Advocacy
Objective; by the end of the discussion learners will be able to:
1. Define Advocacy
2. State the principles of advocacy
3. Explain the types of advocacy
4. State the steps in advocacy process
Definition
Advocacy is defined as the act of building support for a cause or an issue on behalf of others. It is a
set of actions taken by a group of individuals or organisations working in partnership to build
consensus, gain support or create favourable environment for introducing or changing specific
strategies, programmes or policies.
Principles of advocacy:
Clarity of purpose
Confidentiality
Equality
Diversity
Qualities of a good advocate
possess leadership qualities and can recognise such qualities in others
have tolerance and perseverance when facing a problem
have dedication on all community and reproductive health programmes trying to make the
change
able to bring people together that is TEAM (together everyone achieves more)
Types of advocacy
1. Self-advocacy: this refers to an individual ability to effectively communicate his/her own
desire or interest. It means speaking up for oneself.
2. Individual advocacy: this refers to where a person or group of individual concentrate on an
individuals or group of individuals. This means to stand for someone.
3. System advocacy: this is about changing policies, law or rules that impact how someone
lives.
Steps in advocacy process
proper understanding of the subject matter for advocacy: the type of ideas to be used
should be properly understood, language to used, channel and time should be clearly and
effectively
needs analysis: Identify and clarify issues why advocacy is needed and the expected result
identify potential opposition and develop strategies to address them
select audience: identify the primary stakeholders (beneficiaries) that is people affected by
the intervention (the people of the community)
identify the secondary stakeholders: These are the intermediates that are used to reach the
audience these are the policy makers, partners, community/traditional leaders and the
government
formulate strategy for successful advocacy
build coalition or constituency: the power of advocacy is seen in the number of people who
support the goal.
Prepare simple and clear messages cantered to the goals
Determine communication channels that will be cost effective in relation to the audience.
Also note the limit and merits of each channel cantered on the goal and develop good media
relation
Anticipate the need for possible questions that may arise when the meeting is going on with
the audience.
Implement the set activities
Monitoring and evaluation
Ensure continuity/sustainability of efforts as advocacy is an ongoing process.
Tools for advocacy
1. Lobbying: lobbying decision makers for support is an act of persuading people through
presentation of information and use of good communication skills to convince them to
support them. Lobbying is an effective tool when in need of something from the legislative
system or law makers.
2. Building networks: this refers to a group of people or organisation working together with a
common goal of achieving changes on policies, laws or programmes.
3. Media tools: These involves the use of press release (will help enhance public education or
enlightenment), press conference (will help educate the media about the cause and need for
action), newspapers, magazines, radio jingles and interviews in sending the message to the
public.
4. Testimonies: testify to previous achievements/positive results on the issue in other parts.
This will encourage people to action.
5. Advocacy kit: This is a well packaged information to the stakeholders, group and
organisations.
6. Visit organisation: This refers to visit of an organisation who has experience in conducting
advocacy activities. This will enhance success.
