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Hill+Knowlton Regina

Hill+Knowlton Regina. Grassroots Advocacy Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists October 27, 2012. hkstrategies.ca @ hk_canada. Advocacy: an advocate is someone who speaks up for others. The advocate may be an individual or an organization.

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Hill+Knowlton Regina

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  1. Hill+Knowlton Regina Grassroots Advocacy Saskatchewan Association of Optometrists October 27, 2012 hkstrategies.ca @hk_canada

  2. Advocacy: an advocate is someone who speaks up for others. The advocate may be an individual or an organization. Advocacy involves identifying, embracing and promoting a cause. Advocacy is an effort to shape public perception or to affect change that may or may not require legislation. What is Advocacy?

  3. Grassroots Advocacy …it’s all about... Building Relationships! With a Purpose … INFLUENCE

  4. Why is a Grassroots Advocacy Important ? Professional Advocacy/Lobbying has its place … • Lobbyists/Position Papers/Campaigns And they’re important … however … Elected officials are motivated by: • The people who vote for them

  5. Grassroots Advocacy – Where do YOU fit in? • Grassroots members can play a key role in advancing an organization's goals by interacting with elected officials directly.

  6. Grassroots Advocacy – Keys to Success • Effective advocacy relies on membership involvement • Grassroots communication of concerns has the greatest impact on local politicians • Broad-based communications will be more effective if it supports a central message. • Using originality serves to break through the clutter. • A sustained & coordinated approach managed centrally but applied locally is effective. • Personalized approached to political leaders works best. Real people explaining real concerns.

  7. Quantitative – get an many voters as you can to be involved Qualitative – target a few members who have special relationships with the elected officials Third-party Programs – coalitions with other organizations (multiplier effect) Can do all at once Types of Grassroots Programs

  8. Remember… It’s organized Members are recruited, educated, and motivated The goal is INFLUENCE Grassroots Program

  9. Developing an Advocacy Strategy“Vision without action is a daydream. Action without vision is a nightmare.” - Japanese Proverb -

  10. Developing an Advocacy Strategy • Identify Issue – What’s your concern, problem or focus? • Research & Get Facts – Facts is what makes your argument credible. Avoid anecdotes or hearsay. • Set Goals – What’s your objective? What outcomes are acceptable and what alternatives are acceptable to the membership / community? • Determine your target audiences – With whom are you trying to communicate? Elected officials? Civil servants, media people, public at large, members? • Build coalitions – Look to develop relationships with organizations of common interest. Share information (or) join in more formal coalitions /strategic alliances. **

  11. Developing an Advocacy Strategy • Develop a formal position – Develop statements, key messages, brief or scientific paper. Develop tactical action plan – timelines, activities and assignments of responsibilities. • Communicate clearly with your target audience – Inform your target audience of your concerns / views. Establish communications and begin developing relationships. Consult your membership – continue to seek input from your membership and involve your membership in the process. • Keep your membership informed – Inform members of your progress along the way. • Review Campaign – Make adjustments where necessary.

  12. Do the potential partners have a shared vision/shared goals? Define success & get all players to buy-in before embarking formally on a coalition process Can the partners agree upon a workable advocacy plan? Who’s in charge? Accountability mechanism to members? Are costs-sharing agreements clear/explicit? Can coalition partners take small workable steps in the early stage? Do partners have an exit strategy? **Coalitions

  13. The Meeting

  14. Be flexible – you may not get to see the elected official, but staff are very important Do multiple visits in multiple settings – don’t talk about the same issue every time (don’t be a pest) Offer to serve as a resource person on related issues Be prepared Establish a common denominator (begin with something you agree on) Be concise, specific, and clear Be reasonable Personal Visit with Elected Officials

  15. Localize the issue-show the importance on a local level (how it effects your community) Acknowledge, but don’t denigrate, the opposition Provide written materials (briefings, not dissertations)-one pagers are very effective Close the sale-ask how they stand on the issue or how they plan to vote Say “thank you”-if possible, take a small gift Follow up promptly-send letter to follow up on what you discussed Report immediately Personal Visit with Elected Officials

  16. Faxed Letters E-mail Messages Phone Calls Regular Mailed Letters (uncertain these days) *not as effective Express Mailed Letters (also somewhat uncertain) *not as effective Communications(s) other than personal visits

  17. Attend town hall meetings Invite elected officials to a local event Use an advisory group Other components of Grassroots Advocacy

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