Advocacy & Free Expression
Focus & Rationale
Advocacy is the act of publicly supporting or recommending a cause, policy, or course of action. It involves raising awareness, influencing decision-makers, mobilizing communities, and creating platforms for public dialogue. Free expression – the right to speak, write, create, and share ideas without censorship or fear – is a foundational human right and a pillar of democratic society. Together, advocacy and free expression empower people to shape the narratives and policies that affect their lives.
Challenges & Relevance
In times of growing disinformation, authoritarianism, and shrinking civic space, the ability to advocate and express oneself freely is more important than ever. Without these freedoms, marginalized voices are silenced, corruption goes unchecked, and public accountability erodes. Advocacy gives people a means to challenge injustice, influence power structures, and co-create solutions. Free expression enables dialogue, dissent, and creativity – all of which are essential for vibrant, resilient societies. Defending these rights is especially crucial for those whose perspectives have historically been ignored or suppressed.
Our Approach
BRIC supports advocacy and freedom of expression through campaigns, media literacy programs, and civic dialogue initiatives. We help individuals and groups develop skills in storytelling, public speaking, visual communication, and digital activism.
Our workshops focus on responsible and ethical communication, countering hate speech and misinformation while strengthening democratic engagement. We also create platforms – such as community forums, artistic interventions, and online media – where diverse voices can be heard and amplified. In contexts where civic freedoms are under threat, we stand in solidarity with those speaking truth to power and work to protect the spaces where critical dialogue can thrive.