An Introduction to Advocacy

Advocacy is about influencing people, policies, practices, structures and systems in order to bring about change.

Anyone who attempts to resolve a problem in a non-violent way by negotiation, persuasion, perseverance and by convincing the other party, is practicing advocacy. When the beneficiary is an individual, the effort is private advocacy. If the beneficiary is a large group, it is public advocacy

David Cohen says: ‘ Just as humans seek a dignity that says not by bread alone so we as (social) advocates must work to effect change not by elections alone, not by mass mobilisation alone, not by lobbying alone, not by information alone, not by coalition alone, not by media alone and not by anything else alone’

It is about influencing those in power to act in more equitable ways. Advocacy can be done directly by the affected, or on their behalf, or by a combination of both..

Advocacy work includes many different activities such as lobbying, mobilization, education, research, and networking. It can be undertaken alone, with a group of people or as part of a network. It can be spontaneous or carefully planned, a one-off intervention or an ongoing process.

Advocacy is asking ‘why’ to get into the roots of the issue. POWER should be used well to enable the powerless and the powerful.

Bringing change for individuals through changing their personal situations. Through changing systems, structures and policies. Being a voice for the voiceless.

Important activities in advocacy: Capacity building so that people become agents of change themselves. Networking - to pool resources. Good research – to understand the problems and potential solutions clearly. Coalitions - to act strongly.

Characteristics: Engages people interested in Policy results, Creates a space for public argument Arenas of Advocacy: Networks, Alliances, Coalitions, Media, legislature, donors Actions: Lobbying, Awareness raising and Mobilization

Benefits of Advocacy:  Builds confidence among people  Recognises that all are needed  Teaches the modern methods of communication  Makes political personalities to fulfil public responsibilities  Enable individual and organisations to use their power to establish public relations

Three approaches: 1. Advocacy FOR those affected : By professionals and NGOs. To make change in laws, policies or practices. The Issue is often identified by others, targeted at official decision makers. They can get quick access to decision makers

2. Advocacy WITH those affected By professionals, NGOs and local communities and groups. They increase access to the decision makers, change law, policy or practices, build ‘advocacy capacity’ of the affected community. The issues are identified by the community. Shared planning, resources and action. Outside organizers mobilize capacity..

3. Advocacy BY those affected By Local community workers. Issues are identified by the community. They learn by involvement. May have significant outside input at start. Sustainable. Can correct power imbalance.

Mixture of all three is needed as per the demand of the situation. Third approach has to be given priority by organizations. Since risks are involved, at the start, NGOs and professionals can give a lead.

7 Potential roles for advocates: Represent – Speak for people. Accompany – Speak with people. Empower – Enable people to speak for themselves. Mediate – Facilitate communication between people and the decision makers. Model – Demonstrate the practice to people and policy makers. Negotiate – Bargain for people’s needs. Network – Build coalitions.

Important steps: 1. Contact legislature to get an appointment. 2. Get support of coalition partners. 3. Fix a time for meeting. 4. Set specific objectives for the meeting. 5. Designate a leading spokesperson. 6. Determine messages and focuses. 7. Compile data supporting your messages. 8. Prepare legislators package – one page.

Documentation : Name of the coalition partners, addresses, phone numbers, legislature addresses etc, At the legislative visit: Introduce those present Briefing by the spokesperson Explain messages, record legislature’s comments, Question and answers.

The End