Advocacy

CAMS Gathering

November 2010

Advocacy

Advocacy is the deliberate process of influencing those who make policy decisions.

(ACOSS) http://www.qcoss.org.au/upload/639__ACOSS_DesignStratAdvocacyCamp06.pdf

Advocacy

Why advocate? Issue that impacts on disadvantaged

constituencies May be impacted by policies and/or laws May be a question of how policies and laws have

been implemented To achieve influence

Advocacy

When to advocate? Question of strategic timing Repertoire – advocacy is broader than lobbying –

when and what are important questions. Understanding the policy process

Advocacy

How to advocate?

Advocacy

What is the problem? What is the evidence of the problem? Do we work in the area? What is the cause of the problem? Are there any institutions that can bring about change? Are there ways the community can bring about change? Which organisations work on the issue and do coalitions or

organisations/groups exist?ACOSS -

http://www.qcoss.org.au/upload/639__ACOSS_DesignStratAdvocacyCamp06.pdf

Steps in the advocacy process Define the issue Develop a goal and set objectives Identify the target(s) Build support Develop the message Select channels of communication Raise funds/secure resources Implement a planhttp://www.qcoss.org.au/upload/

639__ACOSS_DesignStratAdvocacyCamp06.pdf

International Regional National Local authority Community Family Inter-personal…..Advocacy takes place at many levels,

wherever there is a relationship.

The Advocacy Process

What is your three-five year plan?

Targets

Who are the key individuals who are in a position to bring about the change you want?

Who are the individuals who have influence over the change you want?

Coming up with a one minute message Statement + Evidence+Example+Action

desired

ACOSS

Stronger Tenancies Project Evidence – literature Evidence – questionnaire Evidence – case studies Processes of influence:

Relationships Structures Opportunities: a strategic frame.

Reflections

Be gracious. Be professional. Be focused. Do your homework. Make a personal connection. Consider yourself an information source. Tell the truth. Know who else is on your

side.

http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/storage/advfy/documents/advocacykit.pdf

A capacity for reflection: where am I coming from? What are my weaknesses? Why do I feel the way I do?

A belief that we are all part of the problem – reducing the tendency towards us/them, binary thinking – The dilemma of awakening!

Put in place a range of supports: Line management Supervision Training Education Peer networks Learning circles A healthy life/work balance.