Dear Co-Learners, I would like to share with you
some simple tips on Legislative Advocacy and Policy Development..
1. Always
question and don't simply accept things as they are. - Just because a bill
has been passed or a policy is issued, it doesn't mean it's already perfect.
While they must be applied uniformly to be stable, laws and policies must be
also be dynamic and responsive to the needs of the times. There is always room
for improvement.
2. Dream
Big and Believe - Too many development workers get disillusioned and
frustrated. Some easily lose faith and confidence, and turn negative. Try to
remember why we are in this kind of work - it's to make a difference and
improve people's lives. We can change the world and make it better even by
doing our own little things.
3. Small
Bites Only - Most people get overwhelmed with the amount of work to be
done. You must avoid getting lost in the forest, and simply see the individual
plants and trees as they are. Don't look at the whole wall, but at each brick
or hollow block making it up. So it is with legislative and policy work; take
the problem bit by bit, one piece at a time. Each issue will have a multitude
of possible strategies already which can be separately or jointly tackled.
4. Connect
with people, Engage All - Maximizing partnerships, linkages, and networking
are key words here. You don't need to do it all alone. You may be surprised how
many like-minded people as you are out there. Truly listen and know the sentiments,
concerns, and suggestions of your intended beneficiary-sector. Also remember
that it’s not just the stakeholders you must engage, but also the
duty-bearers/govt agencies and institutions, as well as the private sector
composed of the business establishments as well as the civil society
organizations. Doing this will ensure that once the time comes for
implementation or enforcement of the law or policy, all of you will already be
on the same page.
5. Know
Your Role - Don't try to do everything all by yourself. Not everything is
within your power or authority. So in line with Tip#5, let others do their jobs
also. Keeping this in mind will keep you from stepping on other people’s toes
and over-stepping your boundaries. This will also keep you from burn-out and
stressing yourself. Each stakeholder has his/her own role to play based on
legally-mandated jurisdictions, whether it is legislative, policy-making, or
actual enforcement of rules. You can only nudge your champions and supporters
in the direction you want, but ultimately it’s their own “diskarte” too.
6. Cover
All bases - As in Tip#3, while it's better to tackle issues one-at-a-time,
each concern can have many strategies and simultaneous efforts. For legislative
efforts, for example, always remember that while both House of Congress file
bills that become national laws, provincial boards and city/municipal councils
can also pass ordinances that are considered local laws. Meanwhile, that should
not stop you from enjoining govt agencies to also issue guidelines or rules to
facilitate implementation of existing/current programs or services. In
addition, it is always best to have the beneficiary-sector speaking in their
own behalf so duty-bearers can hear first-hand accounts straight from the
horse’s mouth. This is not considered “spreading yourself too thin” since other
people are also working and helping.
7. Maximize
Opportunities - This is in line with Tips #4, 5, and 6. You must learn to
recognize opportunities for possible engagements. Capitalize on personal
interests and agendas of politicians, legislators, and duty-bearers and check
if you can align them with your priorities. You can always use another ally or
supporter. Be quick also to grab opportunities for showcasing your issue, such
as national events or celebrations, i.e. elder abuse-Elderly Filipino week,
Responsible Parenthood/RH-National Family Week. These are good venues for
generating more dialogue and discussion on your topic or concern.
8. Develop
As Many Materials as you can - There is something to be said of
evidence-based policies which makes full use of relevant researches and studies
because it helps make your position more credible. Additional IEC materials are
always helpful for advocacy and awareness-raising because they help popularize
your concern and generates more information and discussion. But be conscious
that these are not mere compilations or consolidation of mindless statistics
and figures. Your material must be fair representations of facts - objective
and neutral, and if possible, able to present both sides.
9. Drive
Home your Message of Urgency and Relevance – The most basic function of
your advocacy and lobbying is communicating your message. Whatever the form of
your policy document – policy notes, position paper, discussion paper, draft
bill or resolution, you must clearly present What Needs to Be Done. Your
position or stance on a subject, whether it’s a proposed legislative measure or
policy recommendation, must be fleshed out and articulated well in your material.
As in Tip#8, it is not enough that you simply compile a bunch of facts and
figures, you must be able to argue and peddle your proposal or suggestion with
conviction.
.
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