BEF Catch-Up: Community Organizing and Lobbying

The BEF Discourse & Discussion (D&D) sessions 7 and 8 are now done. This marks the end of the D&D sessions for the BEF 2022 curriculum.

Last July, the BEF D&D on Community Organizing was conducted with Maroz Ramos from GALANG Philippines. Our Mentor discussed GALANG’s experiences and tips in organizing urban poor lesbians, bisexual women, and transgender (LBT) men from Quezon City. One of GALANG’s community organizers, Monica Limbaga, also joined us to share her direct experiences with their LBT People’s Organizations.

Pubmat for D&D 7: CFLI Logo, BEF Logo, D&D Title and Date (Community Organizing; 30 July 2022; 2:00-3:00 PM), Zoom screenshot with Babaylanes staff, Mentor, GALANG Community Organizer, and fellows (18 people)

Then, the final D&D on Lobbying was conducted during the first week of August. Our Mentor, Atty. Kristine Mendoza, discussed the legislative process, campaigns, and the opportunities for engagement for local legislation. The fellows were also tasked to create a political map of the current Congress which they also explored with the mentor during the session.

Pubmat for D&D 8: CFLI Logo, BEF Logo, D&D Title and Date (Lobbying; 05 August 2022; 6:00-8:00 PM), Zoom screenshot with Babaylanes staff, Mentor, and fellows (16 people)

With this, the discussion phase of the fellowship program is now reaching its end.