ROOTS 1+2 Advocacy Toolkit ROOTS 1+2 Advocacy toolkit

Section D Advocacy Cycle Stage 1 Issue identification

Section D: What is an advocacy issue? An advocacy issue is a problem or need which will only be changed or met if there is a change in a law or policy, or a change in the implementation or practice of a law or policy An advocacy issue is one that will only be resolved if the underlying causes are addressed and not just the effects

Section D: Issue identification It is important to consider: Views of communities and partners Views of staff, volunteers and supporters Programme experience Organisational priorities Strategic or time-bound opportunities Priorities of funders and donors

Section D: The most strategic advocacy issues… Are significant to the people affected Link directly with existing programmes Require a change in policy or practice Will block progress if left unaddressed Make people feel passionate about them Can be communicated to diverse audiences Make full use of landmark moments

Section D: ‘But why?’ and ‘So what?’

Section D: Developing a ‘vision for change’ Focus on solutions, not problems Encourage people to dream dreams Envisage what the community or society or country could be like if things were to change for the better Imagine what the newspaper headlines would say if you were successful in your advocacy!

Section D: Issue identification 1.Is it a priority? 2.Is it achievable? 3.Is it sellable? 4.Is it appropriate?