Taking Your Idea to Annapolis

Developing Effective Advocacy Campaigns

What is grassroots advocacy?

• Grassroots advocacy is the concerted effort of people coming together to work on an issue that concerns us, putting our concerns into action, and creating a positive change.

• Grassroots advocacy includes people from a variety of groups interested in achieving the same goal.

Elements of an Effective Advocacy Campaign

• Supporters• Partners• Media• Research• Understanding of potential opposition• Communication

Supporters and Partners

• Identify other people or groups who agree with your plan; look for support in your community and among other advocacy groups.

Media Messages• Press releases• Newsletters• Email / Action Alerts• Local TV news• Letters to the Editor• Flyers

Research• Find background information from a reliable

source.• What laws or policies apply?• Why does the problem exist? Is the policy

outdated? Is the concept new?• What statistical data supports ( or detracts

from) my goal?

Opposition• What groups oppose my idea?• Why?• How can we effectively rebut the

opposition?

Communication• Be able to explain your position clearly and

concisely; if you are testifying before a committee, you may have no more than three minutes to make your case.

• Written communications should state your position, should contain data and

resources, and must be signed by an individual.

The Arc of Maryland49 Old Solomons Island Rd., Suite 205

Annapolis, MD 21401410-571-9320

www.Thearcmd.orgwww.endthewaitnow.com