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Advocacy and Campaigning. Advocacy and Campaigning. Synonymous terms – umbrella terms for all forms of influencing Advocacy as engagement with government Campaigning equates to generating support and public pressure Policy Advocacy – influence policy formulation and implementation.
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Advocacy and Campaigning • Synonymous terms – umbrella terms for all forms of influencing • Advocacy as engagement with government • Campaigning equates to generating support and public pressure • Policy Advocacy – influence policy formulation and implementation
Why do advocacy and Campaigning? • To influence public as well as corporate policy and practice • To influence public attitude and behaviour • To influence decision making processes • To empower communities • To affect positive change
Advocacy by whom and for whom • Advocacy by the people • Advocacy with the people • Advocacy for the people
No Fixed Formula • Is the issue technical, legal or political? • Is the debate polarised or is there a well supported middle ground? • Are there strong vested interests in a particular outcome? • How well understood is the issue? • What capacity do you have? • Legal position on campaigning
In order to be effective…. • Understand the process of change and develop a clear influencing strategy • Understand and maximize “insiders” and “outsiders” role • Different approaches to influencing: • Participation in policy consultation processes • Policy networks outside of the decision making processes • Direct and indirect lobbying • Gaining and mobilizing public support
“seven deadly sins of advocacy and campaigning” • Unclear aims and objectives • Activity planning before (or without) developing an influencing strategy • Action plans that run to an internal timetable • Lack of innovation • Messages that do not get noticed and move people • Poor monitoring and evaluation • Failing to focus
Points to Ponder in Advocacy • “Show Don’t Tell” – i.e. projects and partnerships as advocacy • “inclusive” – branding and marketing vs. isolation • Creativity vs. clarity • Building and expanding constituency • Know and maximize spaces and create your own space • Public pressure vs. insider connection • Advocacy is communication – message and reception to influence decision and action • Advocacy is Education