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Chapter 32. Providing Encouragement and Education >
Section 3. Establishing Formal Communications and Requesting... >
Establishing Formal Communications and Requesting Participation |
Tools & Checklists | Contributed by Phil Rabinowitz Edited by Bill Berkowitz |
Checklist
Here you will find a checklist for carrying out this skill.
What exactly is establishing formal communications and requesting participation?
__ You establish formal communications and request participation by developing a structured, "official" connection with an organization or individual who can be a valuable ally in your advocacy effort, and asking for participation in a way likely to be successful.
Why establish formal communications and request participation?
You establish formal communications because:
__ It's the only way you can approach some people and organizations.
__ It shows respect for the integrity of the other party's procedure.
__ It acknowledges the other as an equal partner.
__ It points up the importance of the other party's potential contribution, and makes apparent that you really want their help.
__ It establishes a relationship, and acknowledges that you might have something to offer each other.
__ Establishing formal communications means that a channel is always open, and a certain amount and type of communication becomes automatic.
You formally request participation because:
__ You need all the help you can get.
__ It's necessary to assure the participation of those who are key to the effort.
__ It's important to enlist as many of the people and organizations concerned with the issue as you can, in order to show solidarity for the effort.
__ A coordinated effort is much stronger than a haphazard one.
__ You're asking not just for a single action, but for a commitment to an effort that might take a long time.
__ Establishing communications and requesting participation can head off turf issues and ego problems that can quickly derail an advocacy effort.
__ Even when they're in total agreement with what you're doing, people and organizations like to be asked to join.
__ Getting as many partners as possible on board early creates a sense of trust and common purpose that can propel the effort through difficult times.
__ Requesting participation early, rather than only when the effort needs to be strengthened or when the final push is on, creates buy-in.
With whom should you establish formal communications to request participation?
You establish formal communications with and request participation from:
__ Legislators and other political figures.
__ Other initiatives and advocates with similar goals.
__ Professional associations.
__ Experts in the field.
__ Human service and other organizations that work on the issue.
__ Community activists.
__ Influential citizens and groups.
__ Media people and outlets.
__ Public services, agencies, and institutions.
__ The target population.
When should you establish formal communications and request participation?
You establish formal communications and request participation:
__ As early as possible.
__ At the beginning of a legislative advocacy campaign.
__ In the planning stage of an advocacy campaign.
__ When you're trying to build momentum.
__ When your campaign has taken off.
How do you establish formal communications and request participation?
__ You begin by following basic communication guidelines:
- Use language your audience will understand.
- Be respectful.
- Build trust.
- Stress your areas of agreement.
- Be culturally sensitive.
- Keep communication lines open.
To establish formal communications:
__ You determine just what "formal communications" means for a particular individual or group and acting accordingly.