Advocacy

CRWRC has learned that to really help people overcome poverty we need to go beyond handouts and quick fixes to examine the structural issues that may be keeping people poor. Whether it is civil unrest, international debt, gender inequality, or child labor, many factors are at work to limit the potential of people around the world. You, too, can do something about these issues.

Your voice can combine with the voices of many others to urge our elected officials to take stand on issues that effect global hunger and poverty. Whether you write a letter, send an e-mail, organize a protest, or collect a petition, you can have an impact. Read on for some helpful advocacy tips on writing letters and emails, making phone calls, contacting the media, and organizing hints that will turn you into old pro.

How To...

• Write a Letter to Elected Representatives
• Send an Email to Elected Representatives
• Write Letters to the Editor
• Collect Petitions
• Make a Visit to Your Lawmakers
• Make a Phone Call to your Elected Officials
• Organize Effectively
• Hold a Peaceful Protests or Demonstrations

Letter Writing to Elected Representatives

Writing a letter is the one of the best ways to influence elected officials. Letters are always read by someone, and a well-written letter shows that there are people concerned enough about the issue to take time to do something about it.

Letters are much more effective than petitions or postcards, even when letter writing is done in smaller numbers. Letters are also more effective than e-mails and are more likely to get a response.

Here are some tips for writing an good letter:

• Be polite and respectful. Assume that the recipient is open to a well-reasoned argument. Affirm the positive, if at all possible.
• Be clear and accurate. Don't use jargon. Include up-to-date facts and information. Be specific about what you are asking the representative to do, and request a response.
• State who you are and who you represent (if you are writing on behalf of your group). If you have any personal knowledge or experience of the issue, you might want to mention that.
• Be brief - no more than one page.
• Keep a copy of your letter and any replies, for future reference.
• Spell the recipient's name correctly and use the proper form of address

Remember that letters to Members of the House of Commons (Canada) may be sent postage free to:  House of Commons, Parliament Buildings, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada, K1A 0A6.  For a list of MPs click here.  In the US, for the name and address of your representative, click here.

Sending Emails to Elected Representatives:

Sending an e-mail is much less effective than writing a personal letter. However, like petitions, if a large group of people is mobilized to send e-mails an effect may be seen.

An effective example of this was the millions of e-mails - encouraged by campaigns like Make Poverty History and The ONE - sent to G8 leaders before their 2005 summit in Gleneagles.

In the US, check out www.congress.org as one easy way to send electronic communications to your members of Congress.

Writing Letters to the Editor

Another way to make your voice heard on issues that matter to you is to write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper. In a few words and a few minutes you can inform readers and remind them of important issues.
When you submit the letter to your newspaper, be sure to include your name, address and daytime phone number, and sign the letter. Check to see if they have any other requirements for submissions.

Newspapers don't have much space to devote to readers' letters, so being short and sweet is key. Aim to keep your letter under 250 words.

If you need a place to start, here is a format you can use:

• Engage the reader with a startling fact or image of a serious problem to grab their attention.
• Propose something specific to make it clear what you are advocating.
• Illustrate how the proposal would work and give some examples.
• Call on people (legislators and general public) to take a specific action.

Petitions

Asking people to sign a petition is certainly easier than getting them to write a letter, but is also less effective because it takes less effort on their part. But, if you can get a large number of people to sign a petition, you will still have some effect in calling the attention of decision-makers to a problem.

Keep in mind that if you decide to write a formal petition to submit to government you must follow certain rules. Governments will only accept petitions that obey their guidelines for content, wording and format. If you aren't sure about the rules, contact your elected representative.

For all petitions, remember the following:

• Send the petition to the level of government (local, provincial/state, federal) that makes the decisions regarding the subject of your petition.
• Be respectful and clear. Include all the necessary information within the petition (because you can't attach supporting material). Be specific in what you want the government to do.
• All signatures must be originals, signed directly on the sheet, not glued, stapled or photocopied.
• Every page of signatures must begin with a statement saying what the petition is about.

Making a Visit

Meeting with your elected representatives (at any level - local, provincial/state, or federal) gives you a chance to let them know you care about an issue, make connections and respond to each other's concerns. It is part of your rep's job to learn what constituents think and to become educated on issues, so don't think you're imposing. Talk to them no matter what side of the issue they are on - those who agree with you need support and those who don't may be persuaded to change their minds.

• Call their office and arrange a meeting. Prepare by deciding what you hope to achieve at the meeting, researching their position and preparing the information you want to give them.
• Take a fairly small group of people (3-5) and be polite and friendly. Remember that you can disagree without being rude. Introduce yourself and the group, explain why you asked for a meeting, communicate your basic message and be prepared for their questions.
• Take this time to ask them questions as well. Bring supporting material along. Remember that you don't have to be an expert - if you don't know the answer offer to follow-up with the requested information.
• Be persistent and stick to your key points - don't allow the discussion to get off-topic.
• Follow up with a brief letter thanking them for the opportunity to meet and reminding them of the key points of your meeting.

Phone Calls

Phone calls are another good way to raise attention and might be an easier first step to take for someone who is nervous about making a visit.

You should be prepared in the same way for a phone call as you would be for a visit, and then tell the person that you spoke to you that you will send them more information and follow-up.

Effective Organizing - Networking

The benefits of networking:

• Get help from people who have experience in advocacy, education and research
• Gain first-hand information from people working for social justice
• Work with others for more effective action
• Get new ideas for actions, campaigns and techniques
• Gain new members

Having a larger base makes it easier to continue from year to year.

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Peaceful Protests and Demonstrations

Any demonstration has the intention of gathering a group of concerned people together to make a united stand about an issue, often using visual symbols like candles or signs.

• Different kinds of demonstrations vary. They can include vigils, protests, marches, rallies, pickets and sit-ins.
• They can include speakers, participatory exercise (chants), music and discussions.
• Be sure to find out school rules (if doing it on campus) or local laws may affect your demonstration.
• Always avoid violence.
• Have information available for people to take.

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