ADVOCACY SKILLS

Great Advocates in History

YOUTH ARE NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE Why Be An Advocate? Youth make up 26% of the population Youth spend more than $150 billion a year Youth care about the world as much as anybody BUT YOUTH ARE NOT ALLOWED TO VOTE

Don’t Give Up Your Voice Shatter age related stereotypes Don’t wait for an invitation Be innovative, creative Be persistent

Identify The Issue You Want To Address hunger * pollution * guns control * curfews * toxic waste * deforestation * truancy * graffiti * poverty * drugs * teen pregnancy * litter * abortion * obesity * pesticides * puppy mills * censorship * date rate * detention * racism * dropouts * dress code * depression * hate crimes * divorce * addiction * child abuse * AIDS * stress * immigration laws * endangered species * affirmative action* global warming * sweatshops * welfare * bulimia * shoplifting * air quality * teachers * conflict resolution * tobacco * metal detectors * homelessness * school prayer * taxes * bullies * second hand smoke * domestic violence * death penalty * health insurance * locker searches discrimination * suicide * graduation requirements *loitering*

Identify Your Intended Audience High Schoolers Politicians Teachers Parents Civic clubs General public

Choose a Method to Convey Message Sit-in Letter/e-mail campaign Street marketing Face-to-Face Petition Rallies & Marches Media campaign

Planning Define goals Have a list – set date, decide on activities, etc…. Develop a communication plan Anticipate obstacles Line up support (champion)

Tricks of the Trade Polite Facts straight Never make up answers Trust champion Patience Understand that everyone wants something Strength in Numbers Unity

Building an Advocacy Effort Good first impression be direct, specific start small keep records collaborate learn from the past look for diversity

ADVOCACY SKILLS