Dos & Don’ts of Advocacy
Michelle● DO: Make sure you are armed with facts, statistics and case studies to bolster your arguments.
● DO: Speak from your experience and emphasize why this issue is important to you
● DO: Assume that they aren’t experts on the topic
● DO: Use tactics such as existing social media and petition campaigns to show the broader public support for the issue.
● DO: Be diplomatic and respectful
● DO: Be concise and clear on what you are asking them to do
● DO: Ask them what their position on the issue of focus (sanctions/SSOT list etc) is and why
● DO: Press for commitments
● DO: Invite them to visit the country you are advocating for (Cuba/Venezuela etc)
● DO spend time in developing relationships with the legislative staff.
● DON’T: use disrespectful language or threatening tones
● DON’T: Use moralistic language
● DON’T: Speak too vaguely: Be clear and specific about what you’re advocating for to ensure it is well-received and properly understood.
● DON’T: Overwhelm them with information
● DON’T: Be afraid to follow up with more resources
● DON’T: Get off-topic