Becoming an activist leader takes determination, resilience, and a passion for justice. But it does not stop there. We have compiled a list of courses that will equip you with essential skills. All courses featured below are available to audit or trial for free. You can opt-in for a paid verified certificate for individual courses or choose Coursera Plus, Coursera’s annual subscription, and obtain certifications in several courses listed below. All courses are taught by top universities from around the world.
Learn to mobilize and engage supporters
It is crucial for human rights organizations to mobilize their supporters whenever they are needed. Learn about the principles of effective engagement, how to transform communities and create positive change in society. Explore the pitfalls and successful strategies to engage your followers in a good cause.
- Community Organizing for Social Justice (University of Michigan)
- Strategies for Effective Engagement (University of Colorado Boulder)
- Civic Engagement in American Democracy (Duke University)
- Transforming Communities (University of Colorado Boulder)
Learn to influence and persuade power holders
Lobbying and influencing powerholders to change policies, laws and budgets is an essential strategy of human rights advocacy. Learn how to navigate difficult negotiations, find common ground through mediation, and develop a solution through conflict resolution strategies.
- Influencing People (University of Michigan)
- Introduction to Negotiation (Yale University)
- Negotiation, Mediation and Conflict Resolution (ESSEC Business School)
- Global Diplomacy: The United Nations in the World (SOAS University of London)
Learn to inspire and lead a team
Human rights leadership is about guiding and empowering others, setting direction, and inspiring people to work towards a common goal for a better future. Leaders are found at all levels of any organization, not only the top ones. Learn to inspire and build capacity in your team and how to develop and foster your social influence.
- Agile Leadership (University of Colorado)
- Building Your Leadership Skills (HEC Paris)
- Inspired Leadership (Case Western Reserve University)
- Strategic Leadership and Management (University of Illinois)
Learn to be more inclusive and leverage diversity
Diversity and inclusion are more than just assets. They are essential qualities that help human rights groups to thrive. Learn more about leveraging the power of diversity in the workplace and your community and how to act more inclusively when engaging with diverse groups and teams.
- Inclusive Leadership: The Power of Workplace Diversity (University of Colorado)
- Diversity and Inclusion in the workplace (ESSEC Business School)
- Leading Diverse Teams & Organizations (University of Michigan)
- Gender Analytics: Gender Equity through Inclusive Design (University of Toronto)
Learn to manage international organizations and NGOs
Running an organization successfully requires effective leadership and good governance. Learn more about the roles and responsibilities of international organizations, the functions of the board and the strategies to generate social impact.
- International Leadership and Organizational Behavior (University Bocconi)
- International Organizations Management (University of Geneva)
- Business Strategies for a Better World (University of Pennsylvania)
- Social Impact Strategy (University of Pennsylvania)
Learn to communicate in challenging situations
Human rights staff often work under high pressure in difficult circumstances. Decisive action and effective communication are key to navigate the challenge. Learn to communicate effectively during a crisis, support people during emergencies and motivate others to take action for an important cause.
- Humanitarian Communication: Addressing Key Challenges (University Geneva) – currently not available
- Storytelling and Influencing: Communicate with Impact (Macquarie University)
- Communication Strategies for a Virtual Age (University of Toronto)
- Psychological First Aid (Johns Hopkins University)
Learn to govern and foster democratic principles
Good governance and human rights are mutually reinforcing. Learn about the management of public resources, how to curb corruption, tackle inequalities and reduce poverty. Explore how you can promote inclusive societies and how to build accountable and effective institutions.
- Inequality and Democracy (Utrecht University)
- Management of International Development (University Bocconi)
- Human Rights for Open Societies (Utrecht University)
- Beyond the Sustainable Development Goals (University of Michigan)
Learn to advocate for vulnerable groups and populations
Human rights protect the most vulnerable groups in society. Everyone can become vulnerable, but some groups are more likely to have their rights violated. Learn about the hardships refugees are facing on their perilous journeys, the rights every child should enjoy and how to confront gender based violence.
- Refugees in the 21st century (University of London)
- Children’s Human Rights (University of Geneva)
- Confronting Gender Based Violence (Johns Hopkins University)
- International Migrations: a global issue (Sciences Po)
A majority of the courses in this list are part of the Coursera Plus annual subscription.
