advocacy: engaging the public

CoreModule 10

Advocacy:Engaging the Public

Association des conseils scolaires des écoles publiques de l’Ontario (ACÉPO)Association franco-ontarienne des conseils scolaires catholiques (AFOCSC)Ontario Catholic School Trustees’ Association (OCSTA)Ontario Public School Boards’ Association (OPSBA)Council of Ontario Directors of Education (CODE)

Advocacy: Engaging the Public

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““Many voices, a Many voices, a common good, a common good, a

consistent message…”consistent message…”

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What is Advocacy?

• Active support for an idea or cause

• Involves drawing attention to or providing education on an issue, influencing decision makers

• May include lobbying efforts

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You have been asked to speak to the local business association for their annual dinner. You mention that you plan to speak about the importance of Catholic education to the community.

The planning event Chair asks you, “What does that have to do with our business association?”

In what ways is this an advocacy opportunity?

What kind of advocacy response might this call for and how can you respond?

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When school board trustees are elected they assume responsibility for representing their constituents in all education issues related to their school district

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Advocacy Concerns for Most Boards

• Special Education programming• English as a Second Language• Student transportation• Full-day Early Learning• French Language Instructions• Children’s Mental Health issues• Legislation or regulations that

impact school board governance

• Renewable energy technologies• The use of standardized test

scores• Adult education classes• Use of schools – recreation• The school as a location for

various services• The future of Catholic education

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Steps in the Advocacy Process

1. Define the issue

2. Set goals and objectives

3. Identify and analyze target audiences

4. Create strategy and action plans

5. Develop communication plan

6. Develop monitoring and evaluation plan

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Meet C.R.E.S.

Step 1: Define the issue

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Step 2: Set goals and objectives

• What do you want to achieve?– Do you agree with C.R.E.S. and want to support

their efforts– Do you want to protect the status quo?– Do you want to use this as an opportunity for

reform?

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Complete Steps 3 and 4

1. Define the issue

2. Set goals and objectives

3. Identify and analyze target audiences

4. Create strategy and action plans

5. Develop communication plan

6. Develop monitoring and evaluation plan

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Strengthening the Advocacy Role

• No single right way to advocate – situations and contexts vary

• Need to move issues up the priority list – centre advocacy around student achievement and well-being

• Build networks

• Be engaged in communities

• Use your resources – i.e. trustee associations

advocacy: engaging the public

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