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advocacy fundamentals
great lakes alliance region
“advocacy” is the work of
making change
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
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
five steps of successful advocacy initiatives
1. identify a problem
2. get the facts
3. strategize
4. launch your effort
5. evaluate success
mystery image #2
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
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?
step #2: get the facts
• Do your homework!
• Have data, but also have stories
• Assemble research into a brief one page document that summarizes the issue and your stance
step #3: strategize
effective strategies are:• planned• timely• creative• engaging
strategies can be aimed at:
• targeting a decision maker • growing a grassroots base
strategies are limitless
great lakes alliance region
take it to the legislature
• lobby your elected officials
• provide testimony at hearings
• partner with legislators to draft legislationmystery image #4
take it to the courts
• file a lawsuit• join a class action
suit• file an amicus
briefmystery image #5
take it to the ballot box
• get your candidate elected
• introduce a ballot initiative
• run for office
• track your elected official’s voting record
take it to the streets
• picket• parade• sit-in• canvas• march on city hall,
the capital, or the white house
• civil disobedience & creative protest
take it to the virtual streets
launch an electronic campaign• petitions• “take action” emails and alerts• create a websites about your issue
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
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!
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
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
tactical practice!
great lakes alliance region
Thank You!Presentation prepared by Rebecca Gurney, Advocacy Coordinator,
great lakes alliance region
