1. Advocacy CAMS Gathering November 2010

2. Advocacy Advocacy is the deliberate process of influencing those who make policy decisions. (ACOSS) http://www.qcoss.org.au/upload/639__ACOS S_DesignStratAdvocacyCamp06.pdf

3. Advocacy Why advocate?  Issue that impacts on disadvantaged constituencies  May be impacted by policies and/or laws  May be a question of how policies and laws have been implemented  To achieve influence

4. Advocacy When to advocate?  Question of strategic timing  Repertoire – advocacy is broader than lobbying – when and what are important questions.  Understanding the policy process

5. Advocacy How to advocate?

6. Advocacy What is the problem? What is the evidence of the problem? Do we work in the area? What is the cause of the problem? Are there any institutions that can bring about change? Are there ways the community can bring about change? Which organisations work on the issue and do coalitions or organisations/groups exist? ACOSS - http://www.qcoss.org.au/upload/639__ACOSS_DesignStratAdvo cacyCamp06.pdf

7. Steps in the advocacy process Define the issue Develop a goal and set objectives Identify the target(s) Build support Develop the message Select channels of communication Raise funds/secure resources Implement a plan http://www.qcoss.org.au/upload/639__ACOSS_Design StratAdvocacyCamp06.pdf

8. International Regional National Local authority Community Family Inter-personal …..Advocacy takes place at many levels, wherever there is a relationship.

9. The Advocacy Process What is your three-five year plan?

10. Targets Who are the key individuals who are in a position to bring about the change you want? Who are the individuals who have influence over the change you want?

11. Coming up with a one minute message Statement + Evidence+Example+Action desired ACOSS

12. Stronger Tenancies Project  Evidence – literature  Evidence – questionnaire  Evidence – case studies  Processes of influence: Relationships Structures Opportunities: a strategic frame.  Reflections

13. Be gracious. Be professional. Be focused. Do your homework. Make a personal connection. Consider yourself an information source. Tell the truth. Know who else is on your side. http://www.advocatesforyouth.org/storage/advfy /documents/advocacykit.pdf

14. A capacity for reflection: where am I coming from? What are my weaknesses? Why do I feel the way I do? A belief that we are all part of the problem – reducing the tendency towards us/them, binary thinking – The dilemma of awakening! Put in place a range of supports:  Line management  Supervision  Training  Education  Peer networks  Learning circles  A healthy life/work balance.