What are the planning steps for CSOs in developing an advocacy strategy?

Identify key players
In order to have an impact in relation to signature, ratification, implementation and monitoring, it is important to identify key players with an influence on the decision-making processes. Depending on the stage of the process of introducing the convention and the country’s political system, this may include the president / prime minister, the cabinet and/or the legislature. Other government officials who may have a direct or indirect influence on the ratification and implementation processes include the Ministers of Justice, Finance and Foreign Affairs and the officials that work most closely with them on such matters. It is desirable to identify particular actors responsible for, or able to play a role in, moving the process forward and to try to work with them.

Carry out research on existing framework
For advocacy regarding implementation, civil society organisations will first want to analyse what improvements are needed in the national system in order to comply with the requirements and standards under the two conventions. This will require an analysis of existing legislation, institutions, policies, processes and practices. Where multiple conventions apply, the task is more complicated.

For advocacy efforts on an ongoing basis, regular independent civil society monitoring can provide an important basis for that ork.Further detail in the section - How can civil society organisations carry out their own independent monitoring?, available here.

Identify key audiences and messages
There are different approaches to advocacy and the choices made will vary from country to country, from group to group and from issue to issue. The question is what will persuade the target audience to take the actions wished for. In some countries and for some issues it may be productive to take a cooperative attitude towards government and civil society organisations may in those cases prefer to target key decision-makers with behind-the-scenes communications. In other countries or on otherisues it may be necessary to publicly challenge government leaders, for example where they seem to deliberately delay action. In that case, organisations may seek to mobilise ciizens through the media and through public education programmes.

Identify means and materials for delivering the messages
Direct communication with the executive branch and parliamentarians. Once CSOs have identified key persons in the executive and legislative branch, as described above, they need to learn the best ways of keeping their issue high on the agenda of the persons identified. This may include personal meetings and short briefings, as well as in-depth research, letters and phone calls.

Public activities include rallies, workshops, concerts and other public events, as well as development of posters, postcards, flyers and oter romotional material.

Communication via electronic media, including websites and emails. If used effectively, these can mobilise support in a short period of time among a wide range of groups and individuals.

Working with the media can be one of the most effective ways to get your message across. However, the objective needs to be carefully considered. There are occasions when media coverage may undermine your effrtsto influence government policy and practice.

To get the message across it is important that the vehicle be characterised by clarity, concise presentation, simplicity and repetition.

Identify key partners to work with
The breadth of the conventions means that a wide range of CSOs and private entities may potentially see them as benefiting their cause, if they are well-explained. There are many examples of civil society coalitions and networks campaigning in the anti-corruption field (and in other fields).

Influencing regional and international fora
CSOs should also keep in mnd opportunities to bring pressure to bear through inputs to and communications to regional and international fora and participation in those fora. In each region, there are a range of regional fora and meetings where pressure could be brought to bear. In Africa, for example, meetings of the African Union and of NEPAD and of sub-regional groupings such as SADC and ECOWAS are examples of these. It may also have be effective to engage in advocacy vis-à-vis institutions outside the CSO’s region, such as the G8. It is generally possible to make submissions in advance of those meetings and to attract press attention with messages released around the time of the meetings. Transparency International has been active in such fora as African Union, NEPAD and APEC meetings.