1 Advocacy On The Local Level Jo Ellen Carson Zonta Club of Fort Smith, Arkansas Zonta Inter-District Meeting 2011

Benefits That Inspire! Advocacy efforts in your organization can attract members, thus increasing membership in numbers and commitment. Members who are affiliated with your club because they believe in its aims, goals and efforts, will strengthen your club. Survey, “Advocacy at the Local Club Level and Its Impact on Membership”, June 2011, Cinnamon Girl Productions [Summer Intern Research Team]. 2

3 A WORKING DEFINITION OF ADVOCACY Advocacy is an action directed at change. It is putting a problem on the agenda, providing a solution to that problem, building support for that solution and for the action necessary to implement that solution.

4 WHAT IS SOCIAL JUSTICE ADVOCACY? Social justice advocacy is public advocacy, which draws attention to an injustice and promotes the public good. It focuses attention on improving the well-being of the poor and marginalised members of the community. For example, social justice public advocacy efforts take up issues relating to women, children, workers, the disabled, etc. For Zonta International, the focus must be on women and the girl child.

5 So… In summary, Advocacy begins with a problem or with a perception that there is a better alternative to a current condition and seeks to solve that problem and/or implement the selected alternative.

9 Essential Advocacy Skills Card 1 Analysing and influencing legislation or policies Card 2 Preparing a briefing note or position paper Card 3 Working from inside the system Card 4 Lobbying or face-to-face meetings Card 5 Writing and delivering a presentation Card 6 Persuading through drama Card 7 Writing and using a press release Card 8 Carrying out a media interview Card 9 Preparing a press conference 6

Analysing Policy or Legislation Who benefits from this legislation or policy (if anyone) Who loses (if anyone) What will be the consequences five years from now of enforcing this? How does the legislation or policy affect marginalised groups? Is this something ordinary people can understand? Who supports this law/policy, and why? How did this issue first come to the notice of decision-makers? What is the financial cost? Can it be enforced? If so, by whom, and how? What is the penalty if you don’t obey this law/policy? Does the law/policy violate the UN Declaration of Human Rights or any other convention signed by your country? Is the law/policy consistent with your own country’s Bill of Rights and/or Constitution? 7

What will you analyse? Legislate and policies might include: Draft or proposed policies New policies Long-established policies. Of course, not all policies and legislation are written – for example, there are traditional laws and customs, or decisions made and communicated without being written down. their design and implementation is influenced by powerful individuals or groups, then like written policies and legislation, they can be challenged through advocacy. These kind of policies and practices also require analysis. However, it is harder to analyse unwritten policies or legislation because there may be disagreement about what the policy is. 8

Try to…Try not to…? Consult or involve people affected by the policy or legislation. Be positive about the good parts of the policy or legislation. Ask for a meeting with decision-makers to present and explain your analysis. Only respond to policies and legislation when you have something concrete to say – this will help maintain or gain credibility for your organisation. Use the decision/policy-makers’ language when putting your points of view across, and support your statements with facts and evidence where appropriate. Offer solutions when analysing the policy or legislation. Develop contacts or allies who can show you draft policies and legislation. Analyse a policy or legislation if you don’t understand the issue. Suggest that the decision/policy-makers may have any improper motives. Criticise policies or legislation for individuals’ personal reasons. 9

Position Papers and Briefing Notes Ideally a position paper should include: Statement of main recommendation: one to two sentences. Background: explanation of why the position paper has been written. international treaties, decrees, policies, etc., which support the recommendation. Evidence supporting the recommendation: quantitative evidence, like facts and figures and qualitative evidence, like case studies, personal testimonies, anecdotes or examples supporting the recommendation. Ask for permission from individuals quoted, to protect confidentiality. Our position: logical explanation of how the evidence leads to the recommendations. Answers to possible questions or objections. Recommendations: specific, realistic actions that the decision-maker can take. 10

Organisations and individuals supporting this position paper. The name of your organisation or coalition, and logo if appropriate. The date. A contact name, address, telephone and fax number, and address, where available. The mission/goals of your organisation or coalition. 11

Briefing Note Briefing note This document will only be seen by individuals within your organisation, or within your advocacy alliance, to assist them in delivering advocacy messages. Therefore it is acceptable to write notes instead of full sentences, and to use bullet points. Follow the same format as above, but also: Emphasise the most important points – for example, using bold type/underline or a coloured pen. Suggest possible strategies, tactics, minimum demands that cannot be compromised. Include possible questions that might be asked, and suggested answers. Include problematic issues that might arise, and suggest how to deal with them. 12

Position Paper Characteristics A position paper is written to be read by a target, not an ally. It is a formal written record of the position (opinion) of an organisation or coalition, for an external audience. Position papers can: Be left with an individual decision-maker at the end of a face-to-face meeting, summarise the main points of your message Be sent to local and national governments during consultation exercises Be sent to people in influence, in response to a policy or action, to explain an alternative or supporting position Summarise the resolutions of a conference or workshop Show that a coalition of many different allies supports your advocacy objective Be given to delegates or members of a committee at the beginning of a meeting or conference whether or not you are allowed to speak at the meeting. 13

Briefing Note Characteristics A briefing note is written for an ally, not a target. It is similar to a speaker’s notes, to help someone who is speaking publicly in support of your advocacy objective. Often a briefing note is a position paper with additional advice to the speaker for example, how to answer questions, or key points to emphasise. 14

Try to…Try not to? Use appropriate language for your target audiences. Tailor your position paper/briefing note to a particular audience for a particular reason. Give full references of any research or information quoted. Be brief and to the point. Ask others for ideas before writing. Make sure the appropriate people have been consulted. Ensure that everyone in the organisation understands the position the organisation is taking. Read it carefully for mistakes before sending or using it. Distribute a position paper that contradicts what you have said. Include the words ‘advocating’ or ‘advocacy’ 15

More try to…try not to? Include irrelevant information. Waffle – make clear points and highlight them with bullet points. Quote people without their permission or break confidentiality in case studies. Use abbreviations unless necessary. 16

Face-to-Face Meetings Establish ‘points of entry’ Think creatively about how you can get a meeting something you have in common? For example, if a friend decision-maker, ask your friend to introduce you to them so that you can negotiate meet, or alternatively use the opportunity as a face-to-face meeting Ask for a meeting Send a letter explaining what your advocacy goal is and up with a phone call. Often you will not get a meeting with target’ but with one of their staff (an ‘indirect target’). Always meet with the staff, and treat them in the same way you would treat the decision-maker. Invite them to see the issue or problem themselves 17

Face-to-Face Meetings Invite them out of their office to see the issue or problem first-hand and to show them why you need their support. If the decision-maker cannot leave their office, try taking your issue to them – bring people directly affected by the issue to your meeting, show a short video addressing the issue or take a few photographs with you. If you have a friend who knows the decision-maker on their staff, ask your friend to send the letter or make the phone call to support your view. 18

F2F Meetings: “One of them” Find out where and how decisions. Make a list of all the decision-making bodies to your advocacy issue (this could be similar local government bodies, NGO sector, business, professional associations, religious organisations – don’t rule anything out. Find out how to join each decision-making body – are members selected, elected or coopted, or how many shares in a company do they need to buy? Nominate or suggest your representatives for relevant bodies. Make the most of opportunities. List all decision-making bodies on which your organisation or coalition has a member. Ensure that these positions are being fully used for your advocacy objective. 19

20 ZONTA INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY POLICY As adopted by the Zonta International Board, at its February 2000 meeting; as last amended by the Zonta International Board, January (Refer to the Zonta International Website – LAA Page).

21 ADVOCACY DEFINITION - CURRENT Advocacy is the expression of support for or opposition to a cause, argument or proposal. Advocacy may include influencing laws, legislation or attitudes. Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs are urged to express themselves about and become involved in issues which: *Improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women; *Advance understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world fellowship of executives in business and the professions; and *Promote justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms.

22 ADVOCACY GOALS 1.Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs, shall be nonpartisan and nonsectarian. 2.Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs are encouraged to support legislation submitted to a legislative body for its consideration, which advances the implementation of the Objects of Zonta, the mandates of Zonta International Resolutions (current), the Beijing Declaration from the United Nations Fourth World Conference on Women and its updates and the Millennium Development Goals and their updates.

23 3.Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs will ascertain if there are other like-minded organizations or individuals researching issues regarding the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional status of women, and co- operate with these other organizations and individuals when appropriate. (Refer to Revised Policy on Affiliation of Zonta with Other Organizations – ZI Website, LAA Page).

24 4.Whenever it is more effective to do so, Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs will work in co-operation with other organizations to educate people (including ourselves) about the legal, political, economic, educational, health and professional issues which affect the lives of women and the actions we must initiate to effect a positive change. 5.When Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs host or sponsor educative activities, every effort should be made for a well-balanced presentation of the facts and viewpoints.

25 6.Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs may register protests concerning violations of human rights with the Zonta International United Nations Committee. a.Clubs shall not otherwise express positions on issues involving a country other than their own except with the prior approval of the International President through the International United Nations Chairman. a.Districts shall not otherwise express positions on issues involving countries other than their own except with the prior approval of the International President through the International United Nations Chairman. c.Individual Zonta members shall not otherwise express positions on issues involving a country other than their own except with prior approval of the International President through the International United Nations Chairman.

26 7.Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs shall not advocate on behalf of, or endorse, a political candidate or party, or any religious denomination. 8.Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs may endorse qualified individuals for nonpartisan positions.

27 9.Zonta clubs may express their opinion on issues only as clubs. Zonta districts may express their opinions only as districts. The Convention may express opinions on issues on behalf of Zonta International. Between conventions, only the Zonta International Board may express opinions on issues on behalf of Zonta International. Subject to Article 6[c] individual Zonta members may express a position on issues involving a country other than their own providing they use the exact wording of the position as contained in material adopted by the Zonta International Board or the International President’s approval given through the International United Nations Chairman.

Individual members may express their personal views on issues which have not been given prior approval by the International President, through the International UN Chairman, only as private citizens, but must not attribute them to a Zonta club or District or to Zonta International. 10.Districts may include guidelines for the process for determining their advocacy activity in their district rules of procedure providing that such guidelines conform to the International Guidelines. 28

29 ZONTA INTERNATIONAL ADVOCACY PROTOCOL ZONTA ENTITYCAN SIGN International President International Board District Governor Club President Individual Zontians On behalf of ZONTA INTERNATIONAL On behalf of DISTRICT (eg. Zonta International District 2) only IF a resolution has been passed on the subject at District Conference OR IF accepted by a majority of clubs voting by a mail ballot. (See Bylaw Article XIII, Section 10[f]) On behalf of CLUB (eg. Zonta Club of Bay View) only IF a majority decision is passed at a club meeting. In OWN NAME only, WITHOUT mention of Zonta

30 Please Note: no-one other than the International President/International Board can sign on behalf of Zonta International Club Presidents can only sign on behalf of club if a motion is passed by a majority of members at a club meeting. (Club Boards of Directors cannot make policy/pass motions or take action binding a club). On advocacy matters to be decided by the club, advance notice of discussion should be given (agenda items) and any papers distributed to all members before any vote is taken. Governors, clubs, individuals should only advocate on matters pertaining to their own jurisdictions. Concerns re matters in other countries should be referred to the Chairman of the United Nations Committee. ** ( Refer to the Advocacy Policy, Section 9 for further information).

31 Zonta must remain nonpartisan and nonsectarian in advocacy action and on issues. Zonta Districts,Clubs and members should not sign petitions in Zonta’s name. Send a copy of your letter/action to your District LAA Chairman and to the International Chairman of the Legislative Awareness and Advocacy Committee Contacts ( See International Directory) Chairman, LAA Committee: Denise Conroy ( ** Chairman, UN Committee: Jackie Shapiro (

32 LINKING ADVOCACY WITH SERVICE and AWARDS AWARDS/COMMITTEESPROGRAMS AWARDS - AE - YWPA - JMK UNITED NATIONS SERVICE YWPA AMELIA EARHART improving education, economic, political status of women JANE M. KLAUSMAN L.A.A. STATUS OF WOMEN ISSUES (legal, health, social, economic, political, educational) HUMAN/WOMEN’S RIGHTS,CONVENTIONS, PROTOCOLS SERVICE – CLUB/AREA/DISTRICT (eg. women’s shelters) INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PROJECTS: Refer to ZI Website LAA Page International projects are linked to Zonta’s Objects, Beijing +10 Goals and MDG Goals

33 What is Lobbying? Lobbying is an organised attempt by an individual, an organisation or groups of individuals and/or organisations to influence on behalf of a particular interest all the stakeholders involved in preparing and passing legislation. Such stakeholders include ministerial advisers and staff, legislative drafters, policy makers, members of Parliament, portfolio committee members, select committees, the staff of various committees, experts and consultants serving those committees, etc. It also means seeking the support of an influential person or persons and providing accurate information which legislators can use in their decision-making. Lobbying is a give-and-take process that also involves gathering new information and analysis, which enables lobbyists to strengthen their own strategies.

34 What is the difference between lobbying and advocacy? Lobbying is only one part of advocacy – one tool amongst many. The difference between advocacy and lobbying can be explained as follows: ADVOCACYLOBBYING Related to specific cause / issueRelated to specific legislation Group / collective effortMay be individual or collective Aimed at several stakeholders, both inside and outside of government Aimed specifically at legislators and government officials Aimed at common goodAimed at specific (or partisan) interest

35 ZONTA DOES NOT LOBBY We must not use the ‘L’ word – lobby. Zonta MUST be non- partisan and non-sectarian (Bylaw Article III, Section I) We must remain independent of all political parties and lobby groups in order to maintain our non-partisan stance AND to avoid being ‘used’ by other organisations to further their own ends. Lobbying ‘tactics’ usually involve giving support – either money, votes, endorsement or suggesting that support will be directed elsewhere. It is a ‘political’ tactic and NOT one endorsed by Zonta International. We must use the word advocate in all correspondence and presentations.

36 FOUNDATION ‘STATUS’ 501[c](3) The Zonta International Foundation (and some Zonta Clubs) in the USA has tax deductible status. There is some provision in the law for advocacy to influence legislation – Section 501(h) which promotes balance in the presentation of conflicting views and eases the burden of administration of Section 501[c](3).

37 Any charitable body can (‘lobby’) advocate legally, using one of 2 standards by which their compliance with the IRS Code is measured. (i)insubstantial part test (1934) (ii)Section 501 (h) expenditure test (1976) (called the 20% rule)

38 In the USA ‘direct lobbying’ is defined as communication with either a legislator, an employee of a legislative body or any other government employee who may participate in the formulation of the legislation. There is usually a reference to a specific piece of legislation, and a view on it is taken/expressed. This action is NOT to be undertaken in Zonta’s name unless agreed to by the LAA/UN Chairman.

39 EXCEPTIONS TO DIRECT LOBBYING ARE 1.Non-partisan analysis, study or research that presents all sides of an issue. 2.Responses to written requests for assistance from committees or other legislative bodies. 3.Challenges to, or support for, legislative proposals that would change the organization’s rights or its right to exist. 4.Examination and discussion of broad social, economic and similar problems.

40 All Zonta Clubs in the US are regarded as tax exempt (Section 501[c](4)), and any Zonta Clubs with tax deductible status (Section 501[c](3)), should seek professional advice from tax advisors BEFORE undertaking any activity which meets the IRS/Treasury definition of ‘direct lobbying’ as this can affect your status in these categories.

ZONTA INTERNATIONAL POSITION ON LETTER-WRITING BY ZONTIANS, ZONTA CLUBS, DISTRICTS: That any advocacy which involves co-ordinated letter- writing by members/clubs be ‘checked’ with the LAA Chairman/UN Chairman before proceeding. Advocacy on major Conventions will be co-ordinated through the LAA Chairman/UN Chairman and draft letters/templates will be provided for use by members/clubs/districts. Above all, advocacy can only take place on matters covered by Zonta’s Objects (a) and (c) - improving the legal, political, economic, educational, health status of women and promoting justice and universal respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms. 41

LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS means that we know the process by which laws are created at the local, state and federal (national) level of government, from the first mention/thought on the issue through to the passage or defeat of a law. LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS also means that we know how to have laws repealed or changed, how to prepare submissions for parliamentary inquiries or reviews, and how to present a logical, comprehensive case to support our views/arguments for or against it. This awareness or discipline is referred to as the public policy process. It is the starting point for advocacy. 42

To continue… LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS also means educating yourself about the ‘Division of Powers’ in your country – that is, what each level of government is responsible for. You also need to know whether each level of government has co-equal powers, or whether one level is ‘superior’ to (ie. can over-rule) another level. 43

Some basics… IT IS ALSO HELPFUL TO KNOW ABOUT: The Constitution Federal (National) and State legislature processes Local Government processes How laws are made The agencies/departments which implement and enforce laws How and when you can participate in the legislative process 44

HOW CAN WE INFORM OURSELVES ON LEGISLATIVE MATTERS? Check your parliament’s website * Run a seminar session with invited (knowledgeable) speakers Ask someone in your State who lectures in politics or public policy or who has a Masters Degree in these fields Ask a senior politician how laws are made/to explain the legislative process Better still, recruit people in these occupations as members. (* See 45

46 ADVOCACY CHECKLIST 1.Choose an issue that promotes the status of women -education -health -legal -social -economic -human rights Use the SCORE CARD and the Advocacy Framework which links Zonta’s Objects to CEDAW Articles (See ZI Website – LAA page)

ZONTA INTERNATIONAL – LAA COMMITTEE ADVOCACY SCORECARD: IS IT A STATUS OF WOMEN ISSUE? * SERVICE PROJECT (* strike out one not applicable; if both Service & Advocacy – leave) TOPICS/PROJECTS ZONTA’S OBJECTS RE: STATUS OF WOMEN (STATE ADVOCACY TOPIC/ SERVICE PROJECT HERE) DOES IT MEET OBJECTS? # YES = NO = X Bylaw Article II (a) Improving the Status of Women LEGAL STATUS (Incl. PROFESSIONAL STATUS) POLITICAL STATUS ECONOMIC STATUS EDUCATIONAL STATUS HEALTH STATUS Bylaw Article II (c) Justice and Universal Respect for Human Rights ( Women and the Girl Child) Notes: # One or more items must be ticked against Z.I. Objects for the Advocacy/Service project to proceed. Refer to Z.I. Advocacy Framework for detailed explanation of what is covered under each ‘status’ category.

48 Ensure that the Club/District is in agreement about the issue as one suitable for ZONTA ADVOCACY ie. AVOID-partisan/sectarian issues -issues which may ‘divide’ the membership (eg. abortion, euthanasia, legalised prostitution, genetic research, etc.) Issues where there is no majority (95%+) agreement should be pursued as INDIVIDUAL advocacy (i.e. in one’s own name NOT in Zonta’s name).

49 NON PARTISAN / NON SECTARIAN Definitions of these terms are given in the IBL (now Governing Documents) Booklet. Item 8 of the Advocacy Policy requires that we nominate persons ONLY FOR NON PARTISAN positions (ie. NON-POLITICAL positions – not influenced by, affiliated with, or supporting the interest or policies of any persons or party) The same would apply to SECTARIAN organisations (affiliation with any particular religion or sect). Zonta must, at all times, be seen to be totally impartial with respect to religious, sectarian or political organisations, and to not favour any one particular ‘belief’ over another with respect to ideology or dogma. These are matters for PERSONAL CHOICE.

50 PLAN YOUR ADVOCACY ACTIVITY: - Know your issue (high level of expertise required) - Establish your objectives - Conduct a stakeholder analysis to identify opposition - Develop a strategy - Identify and mobilise required resources - Monitor and evaluate the progress - Avoid conflicts of interest at all times - Conduct advocacy in an ethical manner KNOW YOUR LEGISLATIVE SYSTEM AND PROCESSES

WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU? RESOURCES ON THE Z.I. WEBSITE – LAA PAGE: ADVOCACY/SERVICE SCORECARD (does it meet our Objects?) ADVOCACY FRAMEWORK (‘matching” Zonta’s Objects with CEDAW Articles 1-16) WHEN/WHO TO TAKE ACTION (at what level – International, District, Club – should the issue be dealt with?) HOW SHOULD ADVOCACY PROCEED? (what policies/guidelines are applicable? Conduct thorough research; check District and Club advocacy processes). 51

For example… APPLYING ZONTA’S SCORECARD TO THE INTERNATIONAL SERVICE/ZISVAW PROJECTS (plus Beijing + 10 Goals and the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) and Millennium Summit + 5) This demonstrates our connectivity to key platforms for women (including CEDAW) and enhances our consultative status with the United Nations. 52

53 Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948) Convention of the Political Rights of Women (1952) International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966) International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966) Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1967) Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict (1974) Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979) Declaration of the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993) Inter-American Convention for the Prevention, Punishment and Elimination of Violence against Women (Belém do Pará Convention) (1995) Universal Declaration on Democracy (1997) Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1999) INSTRUMENTS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW CONCERNING WOMEN At its 162 nd session (Windhoek, 11 April 1998), the Inter-Parliamentary Council took a special decision on the recommendation of women parliamentarians entitled “Parliamentary action for national follow-up to international agreements and treaties regarding women”. Access this information at

54 RELATED DOCUMENTS BEIJING DECLARATION AND PLATFORM FOR ACTION BEIJING + 5 (2000) AND +10 (2005) CRITICAL AREAS OF CONCERN (Report E/CN.6/2000/PC/CRP.1) (Report E/CN.6/2005/2) MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (2000) MILLENNIUM + 5 SUMMIT (2005)

55 LAA Resources: CEDAW and the Optional Protocol to CEDAW – See LAA page on ZI website. See also Zonta Countries, CEDAW Signatures, Reports for latest country reports submitted. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – treaties, declarations, documents World Health Organisations – topics on womens’ health (FGM, HIV-Aids, Violence etc) World Bank Database of Gender Statistics Council of Europe (equality between men and women, trafficking, violence against women) UN Economic Commission for Europe – Gender Statistics website The European Convention on Human Rights OTHER SOURCES

56 Contact your District LAA Co-ordinator or the Zonta International LAA Committee. Chairman: Denise Conroy Connie Deckert Kikuko (Kitty) Hara A.O. Omotayo (Tayo) Morgan Bev Morrow ASSISTANCE WITH ADVOCACY