Lobbying Workshop

Do you want to bring about change within your organization, municipality, or field of work, but aren’t sure how to reach the right people? Lobbying may sound complicated or like something only large organizations do, but in reality, you often have more influence than you think. In this workshop, you’ll discover how to effectively bring your interests, ideas, or plans to the forefront and how you can actually create change.

For whom.

This workshop is for creators, collectives, organizers, and others involved in the cultural sector who want to exert more influence on policy, decision-making, or developments in their community. Whether you have a specific issue, are looking to raise the profile of your initiative, or simply want to understand how advocacy works, this workshop will give you practical tools to get started right away. Don’t know where to begin when it comes to lobbying? Then sign up!

After this workshop

• Do you understand how lobbying and advocacy work in local and public decision-making?
• Know who the key players are in a decision-making process and how to approach them.
• Can you develop a simple lobbying strategy centered on an issue or initiative of your own?
• Do you know how to convey your message clearly and persuasively?
• You have more confidence in your own influence and know how to use it effectively.

Program

Lobbying isn’t about having the loudest voice, but about getting the right message to the right person at the right time. During this interactive workshop, you’ll be introduced to the basic principles of lobbying and advocacy. You’ll learn how decision-making works, who to approach, and how to develop a strategy that aligns with your goal. Using local examples, exercises, and real-world case studies, you’ll explore how to influence decisions that are important to you or your organization. You’ll learn how to identify opportunities, analyze the dynamics at play, refine your message, and understand the importance of timing.

About the trainer

This workshop will be led by Nanja van Rijsse on behalf of the Lobby Lokaal Foundation. Nanja is a trainer and consultant in the field of lobbying and advocacy. Through Lobby Lokaal, she helps people and organizations make their voices heard more effectively and influence policy and decision-making. She is also active at the intersection of social issues, politics, and civic participation. With her practical approach, she demonstrates that lobbying is accessible to everyone and that change is often closer than you think.

Practical information

Date: November 2, 2026
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Cost: €20, including VAT
Location: Nijmegen

Would you like to learn a little more about the topic? Then check out the article on lobbying and gaining influence at the local level in our knowledge base!

Sign up and more information

Cultuur Academy ’s programs not only Cultuur Academy in-depth exploration of specific fields of expertise, but also valuable opportunities to connect with other cultural professionals from the Arnhem-Nijmegen region. The exchange of experiences and knowledge, as well as the chance to expand your network within the sector, are valuable benefits of participating in our programs.

If you have any questions or would like additional information about the program, please contact Willem Baltussen (willem@cultuuracademy.nl). Do you have practical questions, such as about registration or the location? Please contact us at info@cultuuracademy.nl.

By signing up for one of our programs, you agree to our terms and conditions.