Advocacy is the practice of creating a group or team of people, which influences the political, social and economic decisions made by governments. Lobbying is the most common form of advocacy and can go a long way in modifying the government agendas and reforms. However, before such advocacy can be formed, you have to perform a campaign for the same.
These public advocacy campaigns are necessary to increase the strength of the team, which in turn would make influencing the policies simpler. Here are 5 steps you need to keep in mind if you are planning such a campaign.
1. Setting the goal
The goal is perhaps the most important aspect of any public advocacy campaign. Running such a campaign without setting a goal is like crossing the street wearing a blindfold. You may succeed in your attempt, but the chances are low. However, the kind of goal that you set is also important. The goal should not be an abstract one, but a concrete change, which you would like to bring once the campaign is over.
2. The message is important as well
Apart from the primary goal that your campaign has, the underlying message is also vital to the success of any advocacy campaign. This means that you need to not only spread the message that you believe in but also clearly define what it stands for. Ensure that your whole team spreads this message and completely believes in it. This brings us to our next point.
3. Building a dependable team
When you a clear goal is clearly set, it is likely that you will have members in your advocacy team. These members need to be dependable and trustworthy, who believe in what the group stands for. Any election campaign management requires a team leader, specialists, communications expert and software executives.
4. Establish a timeline
When you set out on the advocacy campaign, you need to maintain a strict schedule. This means you should have an established period of time for every activity that the team conducts. So, for instance, sending out regular updates on how the campaign is proceeding is a good way of instilling confidence among the supporters and making the campaign a success.
5. Good communication and activities
Plan essential activities, which will establish the importance of your public advocacy campaign. Have the election campaign management draft necessary modifications for the campaign to focus on. Finally, act on these modifications to show people how effective your campaign really is.
Try out these steps for your next advocacy campaign, and you will likely succeed in it.