Mastering Advocacy: Essentials and Strategies for Effective Change

1. great lakes alliance region advocacy fundamentals

2. “advocacy” is the work of making change

3. three essentials of advocacy #1 the goal of advocacy is to change systems #2 your voice is the mechanism for advocacy #3 building relationships is fundamental

4. why does advocacy matter to your organization? effective advocacy will • make the connection between social service and social change • raise your organizational profile in your community • build relationships with key decision-makers • insure the stability of public and private funding for your activities mystery image #1

5. five steps of successful advocacy initiatives • identify a problem • get the facts • strategize • launch your effort • evaluate success mystery image #2

6. step #1: identify the problem how does your organization/group define the issue? • how does the issue relate to your mission? • how do those affected by the problem define it? (Are you on their side?) how do other stake holders and community leaders define it? mystery image #3

7. identify the problem how does the opposition define the issue? • what is true about their argument? • what points of agreement do you have? • how will you respond to their side?

8. step #2: get the facts • Do your homework! • Have data, but also have stories • Assemble research into a briefone page document that summarizes the issue and your stance

9. step #3: strategize effective strategies are: • planned • timely • creative • engaging strategies can be aimed at: • targeting a decision maker • growing a grassroots base

10. great lakes alliance region strategies are limitless

11. take it to the legislature • lobby your elected officials • provide testimony at hearings • partner with legislators to draft legislation mystery image #4

12. take it to the courts • file a lawsuit • join a class action suit • file an amicus brief mystery image #5

13. take it to the ballot box • get your candidate elected • introduce a ballot initiative • run for office • track your elected official’s voting record

14. take it to the streets • picket • parade • sit-in • canvas • march on city hall, the capital, or the white house • civil disobedience & creative protest

15. take it to the virtual streets launch an electronic campaign • petitions • “take action” emails and alerts • create a websites about your issue

16. take it to your community • organize grassroots activists • conduct educational campaigns • form or join a coalition • write articles, op-eds and letters to the editor

17. take it to your community • hold a memorial, candlelight vigil, speak-out, town hall forum, or brown bag lunch • train activists, peace keepers, or lobbyists • host house parties • think locally & be creative!

18. step #4: launch • give allies advance notice about your initiative • pick one spokesperson • invite everyone you know • invite the media • have relevant education materials available

19. step #5: evaluate your success outcome: did you succeed in making the change you set out for? process: did your activities result in: • new partnerships or coalitions • new or activists or members (or new commitment from your existing grassroots body) • new relationships with elected officials • publicity or media contacts

20. great lakes alliance region tactical practice!

21. great lakes alliance region Thank You!Presentation prepared by Rebecca Gurney, Advocacy Coordinator, glaadvocacy@rrohio.com