Say Yes to the Ask: How to Talk the Advocacy Talk

1:1 Conversations Workshop1:1 Conversations Workshop

#AAUW2013 @AAUWpolicy#AAUW2013 @AAUWpolicy

Roadmap: Where We’re Going

1.PSA: conversation model2.PSA example3.Conversation dos & don’ts4.Concrete v. wishy washy asks5.Getting commitment6.Practice: overcoming tough objections7.Using back at home

I want to be part of the action!

Introducing PSA SSolutionolution: Hope: Hope

What specifically & meaningful can be done about?

PProblemroblem: Anger : Anger AActionction: Opportunity: OpportunityWhat are they angry about Make the specific &or threatened by? doable ask

Organizing + Mobilizing SSolutionolution

Organizing & Mobilizing

PProblemroblem AActionctionOrganizing Mobilizing

Organizing ConversationsYou can’t mobilize her until you’ve organized her!

Intentional conversations that go deeply into a person’s: Issues: What we act on Interests: What’s our stake in it Values: Principles, what motivates us

Assessment from the conversation: Capacity: What resources can be offered Commitment: What resources are offered

It’s about building a relationship with her so you can then ask her to take action.

Interests: Why? Why is that particular issue important to this person?

Values: Guiding principles

Issues: What does this person care about at school? At work? In the larger world?

Find Their IIV

Capacity = Skills Commitment =

Willingness

Assess Their CC

Mobilizing ConversationsOrganizing + Mobilizing = Change for women!Organizing + Mobilizing = Change for women!

Prompted conversations that make an ask:Goal: Link person’s issue to AAUW & make specific ask

Now that you’ve established a relationship with her, you can make a tailored ask of her that she will

actually say “yes” to.

1:1 Conversation Dos & Don’tsDoDo

•Schedule time to have this conversation•Ask questions and plan to listen•Follow the PSA•Share experiences and deep motivations•Share a vision that articulates a shared set of interests for change•Be clear and very concrete about “when” and “what” of the next steps

Don’tDon’t•Try to persuade rather than listen•Chit chat about private interests•Skip stories to “get to the point”•Miss opportunity to share ideas about how things can change•End conversation without clear plan for next steps

1:1 Conversation AsksConcrete AsksConcrete Asks

“We are having a branch meeting next Thurs. at 8pm. Can you come and help us brainstorm our Equal Pay Day action?”

“We’re in the midst of a critical letter to the editor push. We need to get 10 more letters written this week. Can you write an LTE by this Friday? I can send you our LTE guide, sample LTE, and info on where and how to submit it.”

Wishy-Washy AsksWishy-Washy Asks

“Do you want to join our branch?”

“Can you write a letter to the editor?”

Getting Commitment

Overcoming Tough Objections Exercise

Using 1:1 Conversations at Home If you’re a State Public Policy Chair:

• Have 1:1 conversations with each of your Branch Public Policy Chairs over next 2-3 months as you prepare for 2013-2014 programming

If you’re a Branch Public Policy Chair:• Identify 3-5 members who may be interested in joining a branch

public policy committee and have 1:1 conversations with each of them

If you serve on your state or branch board in another capacity:• Share this training with your fellow board members and set a goal of

each member having 1:1 conversations with 5 members in the next 2-3 months

If you’re a general AAUW member:• Have a 1:1 conversation with a prospective member

Use the PSA model for every “ask” you make