Lobby / advocacy Influencing policies in the field of Development Cooperation at the national level by Eric Bloemkolk.
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Lobby / advocacy
Influencing policies in the field of Development Cooperation at the national level
by Eric Bloemkolk
Guiding principles
Advocacy is effective when we
make the connection between the need for change felt by our counterpart(s) in the South and
create political will in our country and within international institutions
Guiding principles
Advocacy is effective when we
show to be reliable partners for policy makers: the process of building trust
are able make the connection with the political agenda of policy makers
What is Advocacy?
The process of influencing policy making in our country or at the level of international institutions (in support of processes of change in developing countries)
Basic assumptions about policy makers
In Parliament Dev. Coop. has low priority Parliamentarians have little knowledge about specific
situations and Do not attach much importance of civil society in
processes of change Have a full agenda Want clear policitical messages/statements)
Basic assumptions about policy makers
In Government Formally loyal to their minister Do have own opinion and are interested in (reliable)
alliances and to share information Have little or no sight on role / importance of civil
society in processes of change
Basic assumptions about advocacy
The do’s Be open about your objective(s) Be clear about your message: what policy should
change and what’s the proposal? Present proposal on bases of ‘facts and figures’, brief
analyses and/or statements of other ‘recognized’ institutions or persons
Basic assumptions about advocacy
The do’s Be reliable as a source and as a recipient of
information Prevent fragmentation: combine message with
others (in platforms, groups): be ‘representative’
Basic assumptions about advocacy
The don’ts Don’t just sent a letter or e-mail; seek personal contact Don’t be arrogant Don’t think you’re the only source of information Don’t mix up a proposal for policy change with lobby for own interest (institutional / financial support)
Before starting to advocate
Make a thorough analysis. Reflect!!!
What policy you want to change? What proposal for policy change you have? Who are the policy makers / have influence? Who are possible and impossible partners for
alliances?
Before starting to advocateMake a good plan!!!
When are the political important moments (momentum)?
What time do we have / need? What is our capacity? (financially and professional) What strategy? (together with others?) What actions? (talks, letter, conference, campagne,
article in newspapers?)
How do you know you’re having succes?
Monitor!
Develop indicators for the process (letter responded, article published, questions asked in parliament …)
How to have succes? Clear objectives and results Alliances who seek the same results Good relations with parlementarians and public servants Be aware of political agenda of parlementarians and other policy makers Have the full support from your own organization
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