Every two years the state of Wisconsin creates a new budget to fund state programs. In February, Governor Evers will release his budget proposal, which will then be taken up by the state legislature for review and approval. There are many opportunities throughout this process to advocate for policy issues important to older adults, people with disabilities, and caregivers. Read on to learn more about what advocacy is, how to advocate effectively, and specific opportunities to make your voice heard.
What is Advocacy?
Formally speaking, advocacy is the pursuit of influencing outcomes – including public policy, economic, and social systems and institutions – that directly affect people’s lives. Practically speaking, advocacy is taking organized action to make changes from “what is” to “what should be.”
There are three main types of advocacy:
• Self-advocacy is effectively communicating one’s interests, desires, needs, and rights.
• Individual advocacy is when a person or group of people concentrate their efforts on just one or two individuals to affect change.
• Systems advocacy is about changing policies, laws, or rules that impact how someone lives their life. This is the type of advocacy often carried out by nonprofits and lobbying firms.
Individual and self-advocacy are regarded as some of the most effective forms of advocacy. When people engage in individual or self-advocacy, they can share personal experiences and genuine passion for the causes they are fighting for. Similarly, individuals are voters, something our decision makers are always mindful of.
How to Advocate Effectively
First and foremost, identify your issue. Factors to consider when selecting an issue would include importance, ability to impact, and consequences of inaction. Many issues are important, prioritizing which issues you can have the most impact on is a necessity in advocacy; sometimes starting with a simpler, less divisive issue can allow you to impact some of the more challenging or controversial issues in the future.
The key to effective advocacy is to be prepared. The best way to accomplish that is:
• Know your audience
• Know your facts
• Tell your stories
• Use positive language
• Use research to support your issue
• But no matter what you say, be gracious!
Stay tuned to the ADRC magazine, Facebook page, and website for more information about the upcoming budget proposal and how you could influence its impact on older adults and people with disabilities!
