Activist Development Program (ADP)

The Activist Development Program (ADP) is a competitive, professional training initiative aimed at equipping and empowering activists around the world to fight for better health. It was created by ITPC in June 2018.

The goal is to help activists:

  • Gain the technical knowledge and leadership skills you need to be part of the next generation of activists fighting for better health.
  • Build connections and relationships with stakeholders, gatekeepers and influencers across local, national, and global levels to bring about change.
  • Overcome geographical and population-based silos and increase dialogue and intersectionality of social justice through organic peer-to-peer learning exchanges.
  • Analyze environmental and structural barriers to health and justice and devise advocacy strategies to achieve needed change for better.
  • Take ownership of a larger role in activism within their local contexts.

How It Works

The Activist Development Program is a two-year track that includes a series of in-person learning exchanges and on-going virtual support. The program that provides instructional advocacy training, leadership opportunity, on-going mentorship, and hands-on networking.

Over the course of the two-year program, ADP participants – called ADP Fellows – will:

  • Gain technical knowledge and leadership skills through in-person learning exchanges
  • Connect with global influencers and gain access to late-breaking information through an exclusive networking platform
  • Access the latest and up-to-date information on the most pressing HIV treatment access issues
  • Benefit from potential opportunities and collaborations with ITPC and partners. These may include conference support, board memberships, journal authorships, grant funding, and other engagements (*based on availability and not guaranteed).

ADP Fellows are selected through a competitive selection process. When selected, ADP fellows also become part of ITPC’s Global Activist Network and sign-on to support the organization’s three strategic mandates.

Applying to Join the ADP

Activists interested in joining the ADP must apply. Fellows are then selected through a competitive application process.

In order to join, activists must:

  1. Have a strong working proficiency of the English language, and
  2. Must meet at least two of the following qualification criteria:
  • Three years of experience in HIV or social justice activism as part of a national network or community-based organization (e.g. national network of PLHIV)
  • Complete education degree in health or behavioral science-related field (e.g. public health, medicine, pharmacy, psychology, sociology)
  • Presented at a national, regional, or international HIV-related conference (e.g. IAS, ICASA) (presentation must be submitted with your application)
  • Recommended to the ADP by an ITPC board member, global team member, regional network coordinator, and/or partner of the Global Activist Network. (*Recommending party must write a formal letter of recommendation on your behalf; this letter should be submitted with your other application materials).

If you meet at least two of the qualification criteria above, you are welcome to apply to join the ADP when a new application cycle opens.

We welcome activists of all ages, and from all countries and regions. We encourage activists who are living with HIV and/or identify as part of marginalized or key population communities to apply.

PLEASE NOTE: This is a rigorous, time-consuming and professional program. We have high expectations of our Fellows and hold them accountable for their participation. Think carefully before applying; Fellows should treat this opportunity as a professional building block. Candidates should be self-motivated, dedicated, open-minded and action-oriented. Does that describe you? If so, we encourage you to apply.

Applications for the ADP are currently CLOSED, as we are currently in the middle of our 2018-2020 ADP cohort cycle. Applications for the next 2020-2022 ADP cohort will open in June 2019. Sign up to our newsletter to be alerted when the application becomes available.

Other FAQs

  1. If I join the ADP what am I obligated to do?

ADP fellows who apply and are accepted to the program are asked to commit to completing the full two-year track. This includes attending and participating in ADP-related events and engaging virtually to support other activists in the program.

ADP fellows also become part of ITPC’s Global Activist Network. In addition to the advocacy you do in your everyday work, we ask that you sign-on to support ITPC’s three strategic mandates: #TreatPeopleRight, #MakeMedicinesAffordable, #WatchWhatMatters. This means that you share our values in ensuring access to optimal treatment for all in need and are willing to help spread the word through the work you already do.

  1. How do I know if I qualify to apply to the ADP?

In order to join, activists must:

  1. Have a strong working proficiency of the English language, and
  2. Must meet at least two of the following qualification criteria:
  • Three years of experience in HIV or social justice activism as part of a national network or community-based organization (e.g. national network of PLHIV)
  • Complete education degree in health or behavioral science-related field (e.g. public health, medicine, pharmacy, psychology, sociology)
  • Attended and presented at a national, regional, or international HIV-related conference (e.g. IAS, ICASA)
  • Recommended to the ADP by an ITPC board member, global team member, regional network coordinator, and/or partner of the Global Activist Network. (*Recommending party must write a formal letter of recommendation on your behalf; this letter should be submitted with your other application materials).

 We welcome activists of all ages, and from all countries and regions.

Unfortunately, we don’t have the resources to facilitate ADP in multiple languages at this time. Therefore, at this time, it is a requirement that participants have strong proficiency in English (oral, written, and reading).

  1. After completing the program, do ADP Fellows become paid ITPC staff?

The ADP aims to equip activists with the technical knowledge, leadership skills, and network support needed to take ownership of a large role in activism within their own local context.

ADP fellows are not guaranteed or provided job placement – with ITPC or any other organization – after completing the program. However, the program will provide with you the skills and experience that many employers will find valuable. ADP fellows are encouraged to list the ADP on their resume when applying for jobs. 

  1. If I am not chosen to be an ADP Fellow, can I still be involved with ITPC?

Yes! There are plenty of ways to be involved with ITPC. The easiest way to get involved is by staying in touch with us through our listserv and social media channels. This is where we share news, updates, and opportunities.

Join the ITPC listserv | Like us on Facebook | Follow us on Twitter

  1. What is the benefit of the Activist Development Program?

As a global activist network, ITPC knows how important it is to continue investing in the energy, skills, and informed action of people living with HIV and community advocates working together for equity in medicines and health.

There are so many activists out there who need a little extra help in order to empower the work they’re doing in their communities. The ADP is here to provide that support so activists can do more of what they know works.

Knowledge is power, and power gives you autonomy, and autonomy gives you voice, and that voice will ultimately have an impact.

Knowledge = power = autonomy = voice = impact

  1. If I have other questions about the ADP, who can I contact?

Feel free to contact our Program Coordinator Helen Etya’ale (hetyaale@itpcglobal.org)

We invite you to contact us to learn more about this exciting opportunity, to speak with current and past Fellows or to just ask a few questions.