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? oWHY does this problem exist? -Clear, concrete cause(s) oHOW can this be corrected? -Concrete actions or changes that would be resolve oWHO 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

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

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

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

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 Boycott  A blood bath  Conference  Debate  A Die-in  Demonstration  Non-Violent Direct Action  A Pledge  A Commemorative action  Leaflets  A stall  A petition  Posters  Round table discussions  Quiz  Photo actions  Lobbying your MP

Step 6 – Methods of Advocacy Tips 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

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?