advocacy 464

CSUF CAS Practicum 2/26/19

ADVOCACY STRATEGIES BASED ON ADVOCACY TYPES

Legislative Advocacy Efforts to influence the introduction,

enactment, or modification of legislation

Media Advocacy Strategic use of newsmaking through TV, radio, newspapers, and social media to promote public debate, and generate

community support for changes in community norms and policies.

Administrative/Agency Advocacy

Encompasses a variety of positions concerned with influencing the

formation, application, or change of rules within an organization.

Case Advocacy Acting on behalf of a client (individual,

family, or group) in order to access needed resources, services, or to

influence the implementation of policy.

Establish relationships with state legislators. Write to state legislators and federal officials. Become active in professional organizations. Get to know Congressional Committees, Caucuses, and Agencies. Sign on to a letter to your representative. Organize a site visit for a policy maker. Participate in events and meetings with lawmakers. Contact the office of the Child Advocate or Children’s Ombudsman Offices.

Write a letter to the editor in a newspaper. Write an Op-ed piece. Share information in social media (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter). Write on a blog. Develop an elevator pitch. Write an article. Write in an agency and association newsletter. Appear on public radio or television (talk shows, news). Develop Public Service Announcements (PSAs).

Monitor the agency (proposed rules, budget preparation, client outcomes, changes in policy or programs, policy and program implementation, implementation of Evidence-Based Practices). Provide professional development and training on EBPs relevant to the population served. Become part of a leadership team (e.g., school learning community). Meet with appropriate agency officials. Write a letter to agency officials. Join or develop task forces or leadership teams that influence decision-making. Work with “inside advocates”.

Learn about Evidence-Based Practices relevant to the populations served. Inform parents about resources, services, and systems of care available to them. Help families navigate systems of care. Acknowledge a family’s funds of knowledge and how those help children and their development. Approach a leadership team or program coordinator. Report physical, sexual, and emotional abuse. Build relationships with decision- makers. Learn about families in your community/work/school.

CSUF CAS Practicum 2/26/19

Legislative Advocacy Efforts to influence the introduction,

enactment, or modification of legislation

Media Advocacy Strategic use of newsmaking through TV, radio, newspapers, and social media to promote public debate, and generate

community support for changes in community norms and policies.

Administrative/Agency Advocacy

Encompasses a variety of positions concerned with influencing the

formation, application, or change of rules within an organization.

Case Advocacy Acting on behalf of a client (individual,

family, or group) in order to access needed resources, services, or to

influence the implementation of policy.

Identify potential advocates, build coalitions, or activate a network of advocates. Join an advocacy group. Monitor legislative process and new bills. Lobby and testify Get involved before and after elections (register and vote). Donate for a cause.

Contact the office of the Child Advocate or Children’s Ombudsman Offices. Provide workshops and training for parents to develop their skills and leadership potential. Establish mechanisms to receive official feedback from clients, consumers, staff, and/or children. Encourage parents to participate in school-family partnership or leadership opportunities (e.g., advisory committees, PTA).

Connect parents to support groups. Attend meetings and take a stand on issues. Inform families about their rights. Understand how public and agency policies affect families and children. Provide a stimulating environment where children are free to speak and adults listen. Determine the most appropriate education for a child with special needs. Seek out interesting excursions and activities that will benefit the child.

(Prepared by Pineda, 2019, based on Berger & Riojas-Cortez, 2016; Goodall, 2014; Ezell, 2001; Riojas-Cortez, 2016)