Apply Now for EarthRights School 2026 (Fully Funded Leadership & Advocacy Training in Thailand)

Admin,

Application Deadline: November 30, 2025

Applications are now open for the EarthRights School (ERS) 2026 cohort — a fully funded 7½-month Community Leadership and Advocacy Training for passionate grassroots activists from Southeast Asia.

Hosted in Chiang Mai, Thailand, the EarthRights School is a globally recognized program that empowers environmental and human rights defenders with the tools and confidence to drive sustainable change in their communities.

About the EarthRights School (ERS)

Since its inception, the EarthRights School has been a safe, inclusive space for community-based activists who work at the intersection of environmental protection and human rights advocacy. The 2026 edition, themed “Community Leadership and Advocacy,” focuses on equipping participants with practical knowledge to understand, respond to, and challenge the impact of large-scale development projects on local communities.

Participants will learn to design and implement community-driven solutions that promote fairness, accountability, and sustainability. Through interactive sessions, workshops, and mentorship, the program helps them strengthen their voices and broaden their impact.

What You’ll Learn

Throughout the program, participants will explore critical topics such as:

  • Environmental justice and sustainable development.
  • Human rights frameworks and advocacy strategies.
  • Corporate accountability and responsible development.
  • Storytelling and strategic campaign planning.
  • Engagement with global platforms such as the United Nations and human rights commissions.

By the end of the program, participants will have developed a solid understanding of environmental and human rights frameworks in the Mekong Region, honed their advocacy and community mobilization skills, and strengthened their ability to analyze stakeholders, plan strategically, and promote accountability.

Learning Experience and Benefits

The EarthRights School combines classroom-based and field-based learning to give participants a holistic educational experience. The 2026 training will include:

  • Residential training in Chiang Mai, Thailand (May–July and September–November 2026).
  • Field practicum in participants’ home countries (July–September 2026).
  • Interactive workshops, simulations, and storytelling sessions.
  • Mentorship from experienced trainers with both regional and international expertise.

ERS ensures full financial support for all selected participants, covering:

  • International and local travel.
  • Visa processing.
  • Accommodation and meals.
  • A monthly stipend for personal expenses.

The program is designed to promote collaboration, diversity, and inclusion while strengthening participants’ ability to advocate effectively for their communities.

Who Can Apply

The EarthRights School 2026 is open to dedicated individuals who are already making a difference in their communities. Applicants should:

  • Be working with or for communities affected by large-scale or environmentally harmful development projects.
  • Have at least 2–3 years of experience in environmental or human rights advocacy, research, or community organizing.
  • Be affiliated with an organization that supports their participation before, during, and after the training.
  • Show a strong commitment to applying new skills for the benefit of their communities.
  • Possess basic to intermediate English proficiency and be open to improving it throughout the training.

The program particularly welcomes women, Indigenous people, and rural activists. ERS maintains a strict non-discrimination policy that ensures equal opportunities regardless of ethnicity, religion, gender, or political background.

Key Dates

  • Arrival in Chiang Mai: May 2–3, 2026
  • Training Begins: May 4, 2026
  • Field Practicum: July 25 – September 4, 2026
  • Graduation: November 27, 2026
  • Departure: November 28–29, 2026
  • Application Deadline: November 30, 2025

Due to the competitive nature of the program, only shortlisted applicants will be contacted for interviews and English assessments.

Why You Should Apply

The EarthRights School 2026 is more than just a training program — it’s a life-changing opportunity to join a network of global changemakers. Graduates become part of an active community of EarthRights alumni who continue to collaborate on advocacy, policy change, and grassroots campaigns for social and environmental justice.

For more information and to apply, CLICK HERE

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