Tips on Effective Advocacy

• Define problem
  • Learn any laws or regulations regarding your issue
  • Define scope: are other people effected by the same problem
  • Write out the problem in as much detail as possible

• Define what solution you want
  • Decide what issues you are willing to give in on, and the minimum you will accept
  • Decide how you will respond to counter-proposals

• Develop an action plan 
  • What information will you have to collect
    • Personal accounts
      • Who do you need to talk to
      • Where, when and how you can contact them
      • What information you need from each person
  • Research
    • Library
    • Internet
  • Physical evidence
    • Photos   
    • Measurements
    • Descriptions of places
  • Start of log of your activities!

• Determine what order to complete tasks, make a timetable

• Be flexible. Keep updating your plan. (Can’t get info from someone, who else?)

• Plan action in steps, with periodic evaluation

• Carry out your action plan

• Use a positive approach
  • Don’t be angry, insulting
  • Treat problems as opportunities for improvement
  • Work towards something (solution) rather than against something

• Evaluation
  • Did you get all the information you needed?
  • Did you achieve your goal?
  • Do you need to repeat some step?
  • Are you ready to proceed to the next step? Evaluate after every step, and rethink plan as needed

Making contact

Telephone contact

• Make a list of the points you want to cover in your call
• Identify yourself
• Find out who you are talking to, and write their name down
• Have a brief description of your problem/issue ready
• Write down the name and title of everyone you talk to
• Keep brief but complete, legible notes
• Consider confirming any agreements you make in writing

Written contact

• Make a list of the points you want to cover
• Give complete information
  • Date the letter
  • Give your name, address and phone number
• Keep it short
  • Brief description of problem/issue
  • List any steps you have taken to resolve issue
  • Give the solution(s) you want
  • Set a reasonable time limit for a response
• Send by certified mail so you have a receipt
• Determine if you should send copies of the letter to other interested persons
• Keep a copy of the letter

Personal contact

• Always make an appointment
• Be as brief and simple as possible while still giving complete information
• Always be willing to listen as much as you talk
• Make a list of the items you want to cover
• Think about problems/objections that may come up and how you’ll overcome them
• Always present yourself as a reasonable person
• Take a pen and paper and make notes of agreements and other important points