presented by: vivat international an advocate gives voice to repressed voices in political systems,...
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Presented by: VIVAT International
An advocate gives voice to repressed voices in
political systems, seeking to realize a positive change in the world
Advocacy is arguing
in favor of something,
such as a cause, idea,
or policy
Advocacy is a practical tool
to reduce poverty and
injustice by empowering
people such as the poor
and to empower those
who are concerned about
the poor.
Advocacy is the act of building
a relationship with those
whose needs are
underrepresented and
advocating, pleading for, or
supporting these causes and
issues, to influence
governments, businesses,
institutions, and public
opinion
Advocacy is often the
key activity of NGO
networks, operating in
national/global campaigns
Advocacy is a step above
service providing, instead
working to solve the
underlying systems of
injustice that perpetuate
social problems and
inequality
Advocacy occurs
When individuals engage
in dialogue about an issue
they care about
Advocacy is a critical
supporting pillar of
the democratic system
One can engage in
advocacy
by meeting with a
legislator on an
important issue, writing
an editorial for a
newspaper,
Raising awareness for a
cause
at a community event, or
even promoting an issue
while
having dinner with friends
Our response to poverty
and injustice requires us
to work for policy change
and to challenge those in
the government who
withhold justice.
Advocacy is a strategic
decision
to achieve long-term
structural change that
benefits the people.
It is often seen as a
project
that fits in the larger
democratization process
and good governance
framework.
An NGO advocacy
campaign will enhance
the self-respect of these
generally unheard and
marginalized groups, and
empower them in
claiming their space in
the political arena.
Grassroots lobbying
is very effective because
the legislators are hearing
directly from their
constituency, who will be
voting the next time they
are up for re-election.
Non-governmental
organizations
have the opportunity to
help lawmakers
understand what concerns
and affects different
communities.
Advocating is important because it
improves communication with
elected officials, government regulators, insurers and the media, which play a significant
role in our society
Often, the laws,
rules and/or
perceptions the
government creates
directly influence
our day-to-day lives
Advocating is important
because it improves
communication with
elected officials,
government regulators,
insurers and the media,
which play a significant
role in our society.
Successful advocacy
campaigns will improve
the public profile for
NGOs, and as a result
there will be more support
from the public,
recognition from the
donors and respect from
governments.
In general, advocacy NGOs
reveal truths that are not
liked by vested interests
and power holders. Being
involved in NGO advocacy
therefore entails taking
risks sometimes:
politically, legally, mentally
and physically
Many times government
officials avoid the
responsibilities they are
faced with because they
do not want to deal with
the issue or
are unfamiliar with the
issue.
What is the problem?
How can we solve it?
Get and idea of the issue’s landscape
Select your Issue
Set ObjectivesSet Objectives
Investigate the law regarding your issueInvestigate the law
regarding your issue
Consider the legal cycle
Consider the legal cycle
All objectives should be S M A R TSpecificMeasurableAchievableRelevantTime- bound
All objectives should be S M A R TSpecificMeasurableAchievableRelevantTime- bound
Select Specific targets
Research
Select Specific targets
Research
Analyze your style
and strengths
Analyze your style
and strengths
Establish a Network
Establish a Network
Networking is a unique capability of advocacy
organizations
Define your AudienceQuestions to ask:
Which actors hold the greatest influence on the change you want to see?
Are these Actors Accessible?
How can your message be conveyed?
Utilize the Tools of Advocacy
Utilize the Tools of Advocacy
Lobbying Letter Writing
Mass Media Meetings/Events
LobbyingLobbying is the act of working directly with policymakers- Target specific policymakers with influence- Also work on secondary targets, individuals with influence over the main target-Keep the conversation advanced and well-informed
LobbyingLobbying- Build up a reputation of high-quality
research
- Invite policymakers to visit your site or
office
- Maintain professional courtesy and
always
thank those involved
- Draw from your local community, their
insider
knowledge
Mass Media
Dealing with Mass Media is an effective, but
dangerous advocacy tool
Be well informed of the reputation, history,
and style of the outlet you intend to use
Mass Media
The Media includes television, radio, and the
press - each medium has its own pros and
cons
Mass Media can be used to indirectly
Influence politicians
Social Media?
Letter Writing (Email)
Letters must be concise and informative
Establish common ground with the recipient
Enlist co-signers to increase the influence of the letter
Letter Writing (Email)
Issue letter on official letterhead
with contact information, stress
your credentials
letters are often useful for
introductions and discussion of
future meetings
Meetings/EventsMeetings/events can help make your case
directly to a policymakers or raise public
awareness
(and therefore legislative pressure) for your
project
As always, come prepared
and professional
Meetings/Events
Anticipate counter-arguments and
remain respectful
If the meetings is a public event,
showcase important statistics
alongside emotional testimonies
Send thank you note for attendance
In Focus:Writing for Advocacy
For Advocates, the great majority
of communications must be
short, concise, and informative
Uses technical terms
Written for a specific audience
in-depth analysis encouraged
Lengthy
Complex sentence structures
Not use technical terms
Written for general audience
Only space for some in-depth analysis
Concise
Simple sentence structures
Advocacy Writing Advocacy Writing
Scientific/AcademicWriting
Review and Reassess
Review and Reassess
Advocacy organizations often fail to maintain accountability
Ensure you remain deeply involved with the community you represent and diversify your support within
Establish a plan for continued monitoring of progress
Remain flexible
to new ideas
Encourage members to contribute
Review and Reassess
Review and Reassess
Thank you for your
attention!
Best of luck on all your
future advocacy
endeavors
Thank you for your
attention!
Best of luck on all your
future advocacy
endeavors
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