Advocacy is a difficult process to define; there are no internationally agreed upon definitions of advocacy so therefore defining advocacy is often a process in itself.
In the context of international development, organisations often give their own definitions of advocacy which range from broad to specific definitions. However, general advocacy activities in the context of development typically relate to a process where individuals, groups or communities try to influence policy and decision-makers. These groups aim to change policy, procedures and/or practice by focusing upon and minimising the structural causes of poverty and disadvantage. Advocacy is a means to achieving equity and social justice through the empowerment of disadvantaged groups, including people with disabilities, so they actively participate and are directly included in decision making processes affecting their lives. Advocacy activities typically cover a broad range of activities such as awareness-raising, lobbying, public relations and influencing specific legislation.
Advocacy is key to challenge barriers to inclusion and improve policy, environmental and attitudinal factors so people with disabilities are fully supported, enabled, included and empowered to participate fully on an equal basis in society. This is supported by the United Nations Convention on Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), with a particular focus on article 8.
This key list draws together a selection of advocacy resources that highlight information about how to initiate and manage advocacy campaigns, implement awareness-raising activities, engage in lobbying and/or public relations, and influence specific legislation. The resources feature both mainstream and disability-specific strategies and tools. We welcome your feedback: please send comments or suggested additions to sourceassistant@hi-uk.org.
Selected resources
Advocacy : key information sheet 4
The how and why of advocacy
A basic manual for inclusive development
A research toolkit for disabled people’s organisation : how to undertake and use applied research
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