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