8 Key Steps In Advocacy
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Transcript of 8 Key Steps In Advocacy
PHR Advocacy Training
8 Key Steps in Advocacy
Step 1 – Coming Together
Step 1 – Coming Together
Reach out to an relevant group
urban and rural men and women Nurses Doctors Pharmacists other healers
Consider creative collaborations for unique outreach
Journalists Artists Theater groups
People with common concerns are the most effective.
Step 1 – Coming Together
Meet to discuss the concerns and develop proposed solutions.Clear agenda that people agree on Introduce everyoneFacilitator to keep discussion on trackConcrete next steps and assignments at
the end
Step 2 – Setting the Objective
Step 2 – Setting the Objective
An overall goal is important – for example treating everyone with HIV/AIDS.
Still, objectives must be specific and concrete.
Step 2 – Setting the Objective
Objectives should be achievable.
There can be multiple objectives, but the fewer the more manageable.
Everyone involved must either agree on objectives or accept them.
Step 3 – Getting the Facts
Step 3 – Getting the Facts
All advocacy depends on a strong analysis of the situation you are addressing.
It may be necessary to do additional research – get available public health data, learn policies of Ministries.
Step 3 – Getting the Facts It is important to
write this down – a background paper setting out the facts can help educate and organize.
See PHR’s “Getting the Facts” Guide in the Student Toolbox
Step 4 – Deciding Who You Are Trying to
Influence
Step 4 – Deciding Who You Are Trying to Influence
It is important to figure out who has the authority to make the decision. Sometimes there are multiple decisions and decision makers.
Strategies must always be tailored to who the decision-maker is.
Step 4 – Deciding Who You Are Trying to Influence
Sometimes the person or institution can be influenced directly, sometimes indirectly.
It is important to try to understand what is most likely to influence each decision-maker. Examples: gaining public
support, bettering his/her reputation, gaining funding, forming alliances, etc
Step 4 – Deciding Who You Are Trying to Influence
Examples of decision makers on HIV/AIDS: Ministry of Health, district health directors, other Ministries (Finance), Parliament, international agencies – WHO, UNAIDS, and Donors – Global Fund, United States policy makers.
See our “Power Mapping” Guide in the Student Toolbox
Step 5 – Determine What Decision Can Be
Influenced
Step 5 – Determine What Decision Can Be Influenced
Understand the context and the constraints on the decision-maker.
Understand the timing of the decision.
Step 5 – Determine What Decision Can Be Influenced
Focus as much as you can on a particular decision at a particular time.
Sometimes there may be no decision pending and it is up to advocates to put a matter on the agenda.
Step 6 – Build Alliances and Coalitions
Step 6 – Build Alliances and Coalitions
Working together is likely to achieve the best results.
Remember: There is strength in numbers; but, make sure everyone agrees on the coalition’s goals.
Step 6 – Build Alliances and Coalitions
Pros Different groups have different perspectives
and better to resolve them among groups with similar objectives
Possibility of greater support or hands-on effort New ideas Resource or Information Connections Funding opportunities Community outreach Expertise Greater legitimacy in higher numbers
Step 6 – Build Alliances and Coalitions
Example- Collaboration for HIV/AIDS advocacy:
Potential partners Nurses, doctors, people living with HIV/AIDS,
traditional healers, midwives, NGOs etc. in common cause
Guidelines Need to clearly articulate and agree with the needs
of each group Be clear on what each group’s strengths and
limitations Can and should respect each others differences Refer to the Collaboration Guide in the PHR Toolbox
for more advise
Step 7 – Methods of Advocacy
Step 7 – Methods of Advocacy
General Rules: Be clear on
objective. Develop a strong
case. Make sure the
“message” is clear, understandable and appealing.
Step 7 – Methods of Advocacy
Methods: Writing letters and making phone calls Public education: oral presentations,
written articles, fact sheets, open classes, reports, speaking events
Meetings with government officials, Parliamentarians, international agencies
These are common methods; do not be afraid to get creative.
Step 7 – Methods of Advocacy
Tips for Meeting with Policy Makers: Be persistent in seeking meeting Have clearly identified agenda Be prepared with specific requests Have lead spokesperson setting out
background and reasons Be respectful Show extent of support Seek ongoing dialogue Use media
Step 8 – Review and Adjust
Step 8 – Review and Adjust
As advocacy efforts proceed, review objectives, facts needed, and participants. Adjust accordingly.
Need to arrange meetings and discussion so that group stays together and addresses strategies and new concerns.