7 Lessons From the History of OUSA

8/9/2019 7 Lessons From the History of OUSA

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SEVEN LESSONS FROMTHE HISTORY OF OUSA

The Art of Advocacy

OUSA Transition Conference,May 25 2010


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Presented with apologies to:


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:Le sso n O n e S tru ctu re M a tte rs


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1992


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Context

OUSA founded by a group ofstudent unions dissatisfied withthe responsiveness of the

Ontario Federation of Students.

Original members included U of T

(APUS), Queens, University ofWaterloo, Laurier & Brock.

Formally incorporated in 1994.


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Democratic and member-drivengovernance improves memberretention, member buy-in, andorganizational legitimacy.

Transparency in everythingfrom financial accounts to

decision making is critical.

Fight out in the open.


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:Le sso n Tw o Po licy is Po litica l


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Even good ideas can bemisrepresented.

Political context and timing is

important. Yesterdays bad ideacan be todays Eureka!moment. And vice versa.

The more complex and well-reasoned an idea, the easier itcan be attacked in the court of

public opinion.


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Context

At its founding, OUSA advocated tuitionincreases and the introduction of an income-contingent loan system.

The policy wasnt necessarily bad everydollar in tuition fee increases would beaccompanied by three new dollars ofgovernment investment. And far worsepolicies were introduced by the Harris

government in 1995.

Tragically easy to attack: OUSA wants you topay more tuition, accept more debt.


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Your responsibility is to promote

the best possible policy optionsfor your members. But be awareof their political implications, andbe prepared to defend them.


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: , ,Le sso n Th re e R e se a rch R e se a rch

R e se a rch


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Any good policy is based on solidresearch.

Nobody will listen if you cant backup your positions with good data

and analysis.


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Context

OUSA policy research has evolved:focus on traditional issues like tuitionfees has broadened to funding,financial aid, and an in-depth focus on

educational quality.OUSA is now a thought-leader in the

sector- your views will sought out and

respected.The quality of OUSAs research has

allowed it to make real policyinterventions over the past 10 years.

Notable OUSA research:


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How you choose to accomplishyour mission and goals defines

your organization.

There is no right way to lobby.

Choose your methods based oncircumstances.


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Context

The Lobby Model (aka The OUSAModel): effect policy change throughpolicy recommendations, direct

connection with governmentrepresentatives.

Pros: better access to government, viewsmore respected in policy circles, non-partisan.

Cons: can appear in the pocket ofgovernment, lower public profile, mustwork within boundaries.


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Context

The Populist Model (aka CFS Model):advocacy characterized by protests,events, and direct action. Seeks to

effect change by moving publicopinion. Pros: very visible, improved public

profile, demonstrates value to

otherwise disengaged members. Cons: can lose control of your message,

adversarial relations with government,not solutions oriented, highly partisan


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Be familiar with all the methods atyour disposal. Compile anadvocacy toolkit and apply thebest approach for the situation.


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:Le sso n Five U se yo u r

co n n e ctio n s


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Advocacy is about relationships.

Always work to establish andbuild your connections with

politicians, civil servants,stakeholders, and media.


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Friends in useful places

OUSA alumni are well representedthroughout government and the PSEsector:

MTCU Ministry of Education Ministry of Children and Youth Services Council of Ontario Universities

OCUFA Office of the Leader of the Official

Opposition (Federal) Wherever Andrew Boggs ends up


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:Le sso n S ix A d vo ca cy W o rks


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,o v er n m en t i n t he f i n al, .n a ly s i s i s or g an iz e d o p i ni onh e re t he re i s l i tt l e o r n o,u b li c op in io n th er e is a pt t o.e ba d go ve rn m en t- acK enzi e King


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h e r e s no t r i c k o it i t s j u s t a. im p le t r i c k- ra d G o o dm a n


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The right combination of goodgovernance, quality policy,strong relationships, andeffective tactics will allow youto make a real difference touniversity education in Ontario.

Be realistic. What can you do thisyear to achieve your long-termgoals?


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Notable OUSA Achievements

Ancillary fee freeze and protocols(1994)

Ontario Advisory Committee on StudentFinancial Assistance (OACSFA) (1998)

Increased OSAP in-study earnings cap(1999)

Five-year tuition fee limits (2000-05)

and tuition fee freeze (2004-06)Reduced parental contribution

expectation for OSAP (2004)

Major impact on recommendations of


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:Le sson S e ve n B rin g a C am e ra


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Because you never know


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Q u e stio n s?

7 Lessons From the History of OUSA

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