NGO Advocacy Work

Czech NGOs Advocacy experience

Petr PatočkaPrague Global Policy Institute - Glopolis

NGOs/CSOs Advocacy work

1. What is the NGO advocacy work

2. Why the NGOs should be involved in policy making

3. The networking

4. The advocacy strategy 5. The advocacy tools and acivities

6. The Czech CSOs advocacy experience

7. How to encrease the advocacy skills

1. What is the NGO advocacy workDefinition of the NGO advocacy work:"Advocacy is an effort made towards decision

makers on changing a specific policy or law at different levels.„

"Advocacy is a strategy, act or process aimed at bringing about change of attitude, policies, traditions, laws and ideologies for a desired positive result.„

"Advocacy is a process aimed at reversing, improving, changing or containing an existing situation."

1. What is the NGO advocacy work

Aims of NGO advocacySensitising the public or decision-makers on a

specific issuePersuading or influencing decision-makers in a

certain directionProvide a solution to a problem that affects the

beneficiaries.To create a ‘people-oriented’ government systemDefend a right or a benefit

1. What is the NGO advocacy work

Who is a target audience?Policy-makersGovernment officialsThe publicProfessional associations (the expert groups)Enterprises / businessesDonor organisationsTrade unionsNGOsMedia

2. Why the NGOs should be involved in policy making

The CSOs participation in policy making process can improve the concrete legislative, laws etc., but mainly strengthen the transparency of decision making process and strengthen the public confidence in the politicians and in the democratic system as such

Civil society can make a difference!!!People working together can make a difference.Lobbying is a democratic right

3. The networking Why we should to do the advocacy work within the

networks/ coalitions?Working together can create pressure on decision

makers and legitimacy for the issue Facilitate exchange of information, skills, experience,

materials, resources etc.Coordinate activity and reduces duplication of effortBring together a diverse range of people who would

not otherwise meet

3. The networkingWhy we should to do the advocacy work within the

networks/ coalitions?A wide variety of perspectives creates a

broader,holistic picture of the issue; enhances problem solving; strengthens outreach and impact; and increases credibility

A diversity of talents, work styles and resources in needed to carry out a comprehensive action plan

Provide critical mass for change – strength in numbers!!!

3. The networkingSome potential problems when working in networksCan lack clear objectivesDiffering visions of the goal and objectivesMay be dominated by one powerful organisationCoalition becomes too large and bureaucratic to

functionMay suffer from a lack of trust between members of

the networkOrganizations can lose their own identity

4. The advocacy strategy1. Identify the issue

2. Research

3. Set goals and objectives

4. Identify target audience

5. Develop the message

6. Build support (by NGOs, public, donors, experts..)

7. Develop implementation and activity plan

8. Implement the plan

9. Revise advocacy plan

4. The advocacy strategy

5. The advocacy tools and activities

Policy Research Watchdog Activities Petitions Poster Campaign Networking Demonstrations Surveys Media outcomes Newsletter

Lobbying Negotiations Lobby letter writing Meetings Interviews Round Table Press Releases Public Forum Press Briefing

6. Czech CSOs Advocacy experience FoRS - Czech Forum for Development Co-operation platform of Czech NGOs and other non-profit

subjects, involved in development cooperation FoRS was founded by 15 NGOs and legally

registered as an association of legal entities in October 2002

By the beginning of 2009, FoRS already represented 29 member organisations and 17 observers

6. Czech CSOs Advocacy experience Structure of FoRS FoRS is governed by all its members represented by

the General Assembly. The Executive Board and the Advisory Board are elected by the General Assembly.

The Executive Board’s Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson(s) are elected by the Board itself.

The daily agenda and the organisational and financial management are carried out by the Secretariat lead by the Director

6. Czech CSOs Advocacy experienceFoRS Working GroupsFoRS member organisations and observers come

together into working groups according to the thematic and geographic focus of their activities.

FoRS Working Groups are the key way for members of FoRS to involve in common activities .

They can participate in the formulation of positions and the overall direction of FoRS

6. Czech CSOs Advocacy experienceFoRS Working Groups

1. Long-term Working Groups: Policy Working Group Working Group Awareness Working Group Development Education

Working Group Development Studies 2. Working Groups formed for the CZ EU Presidency Working Group Migration Working Group Sustainable technologies and Local Energy

Working Group Agriculture and Food Security

6. Czech CSOs Advocacy experiencePolicy Working GroupShare, gather and disseminate informationRecommend joint advocacy work and organise joint lobby

meetingsOccasionally invite others to share information on specific

issuesMake proposals for thematic and policy dialogueCoordinate the preparation of policy briefs, lobby letters,

documents on policy issues (e.g. AidWatch reports) and proposals for common positions of FoRS

7. How to encrease the advocacy skillsFor effective advocacy process is necessary to

develop within the network or advocacy group the following skills

Policy analysis of legal and regulatory issuesLanguage and writing skillsHow to develop a communications strategy, planning and

management Interviewing skillsPresentation and negotiation skillsPR and media relationsFinancial managementFundraising skills

Used resources:

Advocacy and Lobbying Manual, Secretariat of the African Decade of Persons with Disabilities, Lindblom/Nylund 2006

Advocacy expert, CIVIL SOCIETY AND ADVOCACY, Pact TanzaniaAdvocacy Manual, Sampark -Advocacy & Communication

ConsultantsNGO Advocacy: Why The Shift, And How It Affects NGO

Programing, Catharina Maria

Thank you for the attantion!Prague Global Policy Institute - Glopolis.

Jeséniova 10120 00 Praha 3Czech Republic

E-mail: patocka@glopolis.orgWeb: www.glopolis.org