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Campaigning. Definition: To exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end. Campaigning basics. Campaigning requires 3 basic elements An identified problem An identified solution The political will to change matters. A campaigning quiz.
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Campaigning Definition: To exert oneself continuously, vigorously, or obtrusively to gain an end.
Campaigning basics • Campaigning requires 3 basic elements • An identified problem • An identified solution • The political will to change matters
A campaigning quiz Q. Why do we campaign? Q. Name some campaigns? (Think historically and recently, think globally and locally) Q. What makes a campaign successful? (Name the ingredients)
1. We campaign for social justice Like slavery and apartheid, poverty is not natural. It is man-made and it can be overcome and eradicated by the actions of human beings” Nelson Mandela Feb 3, 2005
We campaign to effect change. People in power don’t always see the but they do feel the
Name some campaigns: Historical • Civil Rights / Anti-Apartheid/ Suffragettes/ Labour Rights More Recent • Drop The Debt/ Make Poverty History/ No Sweat / Women’s Reproductive Rights
Successful campaigns usually have • Moral outrage. An identified wrong that needs fixing • Clear demands. • A strong and clear message • Good spokespeople (eg. Nelson Mandela, Martin Luther King, etc) • An identifiable target (a villian). • Public support
Campaigning Involves speaking up, drawing the community’s attention to an issue and directing decision-makers to a solution Involves a series of actions, events, stunts, reports, all aimed at achieving change.
The ABC s of Campaigning • Know the issue • Be SMART • The 7 ‘C’s • Think SWOT • And always KISS
Know The Issue • How can you advocated for change if you don’t know what you are talking about? • A good campaigner will take the time to learn about an issue. Note – you don’t have to be an expert, but you do need to know the important core messages. A good campaign is well-researched.
Tough Issues to Understand • Many of the issues Oxfam deals with are complicated eg. trade rules, patent rights, structural adjustment, etc. • That is why we rely on good background information, solid research and articulated solutions.
The Human Story • Many people have a hard time understanding Third World Debt but most understand that all children should have access to a basic education. Yet they are related.
DEBT and SCHOOLS Millions of children are denied their right to an education Because poor countries are spending more on debt repayments than they are on education for children IN BRIEF Emphasize the human story.
SMART Campaigning • A good campaign is a SMART campaign. Your objectives should be • Specific • Manageable • Achievable • Results oriented • Time bound
The SMART Quiz • S – Specific -What is your specific ask? What do you want people to do? • M– Manageable – Do you have the necessary resources to make this campaign succeed. • A – Achievable – Is your goal or demand achievable? How realistic is your goal? • R - Results oriented – What results are you aiming for? How will you measure success? • T – Time bound – When do you expect your campaign to end? Is there a pre-determined end date that you can aim for? (eg. WTO or World Band meetings).
The 7 Cs of campaigning • Campaigning requires you are Clear about your goal, Concise and Consistent with your messaging as well as Compelling Creative Comprehensive and Credible.
SWOT analysis • Before you venture into a campaign one should do an organizational and environmental scan. • Strengths and Weaknesses help you measure internal factors. • Opportunities and Threats help you determine external factors.
KISS When deciding on your actions and messages remember to Keep It Simple and Sensible.
What Makes A Campaign Effective? • Identify what needs to change. What are you aiming to achieve? You can list short-term to long-term goals. • Good research – proof of argument. Know your issue. • Articulated policy objectives – What specifically needs to change. • Articulated action – Given the desired goal what is you want people to do? Sign a petition, contact their MP, write a letter, etc. Be clear. • Target or villain. Who needs to change or who is it that can effect the change. • Action plan – What is your strategy? How are you going to win this change? Popular mobilization/ media strategy/ stunts/ speakers tours/ etc
We need to you A good campaign needs good campaigners who are articulate, creative, and tenacious. We need activists who are ready to advocate for change by speaking at meetings, to friends, to the media; Change requires we take action. A good campaign helps us achieve our goals.