Lobby / advocacy Influencing policies in the field of Development Cooperation at the national level by Eric Bloemkolk

Guiding principles Advocacy is effective when we make the connection between the need for change felt by our counterpart(s) in the South and create political will in our country and within international institutions

Guiding principles Advocacy is effective when we show to be reliable partners for policy makers: the process of building trust are able make the connection with the political agenda of policy makers

What is Advocacy? The process of influencing policy making in our country or at the level of international institutions (in support of processes of change in developing countries)

Basic assumptions about policy makers In Parliament  Dev. Coop. has low priority  Parliamentarians have little knowledge about specific situations and  Do not attach much importance of civil society in processes of change  Have a full agenda  Want clear policitical messages/statements)

Basic assumptions about policy makers In Government  Formally loyal to their minister  Do have own opinion and are interested in (reliable) alliances and to share information  Have little or no sight on role / importance of civil society in processes of change

Basic assumptions about advocacy The do’s  Be open about your objective(s)  Be clear about your message: what policy should change and what’s the proposal?  Present proposal on bases of ‘facts and figures’, brief analyses and/or statements of other ‘recognized’ institutions or persons

Basic assumptions about advocacy The do’s Be reliable as a source and as a recipient of information Prevent fragmentation: combine message with others (in platforms, groups): be ‘representative’

Basic assumptions about advocacy The don’ts  Don’t just sent a letter or ; seek personal contact  Don’t be arrogant  Don’t think you’re the only source of information  Don’t mix up a proposal for policy change with lobby for own interest (institutional / financial support)

Before starting to advocate Make a thorough analysis. Reflect!!! What policy you want to change? What proposal for policy change you have? Who are the policy makers / have influence? Who are possible and impossible partners for alliances?

Before starting to advocate Make a good plan!!! When are the political important moments (momentum)? What time do we have / need? What is our capacity? (financially and professional) What strategy? (together with others?) What actions? (talks, letter, conference, campagne, article in newspapers?)

How do you know you’re having succes? Monitor! Develop indicators for the process (letter responded, article published, questions asked in parliament …)

How to have succes?  Clear objectives and results  Alliances who seek the same results  Good relations with parlementarians and public servants  Be aware of political agenda of parlementarians and other policy makers  Have the full support from your own organization

Lobby & advocacy is something you have to do! (And it’s great fun too!)