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Advocacy Course. Aims of Course. By the end of the sessions the learners will be able to: Identify what advocacy is. Understand the process of advocacy Identify the advantages and disadvantages of advocacy and being an advocate Understand the skills involved in advocacy.
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Aims of Course By the end of the sessions the learners will be able to: • Identify what advocacy is. • Understand the process of advocacy • Identify the advantages and disadvantages of advocacy and being an advocate • Understand the skills involved in advocacy. • Understand the policy framework underpinning consultation within public services.
Ice Breaker You will be introducing your partner to the whole group. Please find the following out from your partner • Their name and why they are here on the course and • An anecdote detailing an occasion when their views or opinions were passed on to another person by someone other than themselves.
Why is Advocacy Important? • Social Policy engagement is central to ‘objective of democratic renewal’ • Requirement to develop methods of actively engaging with their customers / citizens e.g.?? • Equalities agenda and duty to involve. • Coalition and ‘Big Society’ • The wheel that squeaks the loudest is the one that gets the grease. Josh Billings
The Process of Advocacy • Identify and define the issues. • Exactly what is the problem that needs addressing • Analyse and Research issues. • Has this been tackled elsewhere – if so how • Who else is interested in this issue • Prepare and Implement Action Plan. • SMART targets • Meetings, letter writing, contacting elected members
S PECIFIC M EASUREABLE A CHIEVABLE R EALISTIC T IMED
Identify and Define the Issue • What is the problem? • Who is affected? • What needs to change? • Are there any other acceptable, if less desirable, changes that would help? • Who can change this?
Analyse and Research the Issue • How does this affect local people? Can this be quantified? • Has anything similar occurred elsewhere? If so what happened and how? • What are there laws, guidelines or policies that can help you? • Exactly how has this affected people (collect their stories / case studies) • Can other organisations guide / help or partner you?
Assertive Behaviour • Express your opinions and feelings • A guilt free ‘no’ • Manage and balance your time. • Ask when you want something. • Use ‘I feel’ and ‘scratched record technique’ • Choosing when not to be assertive.
An Assertive Letter • Short and to the point (1 page) • Get to the point in first paragraph • Focus on one issue, one request • Include accurate facts • Include a case study