Legislative Advocacy Bootcamp
The Information and Tools You Need to Make an
Impact at the State Capitol
The contents of this product were developed under a grant from the Alabama Council for Developmental Disabilities (ACDD). However, these contents do not necessarily represent the views or policies of the Council.
What is Advocacy?
Simply put, advocacy is the public support of a particular cause, policy or position.
Advocacy can take any number of forms, from raising awareness online to lobbying directly for change within government or other institutions.
No matter what form they take, advocacy campaigns allow nonprofits (and other organizations) to spread the word about their mission.
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Forms of Advocacy
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Self Advocacy
Self Advocacy occurs any time people speak or act on their own behalf to improve their quality of life, effect personal change, or correct inequalities.
Self Advocacy is referred to as the ability to articulate one’s needs and make informed decisions about the supports necessary to meet those needs.
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Peer Advocacy
Peer Advocacy involves individuals advocating for someone else in a one-on-one setting.
Typically, these advocates and beneficiaries have shared experiences, making it easier for advocates to empathize and communicate the needs of the benefiting community.
Cause Advocacy
Cause Advocacy is the championing of a particular issue or cause that supporters feel strongly about.
This type of advocacy can be led by organizations, groups of people, or individuals, with the goal of raising awareness for a problem and finding or promoting a solution.
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System/Legislative Advocacy
System Advocacy, or Legislative Advocacy, is essentially cause advocacy on a larger scale.
Legislative Advocacy is a form of advocacy that seeks to effect change within social, economic, or political institutions.
Legislative Advocacy can involve fundraising, awareness campaigns, and lobbying.
Goals of Advocacy Campaigns
Education
A common goal of an advocacy campaign is to bring a previously unknown issue to light on a large scale.
Advocates may create educational materials (such as a film or case study) and use their campaign to promote them to the public.
Fundraising
Policy Change
Litigation
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Many times, what stands between a problem and its solution is a lack of resources.
Fundraising can fill that gap by providing an advocacy group with the money they need to supply a community’s needs or power a charitable mission.
One of the most visible results of advocacy is a tangible change in the way our systems operate.
Advocates may lobby for legislation or work to elect government officials. Policy change can also take place within other systems, such as an institution or corporation.
Litigation is a specific aspect of advocacy and it takes place within the pathways of the court system.
Through litigation, advocates can enact changes within the law that can directly impact communities on a small or large scale.
�Advocacy Best Practices
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What is the problem?
Define the issue.
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What do we need to change?
Set attainable goals.
Who can help us get what we need?
Determine the audience.
What type of Advocacy will work best first?
Determine the form of Advocacy.
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Who else cares about this issue?
Build networks.
How do we keep people informed?
Provide updates.
How do we create lasting relationships?
Thank your supporters.
Tell an Effective Story – The Story Arc
There can be a difference between telling a story and telling a memorable story. Great storytellers often follow the classic story arc. The story arc (think fairytales) will help you to keep your story familiar, concise, and clearly leading to the point you want to share.
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Ground Situation
Something happens; the character wants something different.
Rising Action
Various obstacles occur.
The Climax
A turning point
Falling Action
An issue is resolved.
New Ground Situation
Life goes on, but something has changed.
“They always say time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself.”�–– Andy Warhol
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Thank You
Shannon Ammons
205-879-4712
DeAnna Ferguson
251-421-3003