robert johnson livable streets advocacy training
TRANSCRIPT
The unified voice for active living, promoting a healthy, safe and accessible outdoor experience for all in a vibrant, engaged community.
Our Mission
What is an Advocate?
Someone who pleads the cause of another; who defends or maintains a cause or proposal; or who supports or promotes the interests of another.
We do Not Need to Be Negative
People are ready for this change
They just need to know about it
People are ready for this change
We do Not Need to Be Negative
1.2 million are under the age of 16
756,000 are over the age of 65
378,000 between 16-65 have at least one physical disability
40% of all Missourians
Millions of Missourians Cannot Drive
1.2 million are under the age of 16
756,000 are over the age of 65
378,000 between 16-65 have at least one physical disability
40% of all Missourians
Millions of Missourians Cannot Drive
Does the Status Quo work for them?
The citizens of the United States sent 32.6 billion dollars of their wealth overseas on foreign oil
Finances
The citizens of the United States sent 32.6 billion dollars of their wealth overseas on foreign oil
In January 2011
Finances
Be an Informed Citizen
How transportation policies affect lives Communicate policies to elected officials Most of what you need to know can be
found in the Advocacy Manual given to you today
Join an Advocacy Organization
Local: BikeWalkKC State: KanBikeWalk and MoBikeFed National: League of American Bicyclists Funds Email alerts
Facilitate Effective Meetings
Pick a time and place that is appropriate for the group
Build a strong agenda Ensure good facilitation
Perspectives; Ask Questions
If you did decide to walk or bicycle…… What about Federal, State and local
policy…..
Is Your Campaign the Right Fit?
Has reasonable prospects for victory Results in definite community
improvement Engages important groups of people Fits your organization or neighborhood’s
mission, culture and resources Leverages positive media
Step 1: Define Your Issue
Identify the problem Formulate a solution Illustrate how to implement the solution List people who care about what’s at
stake for them These are your stakeholders.
Formulate your Quick Pitch
Step 2: Set Your Campaign Goals
Goals should represent the social changes you wish to see
The long term goal should be be the overall goal of the campaign
Short and medium-term goals are steps toward the overall goal
Short and medium goals can be small It is very important that your neighborhood
or organization goals support the campaign
Step 3: Assess Your Resources: SWOT
List your strengths E.g. Strong fundraising ability
List your weaknesses E.g. No membership structure
Opportunities E.g. Safe Routes to School Funding
Threats E.g. Community detractors, NIMBYs
Step 4: Strategize:Who has the power to make the change you seek?
Primary Targets Specific people Not simply “city council or MoDOT” Who can apply for that grant; who must support
your effort? Secondary Targets
People who have influence over the primary targets Public Targets
Geographic: Neighborhoods, street corridors, schools, business districts
Constituencies: Soccer moms, citizens of low wealth
Reach out to Stakeholders
Prioritize based upon the effectiveness of communication. Face to face Telephone conversation Email
Strategy:Who has the power to make the change you seek?
Create a Power Map
Crosswalk on B St.
Primary Targets
Secondary Targets
Connections to all targets
Step 5: Communicate
Brainstorm ways to use social media Compose a personal story Write a letter to the editor Write your stair speech
Hook Problem Solution Specific actions Slogan
Communicate: Media Tactics
Press Release Op-ed Pitch your story to news outlets Local radio or TV shows Public Service Announcements Editorials or Columnists
Step 6: Tactics and Timelines
Draft a tactic (to-do list) Give it a deadline Identify the lead person
E.g. Identify allies in neighborhood: Your Stakeholders
May 15, 2011 Neighborhood Association President
Tactic Date Lead Person
Step 7: Manage Your Resources
Large campaigns can cost money Your campaign may not require much
money It is important to consider what your
expenses may be Personnel Professional Expenses Printing, materials, mailing
Seek in-kind support from stakeholders Outline possible income the campaign can
generate
Coordinate Stakeholders
Plan talking points Plan for potential arguments Respect the stakeholders efforts
Step 1: Define Your Issue
Identify the problem (e.g. Crossing B Street is unsafe)
Formulate a solution (e.g. B St. needs a crosswalk) Illustrate how to implement the solution (e.g. city
should fund crosswalk and pedestrian signal) List people who care about what’s at stake for
them (e.g. families, neighbors, disabled, runners, etc.). These are your stakeholders.
Quick Pitch:Put these four elements together in sentence or two
that can be recited quickly.