Multicultural Development Association Advocacy and Social Policy Unit

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Multicultural DevelopmentAssociationAdvocacy
and Social Policy Unit

• Achieving Positive Change Advocacy, Policy and
  Effective Submission Writing
• CAMS Gathering 1 November 2010

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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

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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)

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What does MDAs 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
• Education
• Child Protection
• African Australian issues
• Domestic Violence
• Access to interpreters
• Police and justice
• Youth issues

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The Advocacy Strategy

• A well-developed strategy is crucial to
  successful advocacy
• Key steps in developing a strategy
• Identify the issue/s
• Research and consultation
• Objectives and outcomes sought
• Advocacy targets
• Allies and foe
• Strategies and tools
• Review, analyse and evaluate

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Advocacy methods

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

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Writing effective submissions

• Before you start writing, consider
• What type of submission it is i.e. policy,
  funding, advocacy, or a response to an inquiry?
• Are there Terms of Reference, guidelines or other
  parameters?
• Who is your audience?
• Who are you writing on behalf of?
• Research, research, research!!!!!

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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

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Structure of your submission

• Before you begin, devise a plan/mud map of what
  your submission will look like
• Covering page title, name of inquiry or
  consultation (if relevant), title of your
  submission and date. Use formal letter head.
• Introduction Executive summary of
  recommendations (optional useful for lengthy
  submissions). Paragraphs detailing
• Who you/your organisation are and what you do
• Your interest why are you writing the
  submission/responding to the inquiry? Welcome the
  opportunity to respond
• What the submission will and will not address
• Whether you endorse other organisations
  submissions, and/or who endorses your submission
• A strong statement about your position on the
  issue/s
• Summarise the key issues the submission will
  address

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Structure of your submission

• 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

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• Structure of your submission
• 4. 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

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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
• Dont leave it on the shelf to gather dust!

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