Advocacy
Advocacy at RPM brings lived experience into the conversations that shape our city. Refugees and young people share knowledge, challenge assumptions and work together to build more inclusive communities.
Advocacy means challenging barriers to participation and ensuring that people can speak for themselves on issues that affect their lives. At RPM, this takes two complementary forms: RPM Academy connects lived experience with research and public dialogue, while RPM Ambassadors bring our community’s perspectives into schools, public events and wider networks. Together, they create opportunities to listen, learn and turn understanding into action.
RPM Academy
Connecting lived experience, knowledge and policy.
RPM Academy brings refugees, young volunteers, researchers and local partners together to explore questions about migration, inclusion, human rights and social justice. Through research projects, podcasts, lectures, workshops, film screenings and debates, we examine different perspectives and make space for informed discussion.
Our work connects these conversations with real decisions. For example, an Academy research project with the Municipality of Maastricht gathered refugees’ experiences and developed recommendations for local integration policy. Refugees contribute not simply as research participants, but as people whose knowledge can help shape a more inclusive city.
RPM Ambassadors
Creating encounters and sharing our community’s perspectives.
RPM Ambassadors connect the RPM community with Maastricht and beyond. Through school visits, presentations, community outreach and conferences, refugees and young people share their experiences and introduce others to our work. Personal encounters make room for questions, challenge stereotypes an d help people see beyond labels.
Ambassadors also welcome potential participants and volunteers, helping more people find their way into the community. Whether speaking in a classroom, meeting someone at the AZC or representing RPM internationally, they demonstrate what becomes possible when young people and refugees participate and lead together.