Advocacy Advocacy Creating Systemic Change Presented by: Andrew Wytsma Chelsea Keenan Patrick Miller
Dec 14, 2015
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”