Conversation Themes
- Reimagining civic space legislation with grassroots input
- Resilient advocacy strategies in times of crisis
- Collaborative funding models for mission-driven organizations
PROGRAMS
Building Capacity for Change
Each of ACLP's core programs is designed to address the real challenges faced by civil society actors — from limited leadership capacity to constrained funding and regulatory environments.
Together, they form an integrated platform for civic innovation and institutional growth.
Executive Civil Society Leadership Program
The ECSLP builds leadership and management capacity among newly formed and emerging civil society organizations through tailored training on nonprofit governance, strategic management, advocacy, and sustainability.
Dr. Bogalech Gebre ACLP Fellowship
This fellowship nurtures young lawyers and civic-minded professionals committed to advancing human rights and accountability through hands-on placement and mentorship.
Civil Society Resource Center
Established in 2019, the Civil Society Resource Center (CSRC) is Ethiopia’s national hub for civic learning, dialogue, and innovation—providing training, policy resources, and advisory support to human rights and governance organizations across the country.
Executive Civil Society Leadership Program (ECSLP)
The Executive Civil Society Leadership Program (ECSLP) builds leadership and management capacity among newly formed and emerging civil society organizations.
Developed in partnership with the Civil Society Resource Center (CSRC), the ECSLP provides tailored training on nonprofit governance, strategic management, advocacy, and sustainability.
Training Focus Areas
- Legal and institutional frameworks for civil society and human rights
- Strategic planning, project management, and fundraising
- Leadership, governance, and team building
- Digital communication and media engagement
Outcome:
Graduates emerge with enhanced leadership skills, improved governance systems, and practical strategies for long-term organizational sustainability.
Dr. Bogalech Gebre ACLP Fellowship
This fellowship honors the legacy of Dr. Bogalech Gebre, a pioneering advocate for women's rights and civic engagement. The program nurtures young lawyers and civic-minded professionals committed to advancing human rights and accountability.
In partnership with the Ethiopian Human Rights Commission (EHRC) and CSRC, ACLP places top-performing final-year law students and recent graduates within EHRC and other partner institutions to contribute to human rights investigations and documentation.
Key Features
- Mentorship from experienced human rights professionals
- Hands-on involvement in research and legal analysis
- Intensive workshops and peer-learning exchanges
Impact:
Since its inception, the fellowship has produced a new generation of professionals contributing to Ethiopia's human rights infrastructure, institutional reforms, and legal empowerment of marginalized communities.
Civil Society Resource Center (CSRC)
Established in 2019, the Civil Society Resource Center (CSRC) is Ethiopia’s national hub for civic learning, dialogue, and innovation—providing training, policy resources, and advisory support to human rights and governance organizations across the country.
Core Activities
- Leadership and institutional strengthening workshops
- Legal literacy and dissemination of Ethiopia's CSO law, including Braille and audio editions
- Publication of toolkits, manuals, and governance resources
- Hosting national dialogues on civic space, human rights, and sustainable funding models
Impact:
The CSRC has trained hundreds of civic leaders, published accessible legal resources, and facilitated vital discussions between civil society, policymakers, and academia — shaping a more collaborative civic ecosystem.
Policy Dialogue and Knowledge Convening
Why it Matters
Each convening translates dialogue into action plans and policy briefs, ensuring reforms remain evidence-based, inclusive, and informed by the lived realities of communities on the frontlines of democratic change.
Outcomes
- Policy briefs co-authored with partner institutions
- Action plans guiding advocacy coalitions across regions
- Knowledge exchanges connecting practitioners and researchers
Participation
Our sessions bring together civic leaders, policymakers, legal experts, and grassroots organizers to ensure diverse voices inform the future of civic space in Africa.
Impact and Resources
Impact Highlights
ACLP's work has generated tangible change in Ethiopia's civic ecosystem and inspired scalable models of civic empowerment:
- •Over 60 fellows trained and placed within key civic and human rights institutions including EHRC, EWLA, and ELA.
- •10+ organizations mentored through tailored institutional strengthening programs.
- •Publication of bilingual legal toolkits and manuals promoting transparency and nonprofit excellence.
- •Convened national dialogues and thematic webinars advancing evidence-based reform and collaboration.