Multicultural DevelopmentAssociation

Advocacy and Social Policy Unit

Achieving Positive Change: Advocacy, Policy and Effective Submission Writing

CAMS Gathering 1 November 2010

What is Advocacy? Action to protect, promote and defend the rights

and interests of an individual, group or community

Involves speaking, acting, writing, communicating, arguing persuasively in the interests of another

Directed to achieving better outcomes, bringing about change or maintaining the status quo

Many types of advocacy – self, individual, citizens, health, family, systemic

Individual vs. Systemic Advocacy

Individual Advocacy: Speaking, acting or writing with minimal conflict of interest on behalf of the interests of an individual to promote, protect and defend his/her welfare, justice and wellbeing

(adapted from definition of Dr Wolf Wolfensberger, Academic)

Systemic Advocacy: ‘... influencing and changing the system in ways that will benefit ... a group within society (or the broader community). Systems advocates ... encourage (and influence) changes to the law, government and service policies and community attitudes’

(from Queensland Parents for People with a Disability)

What does MDA’s Advocacy Unit do?

Works with and informs government (and other decision makers) about changes required to improve services or systems for people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, especially refugees.

Key advocacy priorities include:

Employment and Training EducationChild ProtectionAfrican Australian issuesDomestic ViolenceAccess to interpretersPolice and justiceYouth issues

The Advocacy Strategy

A well-developed strategy is crucial to successful advocacy

Key steps in developing a strategy:

1. Identify the issue/s 2. Research and consultation 3. Objectives and outcomes

sought4. Advocacy targets 5. Allies and foe 6. Strategies and tools 7. Review, analyse and

evaluate

Advocacy methods Written communication Oral communication Engagement Legal avenues Media and promotion Campaigning/activism

Writing effective submissions

Before you start writing, consider:

1. What type of submission it is i.e. policy, funding, advocacy,

or a response to an inquiry?

2. Are there Terms of Reference, guidelines or other

parameters?

3. Who is your audience?

4. Who are you writing on behalf of?

Research, research, research!!!!!

Research Standard sources: databases, journal articles, publications, media,

annual reports, statistics websites, etc

Find out if the issue is currently or has recently been a topic of interest on the political or socio-economic agenda i.e. Government inquiries, academic studies and publications, independent statutory bodies, etc

Is there relevant law or policy i.e. legislation and case law, international conventions, policies, guidelines and practices?

Consultation and community engagement – obtain relevant individuals’, stake holders’ and communities’ perspectives

What current programs, initiatives and strategies exist to address the issue/s, and are they effective?

Other jurisdictions – Australian States/Territories and internationally

Structure of your submission

Before you begin, devise a plan/mud map of what your submission will look like

1.Covering page: title, name of inquiry or consultation (if relevant), title of your submission and date. Use formal letter head.

2.Introduction: Executive summary of recommendations (optional – useful for lengthy submissions). Paragraphs detailing:Who you/your organisation are and what you doYour interest – why are you writing the submission/responding to the inquiry? Welcome the opportunity to respondWhat the submission will and will not addressWhether you endorse other organisations’ submissions, and/or who endorses your submissionA strong statement about your position on the issue/sSummarise the key issues the submission will address

Structure of your submission

3. Body:

Present the issues and problems, information/facts or arguments, supported by relevant evidence (including case studies)

One issue/point per paragraph, unless issues are closely related

Discuss relevant research, law, statistics, financial estimates, etc. Mention relevant political and socio-economic agendas, initiatives or programs i.e. social inclusion agenda

Discuss effective laws, policies, initiatives and programs operating in other States/Territories or internationally.

Graphs and diagrams are useful. Case studies are essential.

Discuss what needs to be done, reformed or altered - legislation, policy, procedures, guidelines, introduction of new programs, etc. Make recommendations and/or offer suggestions for solutions

Structure of your submission4. Conclusion:

•Brief summary of submission: include a strong statement of your position on the issue/s

•List and reinforce your recommendations for reforms and improvements

Handy hints Plain English! Be persuasive Avoid emotive language – maintain

your credibility Reference your research Ensure your information is accurate Clear headings and paragraphs Proof read and grammar check Page numbering Use examples and case studies –

evidence, evidence, evidence! Spread the word Don’t leave it on the shelf to gather

dust!