Determining scope
Climate change is a big topic. And the relationship between climate change and health is complex. Any response demands multiple adaptation approaches, significant resources, a wide range of skill sets and a major dose of passion – even at the community level. Chances are you won’t be able to tackle every dimension, but what can you do?
The starting point of any advocacy activity is to determine your scope: what can you reasonably and effectively accomplish?
A strategy is critical; it will put you on track to deliver impact. It will provide a framework for setting priorities, mapping out the path to success, planning your activities, communicating effectively, building alliances and monitoring your progress. The templates below will help you think through some of the key questions to determine your scope and clarify that your ideas are achievable.
Getting started on your advocacy strategy
- Identify and define the issues
- Do your research
- Determine goals and objectives
- Engage others
- Develop an action plan
- Prepare to communicate
- Monitor and evaluate
Don’t forget to breathe!
Change takes time. As you undertake advocacy activities, set realistic expectations about what you can do and how fast you can do it. In many cases, you need to prepare for a long haul. Most importantly:
- Stay flexible
- Consult partners regularly
- Anticipate the unexpected
- Engage with decision-makers regularly and reliably
- Take time to recharge
Working at multiple levels to raise awareness on youth and climate
When Cyclone Amphan hit Bangladesh in May 2020, one group of climate advocates was ready to help.
Organisers at YouthNet for Climate Justice got to work, using a range of tested advocacy tactics to access funding for food, water and medical supplies.
These included Facebook live-chat sessions, Zoom calls with national and international partners, and video stories on a local news platform in Satkhira district called The Editors.
Formed in 2016 and now boasting som
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