Advocacy Module II: Taking It To The Next Level — Women Graduates–USA

Advocacy Module II: Taking It To The Next Level

Women Graduates–USA is a nonprofit organization.  Members and constituents have an international perspective as advocates for social and economic justice for all women and girls. We are poised to act on behalf of all women. 

WG–USA believes that the power of advocacy changes lives for the better.  In fact, advocacy has always been an essential tool for social change. We use these advocacy steps to achieve success.

Take Advocacy to the Next Level

Define success for advocacy in action. Gain insights to the essentials. Identify a style for educating others about issues, find partners and advocates to strengthen support, and build resources for taking action. 

+ What prepares advocates for action?

  • WG-USA advocates and constituents know that knowledge and communication are the keys to successful advocacy. Clarity of thought and written messages is essential to beginning advocacy with issue leaders and policymakers.
  • Advocates must be familiar with the cold, hard facts of the issue in question; then write and talk about it in clear objective terms. By doing this, fellow advocates will be automatically drawn to the issue and organize around it.

+ Are advocacy resources available?

  • There is a profusion of advocacy resources. Knowing the audience being approached will help assemble the most appropriate tools.
  • Become comfortable with the tools to be used.
  • Emails and letters deliver messages and support advocacy when each is concise, states the issue, the position being advocated, acknowledges the writers connection with WG–USA and other partners and closes with full contact information. Always send a copy to Advocacy@WG-USA.org when aligning with WG–USA’s advocacy and actions. Writing campaigns, whether electronic or mailed are relevant and effective.
  • Watch for messages from WG-USA.org and visit the website. Gather information such as
    • frequently asked questions;
    • how to take action;
    • online actions such as emails, social media;
    • tips on how to call your elected official;
    • sample letters to the US Congress;
    • sample blog posts;
    • sample letter to the editor;
    • sample editorial opinion.

+ Is there advocacy language?

  • Yes. When writing as a member of an organization there is a certain vocabulary that is used by organizations outside the government. This includes references such as “Non – Governmental Organizations” (NGOs). Nonprofit Organizations and US IRS designations such as 501C3.
  • There are multi-lateral organizations addressing the issues affecting women and girls which use acronyms. The United Nations language, for example, is an amalgamation of diverse country cultures as well as feminist and nonprofit perspectives.
  • There are also many abbreviations and acronyms. Not knowing them will not corrupt advocacy. It is important, however, to build familiarity with these abbreviations and acronyms. When speaking or writing about issues, the focus is on clarity rather than on jargon.

+ Are there other like-minded individuals and organizations?

  • Like-minded, socially conscious individuals are members and constituents of Women Graduates-USA. Advocate on issues related to WG-USA’s mission and priorities by (1) becoming an issue expert or resources; or, (2) joining WG–USA’s Advocacy Committee.
  • Collaborate with WG–USA members and constituents on advocacy campaigns with letters and emails to elected and appointed officials and multi-lateral organizations. WG–USA regularly writes about issues and engages members in advocacy.
  • Present WG–USA issue-related Resolutions for review and adoption by members during the Annual General Meeting. WG–USA Resolutions guide programs and advocacy.

+ How to organize and advocate for an issue?

  • Become very familiar with the issue. Draft the salient, important points. Start with a small circle of friends and family.
  • Research and identify fellow stakeholders – individuals and organizations – from website and publications and from other partners.
  • Always prepare potential partners and advocates in advance for the issue which is at the core of the advocacy effort – no one likes to be blind-sided.
  • Start a conversation.
    • Discuss what is known about the issue
    • Share the impact of the issue from diverse perspectives
    • Talk about the issue, how it impacts WG-USA’s mission and how it may impact the partner’s goals, members and their constituency
    • Address misconceptions.
    • Identify ways to collaborate
  • Develop Next Steps. This includes setting a timeline, assigning responsibilities, sharing publicity

+ Is advocacy success visible?

  • Most advocacies are for long-term commitment to solutions. This is definitely true for issues with complexity. Consider multiple aspects of the issue and explore its impact on many and all parties.
  • Advocacy is political but it is not necessarily adversarial. It is really about finding common ground among people affected by the issue.
  • Advocacy is fraught with compromise, postponement and new beginnings. Contrary to popular belief this is a good thing because revisiting the issue and revisions in language and behaviors frequently make for a stronger and precise strategy.

Advocacy is successful from the start—it educates and engages individuals, organizations, law and policy-makers with an issue.

There are two additional, easy to read section to the Women Graduates–USA Guide. Close this document and return to the Guide to Advocacy and Action. 

Become a Member or Partner
Support Advocacy in Action
Monthly Newsletter–Occasional Messages