What Is Advocacy?

Advocacy is the act of arguing in favor of something – an idea, cause, or policy. All of us advocate regularly when we express a point of view to our friends, families and employers.

Below are three short videos explaining some of the basics of advocacy.

Why Advocacy? Policy-makers need your expertise! First consider the goals and the mission of your organization • Advocacy advances your cause and builds public trust • By helping to set policy, your organization can make a difference in people’s lives • By advocating your organization can help policy-makers find real solutions • You can have an immediate, concrete effect on people in need Educate, raise awareness and seek the support of policy-makers • Those who represent you at the local and/or state level and may have a vested interest in your success • Those who are leaders among policy-makers and may help you through their influence with other policy-makers • Those who are on relevant committees may be voting on your issue at some point
Successful Advocacy Depends on Creating and Maintaining Solid Relationships Relationships are key to your advocacy success • Relationships with decision-makers • Relationships with the media • Relationships with organizations with like interests Develop a long term plan for building relationships • Take an inventory of your relationships • Maintain your current relationships • Identify policy makers that you would like to form a relationship Meetings and Communications • Attend Local Fundraisers & Town Hall Meetings • Send Emails, Articles and Other Pertinent Information • Use Social Media to Stay Social and Stay Connected
The Importance of Providing Testimony – Be Prepared! Visit the website, find out the specific rules that apply to your testimony Write out your testimony – Keep it short,  3 minutes or shorter. Memorize it so you don’t have to ready it, allowing for eye contact while speaking Bring 15-20 copies of your testimony for committee members Arrive early – usually twenty to thirty minutes before the committee is scheduled to begin Sign in – Most public hearings require witnesses to sign in before they testify so a public record exists. When you testify – Thank the chairperson of the committee and the members of the committee for their service and their interest in this issue. Avoid repeating a previously made point – If the point you want to make is made by a witness before you, think of a new angle from which to make your point. Be willing to answer questions – When your testimony is complete, be prepared to answer questions.