Because human rights budget work is quite new, most learning about how to do it has occurred “on the ground,” as organizations have taught themselves different forms of budget analysis, and have tried various strategies, approaches and methodologies until they arrive at something that proves to be effective in enhancing people’s rights. This learning-by-doing can result in invaluable knowledge from which we could all benefit.

One way for organizations in other countries to gain from this knowledge is for a staff member to visit and spend time with the more experienced organization, learning from its staff and observing its work—perhaps even taking part in it. The feasibility of such an exchange depends, of course, on the willingness of the potential host organization to set aside some of its staff’s time to introduce the visiting activist to the key elements of their work. However, where the two organizations can reach an agreement, this type of an exchange can be a rare opportunity to gain knowledge and skills that would likely take the visiting staff’s own organization much longer to gain through a process of “trial and error” of its own.

For more than 20 years the International Human Rights Internship Program (IHRIP) has facilitated and supported exchanges among human rights groups, and between human rights groups and groups working in other fields—such as applied budget work. For information on the professional attachments and other types of exchanges IHRIP supports, go to the IHRIP exchanges page .

The International Budget Partnership (IBP) facilitates staff exchanges between organizations that belong to its Partnership Initiative.  The Partnership Initiative (PI) supports the work of applied budget groups in specific countries, providing opportunities for those organizations to enhance their knowledge and skills, learn from each other, and undertake joint projects and campaigns. For more information on the exchanges that the Partnership Initiative supports, contact Manuela Garza at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .