1. A policy is a plan of action a course or principle of action adopted by a government, party, business or individual envision.ca/templates/profile.asp envision.ca/templates/profile.asp

2. Policymaking—a course of action dealing with a problem or matter of concern Policies create a framework by which government affects the lives people Policy Process problem recognition Formation and refinement of policy proposals Politics They can be created by crisis They can be externally driven They can be people driven They can be development driven

3. Why target problems from the perspective of policy? A policy is a course or principle of action on an issue. A typical document outlines the problem or current situation, the Governments vision, mission and objectives, strategies for achieving objectives. From this document all strategies and programmes meant to deal with the issue are derived. It ensures that your group position is represented at the start It enables comprehensive action especially in complex issues that cut across sectors It is high impact. It builds alliances that strengthen democracies through principle of participation

4. “Advocacy is a set of targeted actions directed at decision makers in support of a specific policy issue.” Networking for Policy Change - An Advocacy Training Manual Speaking out in support of a cause It is an umbrella term that describes various strategies. It includes: Campaigning Lobbying Research/communication Alliance building Advocacy is engagement aimed at bringing about change

5. It engages youth in Governance in an enabling way Enables them to contribute to national development Thorough grasp of the existing policies is the strongest starting point for advocacy Enables youth analyze policies and political agendas from their own perspective Enables collective action for change. Why Policy Advocacy?

6. Identify a policy issue to work on Focus on the area you can make the best impact Enroll other like minds to the cause Research! Research! Research! Create action plan Identify strategic allies When you see something that’s wrong, no matter how big the problem is, think “Who else would like to change this? How can we work together?” UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan Challenges for youth engagement in policy advocacy

7. National Youth Policy and Implementation Framework The National Employment Policy NEEDS2 Poverty Reduction, Job Creation and Youth Since the factors that give rise to unemployment and poverty are complex it may be difficult to target one policy instrument that can effectively deal with the issue. However as youth in this area there are some policy documents we must familiarize ourselves with.

8. Employment Generation Poverty Reduction Wealth Creation, and; Value Orientation. What Is NEEDS? NEEDS—the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy—is Nigeria’s plan for prosperity.

9. Policy advocacy – approach of YES Nigeria YES Nigeria decided to ride on ongoing Policy development and implementation processes Process so far Advocacy visits Consultations Focus on Employment Policy Simplifying the Employment Policy Reviews Results Current inclusion in policy processes Cited in the YEN publication under best practices

10. Next Steps Enroll more youth campaign members articulate a position that will be integrated into the strategies and programmes generated from NEEDS2 (from National to State to Local Government Levels) and the National Employment Policy Implementation Framework. Capacity building in policy advocacy, strategy and programme development and monitoring and evaluation

11. http://projects.takingitglobal.org/YES-Nigeria http://groups.takingitglobal.org/yesnigeria www.yesnigeria.org Pamela Braide miz_pdb@yahoo.com

12. Participate! Remember You have a right to contribute to policy processes If you don’t offer your perspective it will not be included Policies affect your life whether you contribute or not. In policy work the change can start with one but will be actualized by many Keep yourself informed Keep your issue on the front burner Timing is of the essence in policy advocacy Get to know your political representatives Be very very patient Policy making bodies are not the enemy, they are simply the arena for battle