AdvocacyAdvocacyCreating Systemic Change

Presented by:Andrew WytsmaChelsea KeenanPatrick Miller

What is advocacyWhat is advocacyWikipedia defines advocacy as:

“Advocacy is the pursuit of influencing outcomes — including public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions — that directly affect people’s current lives.”

Advocacy is the art of systemic change

Advocacy = systemic Advocacy = systemic change?change?

Consider a simple system: Advocacy work can be seen as providing new inputs to influence a system’s behaviour or purpose

** it is important to note that most advocacy work deals with COMPLEX systems

Some Famous AdvocatesSome Famous Advocates

Martin Luther King Jr.

GandhiRalph NaderFamous 5

Why do we advocate?Why do we advocate?Create a contingent of informed

policy makers and citizens. Leads to ‘critical mass’

Canada can become a global leader on pro-development policy

Impact!◦CIDA has a budget of 1.6 BILLION for

Africa

Advocacy GoalAdvocacy GoalTo strengthen the UCalgary chapter

into an effective political advocacy body in order to:◦Drive change for Dorothy through informed

policy by utilizing EWB’s organizational knowledge and grassroots network

◦Connect Canadians to Canada’s foreign policy and ultimately to Africa

We hope to accomplish this by fostering a pro advocacy pro Dorothy culture

EWB and Advocacy EWB and Advocacy StrenghtsStrenghtsFunding freedom!Extensive grass roots network

composed of members who...:◦Come from many constituencies and

diverse backgrounds◦Are passionate about change and

committed to Dorothy◦Possess knowledge rooted in both

the Overseas AND Canadian contexts

EWB Advocacy WinsEWB Advocacy Wins

Bill C-293 Official Development Assistance Accountability Act

Commitment to untying aid by 2012

Federal Gov’t OverviewFederal Gov’t Overview

http://www.craigmarlatt.com/canada/images/government/federal_government_chart.jpg

Members of Parliament in Members of Parliament in CalgaryCalgary

Do you know who your MP is?

Do you know which riding you live in?

Nose HillNortheast

Centre North

Centre

West

East

SoutheastSouthwest

Calgary MP’sCalgary MP’s

Rob AndersCalgary West

(Hon.) Diane AblonczyCalgary Nose Hill

(Right Hon.) Stephen Harper

Calgary Southwest

(Hon.) Jason Kenney

Calgary Southeast

Calgary MP’sCalgary MP’s

Lee RichardsonCalgary Centre

(Hon.) Jim PrenticeCalgary Centre-North

Deepak ObhralCalgary East

Davinder ShoryCalgary Northeast

Actions to AdvocacyActions to AdvocacyTalk to your friends about

development issues◦Fair trade

Buy a fair trade coffee (or ask Timmy’s why they don’t have it)

Learn about Development issues!◦Go to member learning

Join “Advocacy Research Action”Talk to/mail/phone your MP◦Mailing is free! No stamps required

Communicating with your Communicating with your MPMPSome tips:Introduce yourself and be politeAsk questions for them to explore◦Don’t try to insult your mp or their

understanding◦i.e: What are the changes you have seen

with the passing of the ODAAA◦ We purpose: We know little has

happened with the ODAAA, do our MPs know?

Never take any response “personally”