Community Innovators, Volunteers and Leaders (CIVAL) Program 2026-2027

Expression of Interest for CIVAL 2026-2027

CIVAL is a flagship capacity building program of The Association for Services to Torture and Trauma Survivors (ASeTTS). It is an educational program that supports current and emerging community leaders to enhance and develop their leadership knowledge and skills and explores how they can help their communities in a more effective way. Over 250 participants have completed the CIVAL program.

ASeTTS invites expression of interests for the 2026-2027 cohort. The program recruits only 35 participants and as such, vacancies are limited. ASeTTS selects applicants that will take the most out of the program.
The program will cover the following topics:
  • Exploring leadership,
  • Communication and networking,
  • Trauma and Self-care,
  • Incorporated association,
  • Managing an association,
  • Finance Management,
  • Conflict Resolution,
  • Co-design,
  • Community project designing,
  • Planning a project evaluation,
  • Funding opportunities and writing a grant application, and
  • Meeting CD staff of city councils to discuss opportunities for pilot projects.
Who can apply: Refugees and people from multicultural communities who work with newly arrived refugee and refugee-like backgrounds.

When: Alternative Saturdays starting from the 31 October 2026- 29 May 2027

Where: State Library of Western Australia, 25 Francis St, Perth

Language: English

Cost: This is a free program (please note: Lunch and refreshments will be provided)

Deadline: Tuesday 6 October 2026

For more information:
Zainab Hummed, Community Development Officer email Zainab.Hummed@asetts.org.au or call 9227 2700

CIVAL Workshops 2026-2027
Saturdays (10:00am – 2:00pm)
  1. 31 Oct
  2. 14, 28 Nov
  3. 12, 19 Dec
  4. 9, 23 Jan
  5. 06 Feb
  6. 13, 20 Mar
  7. 03, 17 April
  8. 01, 15, 29 May
1.Are you from a refugee background or refugee-like background?
2.Names(Required.)
3.In a few words, why are you interested in being considered for the CIVAL Program 2026-2027 (not more than 350 words)(Required.)
4.What is your country of origin and/or community?(Required.)
5.Where did you hear about the CIVAL program?