8 Key Steps In Advocacy

PHR Advocacy Training

8 Key Steps in Advocacy

Step 1 – Coming Together


Reach out to an relevant group

urban and rural men and women Nurses Doctors Pharmacists other healers

Consider creative collaborations for unique outreach

Journalists Artists Theater groups

People with common concerns are the most effective.


Meet to discuss the concerns and develop proposed solutions.Clear agenda that people agree on Introduce everyoneFacilitator to keep discussion on trackConcrete next steps and assignments at

the end

Step 2 – Setting the Objective


An overall goal is important – for example treating everyone with HIV/AIDS.

Still, objectives must be specific and concrete.


Objectives should be achievable.

There can be multiple objectives, but the fewer the more manageable.

Everyone involved must either agree on objectives or accept them.

Step 3 – Getting the Facts

Step 3 – Getting the Facts

All advocacy depends on a strong analysis of the situation you are addressing.

It may be necessary to do additional research – get available public health data, learn policies of Ministries.

Step 3 – Getting the Facts It is important to

write this down – a background paper setting out the facts can help educate and organize.

See PHR’s “Getting the Facts” Guide in the Student Toolbox

Step 4 – Deciding Who You Are Trying to

Influence

Step 4 – Deciding Who You Are Trying to Influence

It is important to figure out who has the authority to make the decision. Sometimes there are multiple decisions and decision makers.

Strategies must always be tailored to who the decision-maker is.


Sometimes the person or institution can be influenced directly, sometimes indirectly.

It is important to try to understand what is most likely to influence each decision-maker. Examples: gaining public

support, bettering his/her reputation, gaining funding, forming alliances, etc


Examples of decision makers on HIV/AIDS: Ministry of Health, district health directors, other Ministries (Finance), Parliament, international agencies – WHO, UNAIDS, and Donors – Global Fund, United States policy makers.

See our “Power Mapping” Guide in the Student Toolbox

Step 5 – Determine What Decision Can Be

Influenced

Step 5 – Determine What Decision Can Be Influenced

Understand the context and the constraints on the decision-maker.

Understand the timing of the decision.

Step 5 – Determine What Decision Can Be Influenced

Focus as much as you can on a particular decision at a particular time.

Sometimes there may be no decision pending and it is up to advocates to put a matter on the agenda.

Step 6 – Build Alliances and Coalitions


Working together is likely to achieve the best results.

Remember: There is strength in numbers; but, make sure everyone agrees on the coalition’s goals.


Pros Different groups have different perspectives

and better to resolve them among groups with similar objectives

Possibility of greater support or hands-on effort New ideas Resource or Information Connections Funding opportunities Community outreach Expertise Greater legitimacy in higher numbers


Example- Collaboration for HIV/AIDS advocacy:

Potential partners Nurses, doctors, people living with HIV/AIDS,

traditional healers, midwives, NGOs etc. in common cause

Guidelines Need to clearly articulate and agree with the needs

of each group Be clear on what each group’s strengths and

limitations Can and should respect each others differences Refer to the Collaboration Guide in the PHR Toolbox

for more advise

Step 7 – Methods of Advocacy


General Rules: Be clear on

objective. Develop a strong

case. Make sure the

“message” is clear, understandable and appealing.


Methods: Writing letters and making phone calls Public education: oral presentations,

written articles, fact sheets, open classes, reports, speaking events

Meetings with government officials, Parliamentarians, international agencies

These are common methods; do not be afraid to get creative.


Tips for Meeting with Policy Makers: Be persistent in seeking meeting Have clearly identified agenda Be prepared with specific requests Have lead spokesperson setting out

background and reasons Be respectful Show extent of support Seek ongoing dialogue Use media

Step 8 – Review and Adjust

Step 8 – Review and Adjust

As advocacy efforts proceed, review objectives, facts needed, and participants. Adjust accordingly.

Need to arrange meetings and discussion so that group stays together and addresses strategies and new concerns.

Health & Medicine

8 Key Steps In Advocacy