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DRAFT PROGRAMME ADVOCACY COURSE

DAY 1

SESSION 1IntroductionsIntroduction of participantsIntroduction of courseQuiz 1

SESSION 2What is advocacy?What is advocacy?Advocacy’s strengthsAdvocacy’s orientation and valuesPeople centred advocacySound bite1

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Advocacy:

The function of an advocate; the work of advocating; pleading for or supporting

One who defends, maintains, publicly recommends, or raises his voice on behalf of a proposal

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Advocacy has purposeful results:

1.to enable access and voice in the decision making of relevant institutions;

2.to change the power relationships between these institutions and the people affected by their decisions, thereby changing the institutions themselves; and

3.to bring a clear improvement in people's lives

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In an ideal world, governments would always try to act in the best interest of the population, carefully weigh the effects of their policies and actions, and choose those most likely to contribute to the public good. In a more realistic scenario, NGOs and individuals encourage governments to act in the public interest, and plan their work so as to increase the chances of the government adopting positive policies and programs.

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While it is easy to complain about the government’s reluctance to act in the best interests of the population, we must remember that it is our responsibility to encourage the government to do what is right. This encouraging—and sometimes pushing—of the government or other institutions to pass laws and policies, or implement programs, that will benefit the public is advocacy.

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Source: Advocacy Center at ISC. http://www.advocacy.org/

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1. practice a positive and powerful mind for advocacy;

2. assess reality to determine next steps; and

3. move forward effectively towards strategic goals.

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Source: Advocacy Center at ISC. http://www.advocacy.org/

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To maintain this orientation:

1. Be aware of your sources of power

2. Live by values that foster the work of social justice advocacy

3. Practice people-centred advocacy

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Citizens are aware of their power, and use this power to influence the decision making process.3The decision making process is changed toward more:Involvement of citizensAccountabilityTransparency

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A problem is dealt with by having a law amended, a policy made, decree issued, etc.

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ANTICIPATED ADVOCACY OUTCOMES

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