Policy Communications Developing a Plan Advocacy, Ppt4

What is Policy Communications? An exchange of information: relevant to policy audiences integral to the stages of the policy process conducted on a formal or informal basis Advocacy, Ppt4

Policy Advocacy Advocacy attempts to: Urge in favor of a specific outcome Advocacy, Ppt4

Keep it Simple “The last time we did a communications plan, it was 80 pages and took six months” Advocacy, Ppt4

Steps in the Communication Plan Sender Objectives Audiences Audience Research Messages Formats/Channels Pretest Evaluation Advocacy, Ppt4

Mobilize a Team researchers program officials communication specialists Editors production staff Advocacy, Ppt4

Objectives and Outcomes Raise awareness among policymakers about needs for adolescent RH services. -  Expected Outcome or Results: Issue agenda of governor’s conference – Dec. 2001 Positive statements in the press by high- level officials Advocacy, Ppt4

Identifying the Audience  Primary: Who can directly affect policy? program officials Secondary: Who can influence the policymakers? Who can stop being an obstacle? production staff Advocacy, Ppt4

Who are the Audiences/ - Political Leaders - Gov. Officials -         Program Managers -         Private Sector -         Educators -         Business/Civic Leaders -         Press -         Donors -         Religious Leaders -         Professional Assoc. -         Women’s Groups Advocacy, Ppt4

Know your Audiences Who do they listen to? What do they know about your topic? Are they interested in your topic? What are the best ways to reach them? (formats and channels) Advocacy, Ppt4

Audience Research Focus Groups Key Information Interviews Advocacy, Ppt4

Tips for Developing Messages  Present two or three points maximum Tailor the message to fit the audience Avoid technical jargon Include actions the audience should take Advocacy, Ppt4

Determining Formats  Select formats that are the most appropriate for your audiences Examples:   -        - Fact sheets, wall charts, booklets, policy memorandums -         - Presentations: computer graphics, slides -         - TV and radio spots, news releases -         - Electronic communication channels (email/internet) Advocacy, Ppt4

Tips for Conveying the Message   -         Appearance counts! -         Clarity -         Brevity -         Timeliness and Timing Advocacy, Ppt4

Brainstorm on Opportunities Develop a timeframe around events: What do they know about your topic?   -         Global or national conferences -         Legislation for laws/regulations -         Annual budgeting process -         Periodic program reviews/evaluations -         Local celebrations Advocacy, Ppt4

Pretest! Pretest! Pretest!  Can dramatically improve the effectiveness of materials Can be low cost and require minimal effort Advocacy, Ppt4

Dissemination Plan Should include a schedule of: - To whom - When -         By what means -         By whom -         How often -         How many   Advocacy, Ppt4

Evaluation Performance Impact - Did activities bring about the desired - Were all the activities implemented, delivered, and on time? Impact - Did activities bring about the desired change? Advocacy, Ppt4

An Effective Communication Plan Relies on: Audience-centered approach Ongoing communication activities Disseminating information at the right time, for the right length of time Advocacy, Ppt4

If well designed - - - Policy communication activities and materials create demand - - More requests for information - - More influence over policy Advocacy, Ppt4