Campaigning & Advocacy

Group Discussion

What is Advocacy?

When & Where to Use Advocacy

7 Steps in Advocacy

Case Studies

Closing Questions

Advocacy

Advocate - someone who speaks

up for others.

Advocacy involves identifying and promoting a cause.

Advocacy = an effort to shape public perception or to affect change that may or may not require legislation.

Sharing stories

Have you been part of an advocacy or campaigning action?

What happened?

Where & When to Use Advocacy?

o WHY does this problem exist?

- Clear, concrete cause(s)

o HOW can this be corrected?

- Concrete actions or changes that would be resolve

o WHO can make this happen?

- Specific individuals that can enact the change

When you can answer all three of

those questions:

It is a job for Advocacy!

Campaign Planning

Step 1 – Setting the Objectives

Your Aim

a short statement that sets out exactly what you are trying to achieve (YOUR GOAL).

It is a description of the place that, when you reach it, you know you have won.

Your Demands

Demands are the smaller things you need to change in order to get to your ultimate aim. Check they’re SMART and work out which ones you need to achieve first.

Step 2 – Coming Together

Reach out to a relevant group

Consider creative allies for unique outreach

Journalists Artists

People with common concerns are the most effective.

Actors

Step 3 – Deciding Who You Are Trying to Influence

Step 3 – Deciding Who You Are Trying to Influence

Decide who has the authority to make the decision/change.

Try to understand what is most likely to influence each decision-maker. What are some

Pressure Points?

Step 3 – Deciding Who You Are Trying to Influence

Examples of decision makers on HIV/AIDS:

Ministry of Health, district health directors,

other Ministries (Finance), Parliament,

international agencies – WHO, UNAIDS,

and Donors – Global Fund, United States

policy makers.

Step 4 – Getting the Facts

Step 4 – Getting the Facts

All advocacy depends on a strong analysis of the situation be addressed

A background paper setting out the facts can help educate and organize

Outlets?

Step 5 – Build Alliances and Coalitions

Step 5 – Build Alliances and Coalitions

Working together is likely to achieve the best results.

Remember: There is strength in numbers; but, make sure everyone agrees on the coalition’s goals

Step 5 – Build Alliances and Coalitions

Pros? Different groups have different perspectives

and better to resolve them among groups with similar objectives

Possibility of greater support or hands-on effort New ideas Resource or Information Connections Funding opportunities Community outreach Expertise Greater legitimacy in higher numbers

Step 5 – Build Alliances and Coalitions

Example- Collaboration for HIV/AIDS advocacy:

Potential partners? Nurses, doctors, people living with HIV/AIDS, traditional

healers, midwives, NGOs etc. in common cause

Guidelines Need to clearly articulate and agree with the needs of

each group Be clear on what each group’s strengths and

limitations Can and should respect each others differences

Step 6 – Methods of Advocacy

Step 6 – Methods of Advocacy

General Rules: Make sure the

“message” is clear, understandable and appealing.

Consider which tactics

are most appropriate to

influence your targets

what resources you have

available e.g. cash, people,

contacts, time

Step 6 – Methods of Advocacy

Methods: Writing letters and making phone calls Public education: oral presentations, written

articles, fact sheets, open classes, reports, speaking events

Meetings with government officials, Parliamentarians, international agencies

These are common methods; do not be afraid to get creative.

Type of Actions

Some ideas:A BoycottA blood bathConferenceDebateA Die-inDemonstrationNon-Violent Direct

ActionA Pledge

A Commemorative actionLeafletsA stallA petitionPostersRound table discussionsQuizPhoto actionsLobbying your MP

Step 6 – Methods of AdvocacyTips for Meeting with Policy Makers:

Be persistent in seeking meeting Have clearly identified agenda Be prepared with specific requests Have lead spokesperson setting out

background and reasons Be respectful Show extent of support Seek ongoing dialogue Use media

Step 7 – Review and Adjust

Step 7 – Review and Adjust

As advocacy efforts proceed, review objectives, facts needed, and participants’ commitment. Adjust accordingly.

Need to arrange meetings and discussion so that group stays together and addresses strategies and new concerns.

Example

Aim: To have Fairtrade University status by the end of the year

Targets: The Catering Manager & students

Tactics: meeting with the Catering Manager

Student petition/raising awareness

Review and Build the

Campaign

Methods of Advocacy & Campaigning: Case

Studies

Campaign Rally

‘Public Health Not Private Wealth’

‘Access Denied’

Photo Opportunity

Petition/Letter Writing

‘Healthy Planet’ campaign

re. Climate Change

Petition to Health Minister

Go and advocate!

Questions?