Advocate!
Now that you have a goal, a team, and allies you can create an advocacy plan. Draft a petition and get signatures. These petitions can be presented to local law making bodies and the media as evidence of local support. Once the petitions are signed and collected look to your elected officials. Who are the saints, sinners and salvageables? Talk to the saints (your allies) first and find out what you and your team can do to help them pass the legislation. Use your local press as an ally. Inform the press of your advocacy and work with them to gain visibility and support.
Target the people your issue is affecting. Motivate community members to sign online petitions and write letters to local elected officials. Email your coalition organizations and encourage them to circulate your online petition.
Set weekly goals. This allows you to monitor your advocacy so you stay on target to reach your long-term goals.
Remember: When you initially launch any campaign you will usually see a spike in activity. As your campaign ages, interest tapers off because it is no longer new. Make sure your weekly advocacy goals reflect this. Do not be disappointed if your online numbers dwindle as your campaign gets older; this is to be expected.
Ways to Advocate
- Circulate petitions, both online and in hard copy
- Direct emails to elected officials (youthpolicyactioncenter.org)
- Direct postcards to elected officials
- Call your elected officials
- Meet with elected officials
- Hold press events
- Hold rallies or lobby days
Next: Spread the Word
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