Today, Public Knowledge launches a call for applications for the 2016 class of the online Open Internet Course, a free, Spanish-language course created to train digital rights activists in Latin America to strategically advocate for Open Internet policies from a human rights perspective. Hosted by Peer 2 Peer University (P2PU), this course explores strategic planning, SMART goals development, internet governance, cybersecurity, net neutrality, spectrum management, internet access and more.
The Open Internet Course course features updated materials and resources as well as interactive components, including engaging expert videos, webinar sessions, and a discussion forum, to facilitate learning. This is the second year of the course, which previously trained 30 participants in the Spring of 2015.
The following may be attributed to Carolina Rossini, Vice President of International Policy at Public Knowledge and official course instructor:
“We are very proud to begin the second class of our Spanish-language course to train a new generation of digital rights activists in Latin America and empower them with the knowledge to create and maintain an Open Internet for all. There’s a very real demand for knowledge and for networking in the region — we received around 200 applications last year — and we are proud to offer a space to connect with those crucial elements for upcoming regional advocates, journalists and policy makers. We believe a better informed civil society is crucial to secure not only digital rights, but also a strong democracy.”
The following may be attributed to Melanie Penagos, International Policy Associate at Public Knowledge:
“Protecting the Open Internet requires multidisciplinary knowledge and a unique blend of advocacy, policy, and technical skills. This course will not only provide a forum for digital rights activists to learn these essential skills and content from the course materials, but to also learn from each other’s experiences. The course will foster a shared community of practice and support network for potential collaboration, leading to the sustainability of the training.”
Interested participants may register now until June 10. The course begins June 27 and runs 13 weeks. To learn more, please see our blog post, “Public Knowledge Calls for New Applicants for Our Open Internet Course.”
Members of the media may contact Communications Director Shiva Stella with inquiries, interview requests, or to join the Public Knowledge press list at shiva@publicknowledge.org or 405-249-9435.