Table of Contents >
   Part I. Organizing for Effective Advocacy
(Chapters 3... >
      Chapter 32. Providing Encouragement and Education >
         Section 3. Establishing Formal Communications and Requesting... >
             Tools & Checklists - A checklist that summarizes the major points contained in the section. >

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 determining just what "formal communications" means for a particular individual or group and acting accordingly.
__ You approach your target personally, if you can.
__ You are persistent.
You use these guidelines in requesting participation:
__ Make your request in person, if you can.
__ Be clear about who you are, what your effort and its goals are about, and what you're asking of the person or organization.
__ Let them know that you value their participation, and why.
__ Let them know why it's in their interest to participate.
__ Leave doors open for the individual or organization to think about participation, or to join later if they don't feel comfortable doing so now.
__ Maintain communication whether the other party chooses to participate or not.