6 Tips for Effective Advocacy

By Maria van Geest | Friday, August 8th, 2008

Follow up! After you have taken action, stay informed about the progress made on your issue. After you have signed a petition, let your MP know why you signed it. After participating in a demonstration, let your MP know that her constituents were present. By following up on such actions, you can demonstrate commitment to the cause and give more weight to your actions.
Be persistent. Write and call your MP regularly about the issue, especially as you see new developments occurring. Give the MP adequate time to respond in between contacting him, so that you can have a dialogue with him about the issue.
Get and stay connected. Get to know others who are working on your issue and communicate regularly. This way, you can share information and coordinate advocacy activities.
Diversify. Try to get your message across in a variety of ways. Be creative in thinking up new tactics, and you will be sure to be heard!
Be consistent. It is important that decision makers receive a consistent message from everyone working on your campaign, throughout the campaign. Consistency can be achieved through formulating clear objectives and creating materials that explain your objectives concisely.
Use your vote as leverage. When contacting your elected representative, do not be afraid to let her know that her actions can translate into votes. If how she responds to your issue will matter to you at election time, let her know!

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