based offices of Which? (formerly the Consumers' Association).
• The Chief Executive Claire McMaster has a long history of high profile campaigning from the Anti-Apartheid Movement, Campaign for Nuclear Disarmament and the Commission for Racial Equality.
• Patrons include Rt Hon Gordon Brown MP, Alan Grant, Lord Howe of Aberavon, Baroness Morgan of Drefelin and Jon Snow.

For more information of the Foundation please email emily.buchanan@sheilamckechnie.org.uk