Advocacy Basics
Constituent-to-elected official is the most effective form
of advocacy.
• The process
o Position or belief is made public
o Compelling case for the position is made
o A decision maker considers the case
o The position is adopted
o The decision maker’s behavior or belief changes
• Organizations should adopt an advocacy policy
• Define outcome and establish a plan of action
• Seek technical assistance/facilitator help from Arts Wisconsin.
Form an advocacy committee
• Committee of a Board – keep full Board informed at all meetings
• Groups of artists, teachers, parents, volunteers can form advocacy
committees
• Conduct a “political assessment” (who knows who)
Identify People/Issues
• Know who represents you – go to www.legis.state.wi.us; then
“Who are My Legislators?”
• Know major contributors/friends – put them on your committee
• Talk to candidates before they are elected
• Send an individual contribution or work on campaigns
• Conduct candidate surveys – get the candidate to “go
public” on what they think
• Represent the arts at public forums with prepared questions
• Define and remain updated on other issues that affect the arts
beyond public funding (i.e. community appearance, downtown development,
educational policy).
Establish intentional & sustaining relationships
• The best time to establish a relationship with an elected official
is BEFORE you have a request.
• A face-to-face meeting is obviously the most effective form of
communication, followed by a personal letter or fax, with an increasing
preference for email. Phone calls are also effective. The form of communication
will often be influenced by the timing of the issue.
• Keep all elected officials on all mailing list, but target specific
occasions for personal and specific invitations
• Organize visibility events
• A spouse or family member involved in the arts may be your best
contact
• Know the support staff
• Always thank the decision-maker – find points of understanding
and appreciation
• Know their personal “arts” history, their issues and
experiences.
Create the message
• Must be articulate, informative, and brief
• Must address the personal background and issues of the individual
• Use both factual and anecdotal data – provide the elected
official with quality information to allow him/her to be well prepared
to position your request
• Learn to be communicators – informed, organized, passionate
• Be specific about what you want them to do
Good Practice
• Set appointments in advance, be punctual and patient
• Use informal opportunities – introduce yourself
• Be connected in other ways in your community
• Always answer an unanswered question—respond after the meeting
with the answer
• If you find your appointment canceled, come prepared to leave
materials and a personal note
• Include your home address whenever possible to verify that you
are a constituent.