An advocacy group consists of individuals who come together to discuss, investigate, promote and / or lobby for a particular cause. The plight of the homeless, disabilities, environmental problems and child abuse are just a few examples of topics that motivate people to form an advocacy group to find the solution to the problems. These groups can be initiated by 1 or 2 people or by organizations. Here are the steps to start an advocacy group.
Steps
Step 1. Identify the cause and reason for creating a group
An advocacy or mutual aid group for people with disabilities can come together to offer support to its members and raise attention on certain issues. A group dedicated to assisting the homeless could come together to discuss ways to source resources and offer assistance. Be specific about the cause and your goal.
Step 2. Do a research to determine if there is a similar organization
An online search of advocacy groups in your geographic location could help you locate the names, contacts and areas of action of existing organizations.
Contact local organizations to find out more. Talk to the leaders of existing advocacy groups to see if they are already doing the work you plan to do. You may decide to join them or identify a need that is not covered by their businesses
Step 3. Find collaborators
Talk to social media, co-workers, community leaders, and others who may be interested in organizing the advocacy group's activities.
Step 4. Contact interested groups, individuals or organizations to find group participants
If, for example, you want to increase the nutritional value of school canteens, try to reach out to parents who have the same interest.
Step 5. Decide where to meet
Contact community centers, libraries and other organizations that may offer a meeting room free of charge. Remove obstacles to participation by choosing a place that is centrally located and easily accessible with a large parking lot.
Step 6. Choose the suitable time
Take into consideration the commitments of the participants. If your target audience is mothers of young children, it is best to schedule meetings when the children are in school.
Step 7. Prepare information material to be distributed during the meetings
Provide advocacy group members with a written description of the group's vision and goals along with brochures to learn more about a particular topic.
Use technology to contact group members and to provide information. Create a website for the advocacy group and send monthly emails with newsletters to group members
Step 8. Grow your group by attending conferences or other events
Speak at events sponsored by similar organizations to generate interest in the group. Announce the date and place of meetings during these events.
Step 9. Explore various financing options to cover upfront costs
- Approach the political representatives of your jurisdiction. Investigate available funds and the legislative framework to find resources for your specific cause.
- Look for private financing possibilities. Contact private funding agencies to apply for funds or to get funding ideas.
Step 10. Organize a one-day event
Expand your social and political reach by sponsoring a full day conference.
- Ask friendly advocacy groups to circulate the invitation to the event. Create flyers for group members to distribute in your city and email interested people.
- Invite speakers and political representatives. Informative and motivating presentations from speakers who know your cause well could encourage attendees, and raise their awareness of your issues. Also contact the office of political representatives and local councilors to invite them to your event.
