Strong results of ACT Advocacy Academy in challenging times
In a year shaped by global funding uncertainty, shifting political priorities and significant disruptions linked to USAID cuts, the Academy community demonstrated something powerful: resilience, commitment and real advocacy progress.
The latest results show high engagement, strong satisfaction and meaningful outcomes — even in a constrained environment.
High Engagement and Participant Satisfaction
Across both language tracks, participant feedback was overwhelmingly positive:
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98% of English-speaking participants rated the Academy as satisfactory or very satisfactory
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100% of Spanish-speaking participants reported being satisfied
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Coaching remained a core strength, with 90–95% of participants rating it “extremely helpful”
These figures reflect more than approval ratings. They signal that participants felt supported, challenged and equipped to act, even while navigating internal organisational disruptions and shrinking funding landscapes.
The 2024 cohort consistently highlighted the value of structured reflection and peer exchange. Many described the Academy as a rare space to pause, strategise and connect with others facing similar advocacy realities.
Coaching as a Catalyst for Action
Coaching continues to stand out as a cornerstone of the Academy experience. The personalised guidance, strategic questioning and practical support helped participants move from intention to implementation.
With 90–95% rating coaching as “extremely helpful”, it remains one of the strongest components of the programme design.
Participants from 2025 particularly emphasised how coaching strengthened their confidence and sharpened their advocacy focus — especially in environments marked by uncertainty and institutional change.
Advocacy Outcomes: Exceeding Expectations
Despite difficult external circumstances, the Academy exceeded two of its three key performance targets:
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82% of graduates reported positive advocacy results (target: 60%)
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74% expanded their professional networks (target: 60%)
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53% completed full advocacy activities (target: 70%)
While the completion rate of full advocacy activities fell below target, this was partly influenced by partner organisational cuts and capacity constraints linked to broader funding disruptions. Many participants had to adapt, scale or postpone planned advocacy actions due to restructuring or reduced staffing.
Even so, more than four in five graduates reporting positive advocacy results demonstrates the practical relevance and adaptability of the Academy model.
It is important to note that advocacy outcomes are self-reported and reflect participants’ own assessments of progress. That said, the consistency of responses across cohorts and contexts strengthens confidence in the credibility of these findings.
Beyond the Numbers: Strengthening Agency and Networks
One of the most encouraging outcomes is network expansion. Nearly three-quarters of graduates reported broadening their professional connections — an essential foundation for sustained advocacy impact.
In times of uncertainty, relationships matter more than ever. The Academy continues to serve as a bridge: connecting civil society actors, fostering peer learning and strengthening collective capacity.
Behind every percentage point is a practitioner working to influence policy, mobilise communities or shift narratives within their sphere of influence. The numbers tell part of the story — the real impact lies in strengthened agency, strategic clarity and renewed confidence.
Looking Ahead
This year’s results reaffirm a central belief: learning, reflection and connection are not luxuries in times of crisis — they are essential infrastructure for meaningful change.
As funding landscapes evolve and civil society organisations adapt, the need for spaces that build practical skills, strategic thinking and collective resilience remains critical.
We are deeply grateful to the participants, coaches and partners who made both the 2024 and 2025 cohorts possible. Their dedication continues to demonstrate the power of learning communities in action.
If you would like to learn more about the Academy or explore future collaboration, we welcome the conversation.
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