Our 2026 training calendar
Is your new year resolution to learn new skills?
We’ve launched our training calendar for January to June 2026.
If you’re wanting to level up in policy and advocacy, communications or organisation – check out our upcoming workshops.
Policy and advocacy
Policy and advocacy intensive: Online flexible learning
Times and dates – February 2026 Self Paced starts 9 February, and May 2026 Self Paced starts 11 May
Format – Self-paced online + live catch up and 90-minute workshop
A self-paced, guided online course that builds strong foundations in policy development and advocacy strategy development. Participants learn how to define a clear problem and ask, identify key targets, develop advocacy strategies, and craft compelling advocacy messages, using practical tools.
Policy and advocacy 2 Day intensive (Brisbane)
Time and date – Brisbane February 2026- 10am – 4pm AEDT, 11 and 12 February
Format – Face-to-face
A comprehensive, face-to-face training that builds essential skills needed to navigate policy development processes and drive change. Participants learn how to define a clear problem and ask, identify key targets, develop advocacy strategies, and craft compelling advocacy messages, using practical tools.
Policy and advocacy intensive: Live and online
Time and date – 10am – 1:30pm AEDT, 4 and 5 March
Format – Live online
A live online course that builds strong foundations in policy development and advocacy strategy development. Participants learn how to define a clear problem and ask, identify key targets, develop advocacy strategies, and craft compelling advocacy messages, using practical tools.
Policy writing: Developing compelling submissions
Time and date – March 2026 – 10:30am – 1pm AEDT 17 March, and May 2026– 10:30am – 1pm AEST 28 May
Format – Live online
A practical workshop that provides an overview of how to shape and engage with consultation processes through preparing submissions. Participants learn what to consider before preparing a submission, submission drafting, how to amplify the impact of your policy writing, and what to consider with the emergence of AI.
Policy managers intensive
Time and date – 10am – 1pm AEDT, 24 February, 3 March and 10 March
Format – Live online + one hour online coaching session + pre-reading
A dedicated program including readings, workshops and coaching covering the essential skills for leadership in managing policy, research and advocacy teams. Participants learn about agenda setting, communication and engagement, implementing strategy and managing teams effectively.
Application for the Intensive is a two-stage process. To find out more and express interest, please go express interest here.
Driving transformational change: how to build public and political support for the change we need
Time and date – 10am – 1pm AEDT, 21 May, 28 May, 4 June, 11 June
Format – Live online
This interactive training program is designed for leaders and policy advocates dedicated to achieving transformational policy change.
Developed in collaboration between Common Cause Australia and For Purpose, this training explores how to use public engagement and strategic government relations to disrupt politics as usual and create more meaningful long-term change. The training focuses on the type of leadership and approaches we need at a time when ambitious change is sorely needed but feels out of reach
Communications
Strategic communications and messaging intensive
Time and date – March 2026 – 10:30am – 2pm AEDT, 18 and 19 March and May 2026 -10:30am – 2pm AEST 6 and 7 May
Format – Live online
A practical two-day workshop designed to enhance knowledge and skills in crafting effective messages for campaigns and communications. Participants learn about choosing the right frames and values for campaigns, messaging pitfalls to avoid and developing communications strategies.
Find your voice: Write with confidence, build your profile
Time and date – 10:00am – 1:30pm, 18 and 19 May 2026
Format – Live online
This two-part workshop is designed for changemakers who want to build visibility and write with confidence, creating compelling content that cuts through the noise. Led by award-winning journalist and communications strategist, Jill Stark, Find Your Voice takes participants inside the craft of thought leadership and how to become a trusted public voice without feeling like you’re “selling” yourself.
Effective media engagement for advocacy
Time and date – 10:30am – 2pm AEDT, 13 and 14 May
Format – Live online
A practical two-day workshop on communications and media engagement, particularly in the context of generating media interest for policy, advocacy, research and behaviour change programs. Participants learn how to develop media strategies, create media releases, craft powerful messaging, and pitch.
Organisational capacity
Time management workshop: Live and online
Time and date – 10am – 12pm AEDT, 31 March
Format – Live online
A practical workshop that introduces tools and systems to help gain control of your time. Participants learn simple and effective tools to reduce overwhelm, manage tasks with intention, and build routines to support productivity.
Email and Teams management workshop: Tools, tips and tactics
Time and date – 10am – 12pm AEDT, 6 March
Format – Live online
A practical workshop that introduces tools and systems to gain control of both email and Microsoft Teams. Participants learn techniques to streamline message processing, reduce clutter, and apply powerful under-used features that can save hours each week.
AI for Not-for-Profits: Practical tools and ethical use
Time and date – 10am – 12:30pm AEDT, 27 March
Format – Live online
An introductory workshop demystifying AI and shows how it can be used to support daily work. Participants learn what AI is, see real examples of its use, and explore the ethics of applying AI in your workplace.
Access a downloadable copy of our workshops here, or visit our training page to find out more.
5 January 2026
