How can grassroots organizers engage with policy makers and influencers to advocate for inclusive security?

Grassroots organizing is a powerful way to mobilize people and communities for social change, especially on issues related to peace and justice. However, to achieve lasting impact, grassroots organizers also need to engage with policy makers and influencers who can shape the decisions and actions that affect the security and well-being of diverse groups. In this article, you will learn some tips and strategies on how to advocate for inclusive security, which means ensuring that everyone's needs, perspectives, and rights are considered and protected in the prevention and resolution of conflicts.

1 Define your goals and messages

Before you reach out to policy makers and influencers, you need to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve and how you want to communicate it. What are the specific problems or challenges that you want to address? What are the solutions or alternatives that you propose? How do they align with the principles and values of inclusive security? How do they benefit the policy makers and influencers and their constituencies? You need to craft your goals and messages in a way that is relevant, compelling, and evidence-based, and that highlights the voices and stories of the people most affected by the issue.

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Felipe Ribeiro

Ambassador of Peace (Amb.P.), UU Quaker Chaplain (Ch.) Reverend (Rev.), Royal Academic (R.A.) of Open Source Arts & Science, Heritage Safeguard Ecomuseologer, Ranger (Rg.), Interfaith Cultural Diplomacy Social Developer.
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Always have into consideration rule of law and regulatory compliance dependencies of all involved stakeholders involved in your advocacy project. Without that policymakers won't be able to include its advocates in security measures properly.

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2 Identify your targets and allies

Next, you need to research and map out the policy makers and influencers who have the power and influence to advance your goals. Who are the key decision makers and opinion leaders in the government, media, civil society, academia, or private sector? What are their positions, interests, and motivations on the issue? How do they relate to each other and to your cause? You also need to identify your allies and potential partners who share your vision and values, and who can support your advocacy efforts. They can be other grassroots organizations, networks, coalitions, experts, or celebrities who can amplify your messages and leverage their connections.

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Felipe Ribeiro

Ambassador of Peace (Amb.P.), UU Quaker Chaplain (Ch.) Reverend (Rev.), Royal Academic (R.A.) of Open Source Arts & Science, Heritage Safeguard Ecomuseologer, Ranger (Rg.), Interfaith Cultural Diplomacy Social Developer.
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It is imprescindible to research your target stakeholders mission, values, regulatory compliance dependencies, action methodologies, logistics architecture, and political agenda. This way you may develop the proper cultural diplomacy strategy to respect its needs transparently.

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3 Build relationships and trust

Once you have identified your targets and allies, you need to establish and maintain relationships and trust with them. You can do this by reaching out to them through various channels, such as emails, phone calls, letters, social media, or face-to-face meetings. You can also invite them to participate in your events, campaigns, or actions, or offer to collaborate on joint initiatives. You need to show respect, professionalism, and credibility, and demonstrate your knowledge and passion for the issue. You also need to listen to their views and concerns, and acknowledge their contributions and feedback.

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Lindsay Y. Burr

Transforming people and organizations: Navigating Conflict, Managing Ambiguity, Using Polarities, Developing High Functioning Sustainable Teams, Effective Communication, Leadership and Innovation.
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You need to ask for their input and actually listen. If you invite in marginalized groups and expect them to participate the way you would expect to participate you'll already be set up for failure. Ask how they want to participate. Ask what it takes for them to feel comfortable. These are hard questions when there are power dynamics in play, so you can also set norms together as a group. Decide how to go about proceedings as a group. It may seem slow at first, but it will save you time in the long run since you'll actually be building trust rather than paying lip service to it.

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4 Present your case and ask

When you have the opportunity to engage with policy makers and influencers, you need to present your case and ask in a clear, concise, and persuasive way. You need to tailor your presentation to your audience, using the language and format that they prefer and understand. You need to use facts, data, and examples to back up your arguments, and to show how your solutions or alternatives are feasible, effective, and inclusive. You also need to have a specific and realistic ask that you want them to do or commit to, such as signing a petition, endorsing a statement, sponsoring a bill, or allocating a budget.

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5 Follow up and follow through

After you have presented your case and ask, you need to follow up and follow through with policy makers and influencers. You need to thank them for their time and attention, and remind them of your ask and the benefits of taking action. You also need to monitor their progress and hold them accountable for their promises and commitments. You need to provide them with updates, feedback, and support, and celebrate their achievements and successes. You also need to evaluate your advocacy efforts and learn from your challenges and opportunities.

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6 Adapt and innovate

Finally, you need to adapt and innovate your advocacy strategies and tactics according to the changing context and circumstances. You need to be aware of the political, social, and economic factors that affect the issue and the policy makers and influencers. You need to be flexible and creative in responding to new developments, challenges, or opportunities. You need to be open to learning from others and from your own experience, and to improve your skills and methods. You also need to be resilient and persistent in pursuing your goals and vision for inclusive security.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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🩺Chris P.

Hospital & Healthcare Account Leader | Med-Tech Thought Leader | Applied Technology Innovator | Applied Knowledge Physicist | AI Workflow Pioneer | Citizen Scientist | Bohdisattva
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Engaging policymakers and influencers for inclusive security involves a multi-faceted approach. Here’s a concise guide . Build a Community Base: Establish a strong foundation by informing and uniting community members around the cause. Develop Clear Messages: Craft compelling messages that clearly articulate the goals and importance of inclusive security. Utilize Social Media: Amplify your message through social media and other platforms to reach a wider audience. Foster Relationships: Engage with policymakers and influencers through meetings, collaborations, and public forums to advocate for change. Remember, consistent effort and strategic communication are key to effective advocacy.

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Lindsay Y. Burr

Transforming people and organizations: Navigating Conflict, Managing Ambiguity, Using Polarities, Developing High Functioning Sustainable Teams, Effective Communication, Leadership and Innovation.
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No matter what you have planned (and I'm sure it is a good plan!) be ready for it to change. Hold it lightly. As you start to integrate new perspectives and realities the tactics and language will need to shift. As new policy makers and influencers say yes to your meeting requests, how you talk about what you are trying to accomplish may shift. If you are clear on the goal/what you want to accomplish, you can keep shifting to meet the goal and compromise on tactics rather than on the goal being met.

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How can grassroots organizers engage with policy makers and influencers to advocate for inclusive security?

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1 Define your goals and messages

2 Identify your targets and allies

3 Build relationships and trust

4 Present your case and ask

5 Follow up and follow through

6 Adapt and innovate

7 Here’s what else to consider

Grassroots Organizing

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