Speaking out
If you make your advocacy effective, when you speak out, the authorities will listen and you can bring real change for people in your community.
You need to plan carefully - it's hard to persuade those in power to change their minds! There are no rules that will ensure success. You know best what will work in your context. So consider:
- What are you trying to change? Who is responsible? So who should you speak to? Make sure you speak to the person who can make a difference.
- How do you make contact? Are there people who can help you? Unity is strength, so will you be better off joining forces with others?
- What are you asking for? People may feel that they are being badly treated generally: you need to turn this into some specific questions - the more specific the better.
- Who is going to do the asking? The authorities can spot professional advocates. It helps to empower people to speak for themselves.
- How are you going to follow up? It will take more than one time of asking to get what you want. So plan and persist. See Matthew chapter 15, v. 21 to 28 for advice.
These are just a few points to start you off. There are lots more guides on-line, including by faith-based organisations such as World Vision. You can read the Christian Aid quick guide to lobbying. Or you can download a booklet by one of the partners in our food advocacy campaign, the Ecumenical Advocacy Alliance through the link right.
And let everyone know what you are doing in our on-line forum!
