• Does your organization want to get more involved in public policy advocacy?
• Would you like to have a greater policy impact at the local, state or national level?
• Would your board & staff like to get clearer on your policy priorities & activity options?

NESAWG’s Building Advocacy Capacity can help groups working on food, farming and related issues to introduce or better incorporate policy advocacy activities into their work.

We’ll help build your group’s presence and power in policy change to:

• Serve your mission;
• Promote constructive dialogue on public issues;
• Increase your organization’s impact; and
• Engage your constituents.

The Method
We offer an intensive half- or full-day training that will help you:

• Understand terms and concepts about policy education, advocacy and lobbying;
• Clarify your advocacy objectives;
• Create criteria and participatory processes for prioritizing and addressing issues;
• Develop a concrete plan to participate effectively in your chosen advocacy arenas; and
• Move your members and constituents to direct citizen action.

We’ll work with you in advance to prepare and tailor the training to your needs. Training participants can be board members, staff, policy or education committees or any combination. We can provide follow-up support services identified through the training process.

The Result
Your organization will be better able to conduct effective public policy advocacy activities. Your staff and board will feel clearer, more secure and more empowered to proceed with decisions and actions. You will be more effective in reaching your members, constituents and public and in mobilizing their participation in farm and food issues that are important to you.

Eligible Groups
To benefit most effectively from this opportunity, organizations should:
• Have a grassroots orientation;
• Be able to bring various sectors’ interests to the table;
• Demonstrate a commitment to diversity;
• Possess accountable governance and dedication to leadership development; and
• Show interest in exploring regional perspectives on agriculture and food systems.

Organization Time Commitment
• 1-2 hours in outreach, selection and scheduling of training participants
• 2-4 hours preparation to tailor training and absorb background materials
• 4-8 hours training session
• 4-6 hours follow up work to document group’s discussion, decisions and next steps

Follow-up Services
For groups that wish further assistance in moving forward on their policy advocacy agenda, we can negotiate and provide the following types of services:

• Help groups design activities (e.g., a public forum series, a grassroots lobbying effort, a social message campaign, a letter to the editor)
• Research and synthesize positions, perspectives and opportunities for specific policies
• Advise groups on getting and staying informed on issues
• Prepare organizations to take positions
• Represent organizations in advocacy arenas

Background
In 2006 NESAWG developed, piloted and refined a flexible training curriculum and support services to help member and other grassroots groups become more engaged and effective in transforming public policy. Led by Kathy Ruhf and Kathy Lawrence, this effort was part of a larger initiative to prepare groups for greater participation in the 2007 Farm Bill deliberations.

Between them, Kathy and Kathy have over 40 years’ experience fostering grassroots participation in agriculture and food system change. Kathy Ruhf has coordinated NESAWG since 1992 and is a food systems policy specialist. Kathy Lawrence directed both the National Campaign for Sustainable Agriculture and Just Food (in New York City). Each has led scores of workshops and dialogues on agriculture, food, and public policy issues.

Groups that participated in our pilot workshops significantly increased their understanding of policy advocacy principles, terms and options. They strengthened their cohesiveness and sense of purpose around public issues among Board members, staff and stakeholders. Pilot groups also highlighted the importance of collaborating in grassroots networks on advocacy efforts. Across the board, pilot participants noted the value of having a framework and skilled facilitation to make formerly overwhelming and amorphous discussions manageable and geared toward achievable actions.

For more information, contact:
Kathy Ruhf (413) 323-9878, [email protected] or
Kathy Lawrence (845) 361-3205, [email protected]