OPEN CALL -
OPAT III 

Somewhere around you, someone is trying to make sense of something unfair. It could be a landlord issue, a workplace problem, police harassment, family violence, discrimination. A situation that feels wrong, but they do not know what to call it or where to begin.

Most times, people do not go to a lawyer first. They go to someone they trust. A friend, neighbour, colleague or just someone who listens.

Maybe that person is you.

The Obodo Paralegal Advocacy Training is designed for people who want to better support their communities by understanding how legal systems work and how to help others navigate them without fear, confusion, or isolation. This is not about becoming a lawyer. It is about becoming more informed, more equipped, and more confident in helping people find clarity and access support when they need it most.
 

Who We Are Looking For
 

We are looking for Community Champions.
 

People who care about fairness. People who pay attention. People who are often the first point of contact when something goes wrong.
 

You do not need a law degree or formal legal experience. We are looking for people who are willing to learn, ask questions, and show up for others.
 

If you have ever felt frustrated by how difficult it is for ordinary people to access justice, or if you have ever helped someone through a difficult situation simply because you could not look away, this is for you.

 

What the Training Covers
 

Participants will be introduced to practical legal knowledge and community-based advocacy tools that can help them better understand and respond to everyday rights-based challenges.
 

This may include:

• understanding basic legal rights and protections

• navigating housing and tenancy issues

• workplace rights and discrimination

• documentation and reporting processes

• referral systems and knowing when to escalate

• community care and ethical support practices
   

The goal is not to have all the answers, but to know how to respond better, and how to help people move forward.

What You Will Gain
 

By participating in this training, you will:

• build confidence in understanding everyday legal issues

• learn how to support people through common rights-based challenges

• gain practical tools for community advocacy

• strengthen your ability to listen, guide, and refer responsibly

• become part of a network of people committed to making justice more accessible
   

Justice should not feel distant. It should not feel like it only belongs to certain people.
 

Application Process
 

As part of the application, we ask that you write a short essay reflecting on a personal experience where you supported someone, witnessed injustice, or encountered a situation that made you think differently about access to justice and community care.
 

This is important to us because we are not only looking for qualifications, we are looking for intention, reflection, and a genuine commitment to people.
 

We want to understand how you think, what matters to you, and why this work feels important.

 

How to Apply
 

If this feels like something you would like to be part of, we’d love to hear from you.

Please complete the application form and tell us a little about yourself and why you are interested.

 

Application Deadline

May 27th, 2026. 12:00AM GMT +1