1. Paragraph #1 - Identify your issue. Think about your school or neighborhood.
What is the problem that needs to be addressed?
How do you know it is a problem?
Is this problem causing harm or preventing good?
Can a policy or rule be put in place to address this issue?

2. Paragraph #2 - Setting goals and planning for success.
Visualize a better tomorrow by answering the following questions.
A. The policy you are trying to create or impact is______________?
B. Set the goals you want to accomplish.
C. How will your community be improved if your policy is implemented?
D. What will you do first, second, etc.?
E. Who will be responsible for what?
F. How will you know you have been successful?

3. Paragraph #3 - Becoming an expert on the issue.
Know the facts about your issue collect information and statistics to support your position.
Monitor the media, search the Internet, go to the library, and interview community members.
Learn both sides of the issue. What research did you use and what did you find out?

4. Paragraph #4 - Recruit allies and Identify Roadblocks.
What people and coalitions already are working on the issue?
Recruit people harmed by the problem and others who may benefit from the policy.
Co-opt them to be your ally on the advocacy project.
Who are your opponents?
Why would they be against your proposed policy?

5. Paragraph #5 - Identify your strategies. Select at least six of the strategies listed below.
What strategies will you use for your project? Why?
A. Required -- Go to 2 local government meeting (each member)
B. Start a letter campaign to all public officials connected to the issue
C. Send out e-mail action alerts and start an email campaign
D. Conduct a survey of a minimum of 30 people that are connected to the issue
E. Circulate a petition of a minimum of 50 people that are connected to the issue
F. Create 3 posters and 10 bumper stickers to get your message out
G. Create 30 flyers, and or brochures throughout your community or school.
H. Get on the agenda to give a presentation at a public hearing or meeting
I. Lobby a public official connected to the issue
J. Conduct a rally, march, vigil, speak out - with permission or permit from authorities
Work on the media. The media is the best tool to get your solution out to a large audience.
K. Write a letter to the editor (for the editorial or opinion page of the newspaper)
L. Appear on a local television news station or radio talk show
M. Other _______________ (need teacher approval)

6. Paragraph #6 - Identify resources.
Money is only one resource that may be useful in your advocacy effort.
Identify resources that exit within your group.
What talents and skills do you and your team members bring to the planning table?
Do you know a business or organization that may be willing to donate space, food, or other items to advance your cause?

7. Paragraph #7 – Results. What were the results of your efforts?
Where is your issue now?
What did you learn?
What will you do next time?
Who did what in your team? What made the difference in the projects success or lack of it? Why?

Three Golden Rules For Advocacy.
1. Clarity: create a single message and stick to it.
2. Quantity: create as large a network as possible to support your cause.
3. Frequency: get your message out to as many people as possible as frequently as possible.