ADVOCACY IN HEALTH ADVOCACY IN HEALTH AND AND

HUMAN SERVICESHUMAN SERVICES

Ann Weaver Nichols, DSW, ACSWAnn Weaver Nichols, DSW, ACSW

Three StoriesThree Stories

The case of the cochlear implantThe case of the cochlear implant

Dr. T and the MAD MomsDr. T and the MAD Moms

Dr. N, the Coalition for Human Dr. N, the Coalition for Human Services, Church Women United Services, Church Women United and Mariaand Maria

Intended Learning Intended Learning OutcomesOutcomes

Identify different forms of advocacy Identify different forms of advocacy and associated strategiesand associated strategies

Recognize when advocacy is Recognize when advocacy is neededneeded

Understand basic considerations Understand basic considerations for effectivenessfor effectiveness

Gain advocacy principles and tipsGain advocacy principles and tips

Types of AdvocacyTypes of Advocacy

Policy – change in policy/lawsPolicy – change in policy/laws Cause – action on behalf of a Cause – action on behalf of a

classclass Case – situation affecting an Case – situation affecting an

individual or small groupindividual or small group

Basic Advocacy Basic Advocacy Strategies and Their Strategies and Their

UseUse CollaborationCollaboration

CampaignCampaign

ContestContest

When Advocacy is When Advocacy is NeededNeeded

System unable to respondSystem unable to respond Rights of constituent ignored or Rights of constituent ignored or

denieddenied Situation of constituent does not fit Situation of constituent does not fit

policy or routinepolicy or routine Constituent lacks sufficient skill, Constituent lacks sufficient skill,

knowledge, confidence, or powerknowledge, confidence, or power

Basic ConsiderationsBasic Considerations

Confront your hesitance to actConfront your hesitance to act Reaffirm your values and ethicsReaffirm your values and ethics Recognize that you have skillsRecognize that you have skills Involve constituents in the effortInvolve constituents in the effort Recognize common issues and link Recognize common issues and link

constituentsconstituents Help constituents become teachersHelp constituents become teachers

Advocacy Principles and Advocacy Principles and TipsTips

Know your issue wellKnow your issue well Know the relevant rights, rules, Know the relevant rights, rules,

and regulationsand regulations Know how the system worksKnow how the system works Get a partnerGet a partner Get helpGet help Have a vision of what is betterHave a vision of what is better

More Principles and TipsMore Principles and Tips

Recognize and communicate Recognize and communicate awareness of legitimate interestsawareness of legitimate interests

Link the issue to valuesLink the issue to values Use emotion appropriatelyUse emotion appropriately Secure clear agreement and time Secure clear agreement and time

tablestables

Best advice for Best advice for AdvocatesAdvocates

Don’t take “No” for an answerDon’t take “No” for an answer

Imaginativeness and persistence Imaginativeness and persistence pay off !pay off !

Recommended ResourceRecommended Resource

Read the classic bestselling book Read the classic bestselling book Fisher, R., Ury, W. & Patton, B. Fisher, R., Ury, W. & Patton, B. Getting to Yes: Negotiating Getting to Yes: Negotiating Agreement Without Giving In Agreement Without Giving In (2(2ndnd edition). edition).

Presenter InformationPresenter Information

Dr. Ann Weaver Nichols is an Dr. Ann Weaver Nichols is an Associate Professor at Arizona Associate Professor at Arizona State University School of Social State University School of Social Work, Tucson Component.Work, Tucson Component.

She may be reached at She may be reached at ann.nichols@asu.eduann.nichols@asu.edu