Steps to Effective Advocacy Alexia Everett Senior Officer, Foster Care Education and Policy

What is Advocacy? Advocacy is an assertive and collaborative approach to problem-solving. It requires understanding your interests, as well as the interests of others, in an effort to achieve solutions.

Types of Advocacy 1.Direct Advocacy Persuading decision-makers on public policy 2.Public Engagement Building awareness and support 3.Media Engagement Getting your message out to decision-makers and the public

What Kind of Advocate are You?  Leader  Advisor  Researcher  Contributor  Ally

Framing the Issue 1.Concerns/Issues: Specific problems facing youth in a community (or state or the nation) 2.Solution: A way to address a concern or issue 3.Ask: A specific statement of something we want done for youth within a set time frame and policy makers who can make it happen

When Advocating on Behalf of Youth  Keep the process youth-centered  Always look for appropriate ways to include youth  Your role is to provide content and context regarding a particular issue,  Your responsibility is to ensure that the youth’s views are heard and considered

10 Basic Advocacy Tips 1.Know your issue(s) 2.Stay informed 3.Collaborate with allies 4.Know the legislative process 5.Know your legislative champions 6.Build rapport and trust 7.Be visible and responsive 8.Be a strategic communicator 9.Show appreciation 10.Watch the implementation

The Power of Storytelling While providing relevant data is important when educating the public on any given issue, your most powerful advocacy tool is storytelling. Nothing impacts the hearts and minds of the public more than a story that they can empathize with.

Effective Advocacy is Strategic: Context is Key Political Climate – Do you have political will? Can you build political will? Or are you building awareness for a day in which the climate is more favorable? Economic Climate – What are the competing strains on the budget? If tough times, what are your priorities? In good times, do you want expansion, new initiatives, or both? Have you planned a vision/agenda for better times? Social Climate – Do you have public will? Have you made your issue known with support from an array of potential stakeholders?

7 Steps to Legislative Advocacy 1.Find a champion to introduce the bill 2.Introduce the bill and get co-sponsors 3.Hearings – organize! 4.Markup of the bill – negotiating changes 5.Floor action – amendments and passage 6.Conference negotiations 7.Signing or veto

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