Advocacy 101

Agenda What is advocacy? Why do we advocate? How do we advocate? Test your knowledge Why does advocacy work? What is “raising awareness?”

What is advocacy? What comes to mind when you hear the word “advocacy?”

What is advocacy? We are not talking about: Education Awareness We are talking about tangible action to show power to influence decision-makers When have you done this? In your personal life? Professional life?

Why do we advocate? Ask: why do you think this is part of what we do as people who believe in global health equity? Shapes attitudes Creates urgency But also (next slide) – because it works

Because it works! Look at any major policy or social shift in our modern human history – activist movements have driven them all

How do we advocate? What are tactics you’ve seen or participated in?

How do we advocate? Speaking directly to decision-makers Congressional meetings Candidate engagement/birddogging Congressional meetings You want to be a resource for staffers – you are building a long-term relationship with the office You are not walking in one time to lobby for a single action – you are pushing you congressperson up the “champion scale” over time Birddogging Asking a decision-maker to make a yes-or-no commitment (but really just yes) in public

How do we advocate? Speaking indirectly to decision-makers Emails and call-ins Petitions Social media Emails/call-ins Why/when are these useful? Tips: have a script, give people everything they need at once, track your impact Petitions Mostly for list-building Can be powerful if you have enough signatures from the right people (who are the “right people?” – prominent community members, funders, special interest groups, constituents) Finding your grassroots allies Social media Not a great medium of influence, but can get people’s attention

How do we advocate? Speaking through media Op-eds and LTEs Demonstrations Op-eds/LTEs Why are these useful? Basic rules (have a plan, set a deadline, develop a hook, EPIC) Engage the reader State the Problem Inform on the solution Call to action Demonstrations Sit-ins, die-ins, rallies, stunts, banner drops, etc.

Test your knowledge We’ll give you scenarios – what tactic would you employ and why?

What would you do… Town hall meeting World Bank President hosting a twitter chat Senate vote this Thursday Senate bill has just been introduced

Why does advocacy work?

Why does advocacy work? Shows that you care Proves political consequences People aren’t evil (but they need a reality check)

Let’s talk about “raising awareness” What is the value of “raising awareness?” Why isn’t it enough? What’s the different between awareness and advocacy?

Things to remember: You don’t have to be the expert (but you are) Congress literally works for you No one will do this for us (but we can do it)