1. Multicultural Development Association Advocacy and Social Policy Unit Achieving Positive Change: Advocacy, Policy and Effective Submission Writing CAMS Gathering 1 November 2010

2. What is Advocacy?  Action to protect, promote and defend the rights and interests of an individual, group or community  Involves speaking, acting, writing, communicating, arguing persuasively in the interests of another  Directed to achieving better outcomes, bringing about change or maintaining the status quo  Many types of advocacy – self, individual, citizens, health, family, systemic

3. Individual vs. Systemic Advocacy  Individual Advocacy: Speaking, acting or writing with minimal conflict of interest on behalf of the interests of an individual to promote, protect and defend his/her welfare, justice and wellbeing (adapted from definition of Dr Wolf Wolfensberger, Academic)  Systemic Advocacy: ‘... influencing and changing the system in ways that will benefit... a group within society (or the broader community). Systems advocates... encourage (and influence) changes to the law, government and service policies and community attitudes’ (from Queensland Parents for People with a Disability)

4. What does MDA’s Advocacy Unit do? Works with and informs government (and other decision makers) about changes required to improve services or systems for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, especially refugees. Key advocacy priorities include:  Employment and Training  Education  Child Protection  African Australian issues  Domestic Violence  Access to interpreters  Police and justice  Youth issues

5. The Advocacy Strategy  A well-developed strategy is crucial to successful advocacy  Key steps in developing a strategy: 1. Identify the issue/s 2. Research and consultation 3. Objectives and outcomes sought 4. Advocacy targets 5. Allies and foe 6. Strategies and tools 7. Review, analyse and evaluate

6. Advocacy methods  Written communication  Oral communication  Engagement  Legal avenues  Media and promotion  Campaigning/activism

7. Writing effective submissions  Before you start writing, consider: 1. What type of submission it is i.e. policy, funding, advocacy, or a response to an inquiry? 2. Are there Terms of Reference, guidelines or other parameters? 3. Who is your audience? 4. Who are you writing on behalf of?  Research, research, research!!!!!

8. Research  Standard sources: databases, journal articles, publications, media, annual reports, statistics websites, etc  Find out if the issue is currently or has recently been a topic of interest on the political or socio-economic agenda i.e. Government inquiries, academic studies and publications, independent statutory bodies, etc  Is there relevant law or policy i.e. legislation and case law, international conventions, policies, guidelines and practices?  Consultation and community engagement – obtain relevant individuals’, stake holders’ and communities’ perspectives  What current programs, initiatives and strategies exist to address the issue/s, and are they effective?  Other jurisdictions – Australian States/Territories and internationally

9. Structure of your submission Before you begin, devise a plan/mud map of what your submission will look like 1. Covering page: title, name of inquiry or consultation (if relevant), title of your submission and date. Use formal letter head. 2. Introduction: Executive summary of recommendations (optional – useful for lengthy submissions). Paragraphs detailing:  Who you/your organisation are and what you do  Your interest – why are you writing the submission/responding to the inquiry? Welcome the opportunity to respond  What the submission will and will not address  Whether you endorse other organisations’ submissions, and/or who endorses your submission  A strong statement about your position on the issue/s  Summarise the key issues the submission will address

10. Structure of your submission 3. Body:  Present the issues and problems, information/facts or arguments, supported by relevant evidence (including case studies)  One issue/point per paragraph, unless issues are closely related  Discuss relevant research, law, statistics, financial estimates, etc. Mention relevant political and socio-economic agendas, initiatives or programs i.e. social inclusion agenda  Discuss effective laws, policies, initiatives and programs operating in other States/Territories or internationally.  Graphs and diagrams are useful. Case studies are essential.  Discuss what needs to be done, reformed or altered - legislation, policy, procedures, guidelines, introduction of new programs, etc. Make recommendations and/or offer suggestions for solutions

11. Structure of your submission 4. Conclusion: Brief summary of submission: include a strong statement of your position on the issue/s List and reinforce your recommendations for reforms and improvements

12. Handy hints  Plain English! Be persuasive  Avoid emotive language – maintain your credibility  Reference your research  Ensure your information is accurate  Clear headings and paragraphs  Proof read and grammar check  Page numbering  Use examples and case studies – evidence, evidence, evidence!  Spread the word  Don’t leave it on the shelf to gather dust!