How can you plan and execute a successful advocacy and policy strategy?

1 Define your goal and objectives

The first step in any advocacy and policy strategy is to clearly define your goal and objectives. What is the problem or issue that you want to address? What is the change that you want to see? Who are the targets or stakeholders that can make that change happen? How will you measure your progress and impact? Your goal and objectives should be specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound (SMART). They should also align with your non-profit's mission, vision, and values.

2 Conduct a situational analysis

The next step is to conduct a situational analysis of the context and environment in which you operate. This involves gathering and analyzing relevant data, information, and evidence about the problem or issue, the target audience, the potential allies and opponents, the existing policies and regulations, and the opportunities and threats. A situational analysis can help you identify the root causes and effects of the problem or issue, the gaps and needs of the target audience, the strengths and weaknesses of your non-profit, and the best strategies and tactics to achieve your goal and objectives.

3 Develop your key messages and materials

Once you have a clear understanding of the situation, you need to develop your key messages and materials that will communicate your advocacy and policy ask to your target audience. Your key messages should be concise, compelling, and consistent, and they should highlight the problem or issue, the solution or recommendation, and the benefits or outcomes of your advocacy and policy ask. Your materials should be tailored to the preferences, needs, and interests of your target audience, and they should use clear, simple, and persuasive language and visuals. Some examples of materials are fact sheets, policy briefs, infographics, videos, social media posts, newsletters, and press releases.

4 Implement your advocacy and policy activities

The next step is to implement your advocacy and policy activities according to your plan and budget. Your activities should be designed to reach, inform, persuade, and mobilize your target audience, as well as to monitor and respond to any changes or challenges in the situation. Some examples of activities are meetings, events, workshops, webinars, petitions, letters, emails, phone calls, media interviews, social media campaigns, and public demonstrations. You should also coordinate and collaborate with other non-profits, coalitions, networks, or partners that share your goal and objectives, as this can increase your credibility, visibility, and impact.

5 Evaluate your advocacy and policy results

The final step is to evaluate your advocacy and policy results against your goal and objectives. This involves collecting and analyzing data, information, and feedback from your target audience, your allies and opponents, your staff and volunteers, and your donors and supporters. You should also review your key messages and materials, your activities, and your budget, and identify what worked well, what did not work well, and what can be improved or changed. Evaluation can help you measure your effectiveness, efficiency, and sustainability, as well as to learn from your successes and failures, and to adjust your strategy and tactics accordingly.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?