Plan, Implement, Evaluate

I did a session late last week with Analytic-OR on strategic web planning, optimzation and analytics. The key message of the presentation was start with a plan, implement it and then evaluate it. Take what you learn from the evaluation and then apply it to your plan. In that session I was referring to results-driven online marketing through your website. However, whether it is advocacy or a website, the message holds true. Plan. Implement. Evaluate.  Be sure to take what you learn through the evaluation process and apply it to your plan and your next steps for implmentation. That is results driven advocacy!

Excited about being part of the CHPCA Learning Institute

I am excited to be part of the Canadian Hospice Palliative Care Learning Institute taking place June 1-3, 2012  in Banff, Alberta. As part of the faculty for the Advocacy stream, I know we will be putting together a dynamic, engaging and educational program. Check it out at: http://chpca.net/LearningInsituteProgram

Advocacy Tip: Don't lose control of the meeting

The other day I was having a chat with a friend who mentioned he had just met with his local MLA, who is also a member of the provincial Cabinet. My friend talked about how surprised he was when the Minister started expressing frustration with him about policies he would like to change and asking for my friend's opinion on how that change could be made. My friend seemed pleased with the meeting until I asked him what the Minister planned to do about the issue he had actually gone to meet the Minister about. My friend sheepishly admitted he had not been able to spend as much time discussing his issue as he had hoped, since more time was spent on the issue the Minister had raised, and he did not feel he had communicated his message effectively.

This is not the first time I have seen this happen.  I suggested that next time he was faced with a similar situation, he should indicate to the Minister he would be more than happy to talk about that second issue at another time which was convenient to the Minister, but today he had asked to meet to discuss his particular concern. By ceding control of the agenda to the Minister, my friend lost his opportunity to advocate effectively. Furthermore, at the end of the meeting he might have suggested to the Minister that he could make an appointment with the Minister's scheduling assistant on the way out for a future meeting to discuss the issue on the Minister's mind.

Don't lose your opportunity by being drawn into an agenda that isn't your own. Be diplomatic, polite and accomodating, but don't be drawn in to pointless chatter or a discussion on issues not relevant to your purpose.

Tips on Appearing Before a Parliamentary Committee

A few months ago I wrote some tips on preparing to appear before a Parliamentary Committee. An effective presentation before a committee requires good planning and preparation. But what about the meeting itself? Here are some quick tips on how to conduct yourself when testifying before a parliamentary committee.
1. Confirm logistics with the Clerk, either the day before or earlier in the day for an afternoon or evening appearance. Are there any substitutions to the membership? Are any other witnesses appearing? Confirm the time and location of meeting. Has your written brief been circulated? Also confirm how much time you have for opening remarks and questions and answers.  
2. Arrive early. Make sure you leave enough time to clear security and arrive in the Committee room.
3. Introduce yourself to the Clerk of the Committee and get settled. You may be appearing with other groups on a panel or may be appearing before or after other witnesses. Introduce yourself to other panel members.
4. If there is time before the meeting begins, introduce yourself to members of the Committee.
5. Pause and take a deep breath before you begin speaking to relax.
6. Keep your opening remarks short and convey your key messages. Members are usually anxious for the question and answer section. Your written brief should have been sent to the Clerk in advance so that it could be translated and circulated before the meeting. Make sure the brief contains an Executive Summary and a clear list of your key messages/recommendations.
7. Pause and look up from your remarks when speaking, making eye contact and conveying your expertise and conviction. Speak clearly and not too quickly, particularly as at the federal level your words are being simultaneously translated. If possible, at a parliamentary committee make some of your remarks in both official languages.
8. Use the proper form of address and show appropriate respect to Committee members, even if they do not agree with your position. Keep a positive attitude and approach the meeting as one where you are helping others to understand your position. Do not be confrontational.
9. Answer questions honestly and respectfully. In your preparation before the meeting you should anticipate questions which may be asked or have been asked of other witnesses and be prepared to answer. Make sure you are clear on your key messages/recommendations. Offer to provide a follow up written response for questions that require a more thoughtful answer or additional information not on hand.
10. If a member becomes confrontational or wanders too far off topic, you may need to look to the Chair for guidance. Remain respectful.
11. Avoid fidgeting, excessive flipping through materials, mumbling, or other distracting habits. The meeting may be televised, so be sure your dress and behaviour are appropriate.
12. At the end of your allotted time, thank the Chair and the Committee for the opportunity to appear.
13. If there is a break between witnesses or the meeting adjourns, speak to members individually to thank them for the opportunity or answer additional questions.   
14. Follow up with additional written information to the Committee after the meeting. Share your messages with other parliamentarians and the media as appropriate.


For more information, there is a helpful article fromthe Canadian Parliamentary Review you may

Common Reasons Why Advocacy Attempts Fail

Often in my business I hear organizations complain about how they mounted an advocacy campaign but did not achieve the success they sought. What are some of the common reasons they were unsuccessful?

1. A lack of patience. Advocacy takes time and too often groups give up before they achieve success because they lack the patience that advocacy requires. Remember government generally moves very slowly. A large part of advocacy is relationship building and this takes time.

2. Failure to align the ask with government priorities. Governments indicate their policy priorities through a variety of ways, including the Speech from the Throne, the Budget Speech and Cabinet members' speeches. Policy options which are in line with government priorities are more likely to be successful.

3. Lack of understanding of how government works. When groups do not understand how the policy development process works and how to engage in it or when they fail to understand how government decisions are made and how to capitalize on government processes, they are less likely to be successful. Advocates need to learn these processes so they can work within them effectively.

4. Lack of a clear policy option.  Well developed, research-based policy options that take into consideration the multitude of factors government must consider are more likely to be successful. Develop your policy ask carefully.

5. No strategic plan. Failure to engage in a strategic advocacy planning process can lead to lack of accountability, confused messages, missed opportunities and a lack of direction. In advocacy, good planning builds success.

Knowledge is Power

In government relations and advocacy who you knew used to be one of the most important factors. With longer cooling off periods for public office holders after they leave office, and strict reporting rules, government relations is no longer about who you know. Now, what you know is arguably even more important. We live in the information age, and knowledge rules.   Being able to speak the language of government, understand government priorities, and navigate the legislative and budgetary planning processes of government are critical to effective government relations. A truly winning combination is well researched public policy that fits with government priorities.

Tips on Preparing to Appear before a Committee

A client was recently asked to appear before a Parliamentary Committee.  An appearance before a parliamentary committee can be an excellent opportunity to share your message.  Here are some quick tips for preparing to appear before a legislative or parliamentary committee.

1. You will often be given a few minutes for an opening statement and then engage in a question and answer session.  Confirm with the Committee Clerk the length of time you have for opening remarks, in total before the Committee, and if you are part of a panel.
2. Keep your opening statement concise and punchy. Make sure it includes at least one and no more than three recommendations. If you appear with a colleague from your organization, it is often best to have one speaker for opening statements and then share the Q and A portion.
3. If appearing on a panel with other organizations, get a sense of what key messages they are likely to raise.
4. Don't spend too long in your opening remarks describing your organization or your background. Make sure your key messages are clear.  
5. Ask the Clerk or the office of the Committee Chair if there are particular issues the Committee would like you to address in your remarks.
6. Research the work of the Committee and their work on the study for which you are appearing in front of the Committee. Who else has testified? What evidence has the Committee heard so far?  This information will help  guide you when drafting your remarks.
7. If you are providing a written brief, provide it in advance so the Committee members can read it before the meeting.
8. Research who the members of the Committee are, their background and if they have experience with your issue. Are there standard questions they are asking all the witnesses? Use this information to help you prepare.
9. Make sure your recommendations are specific, well researched, viable and concrete. Vague or "Mom and Apple Pie" type recommendations will do little to advance your cause.
10. Practice your opening remarks and spend time brainstorming questions you may be asked. Be clear on the message you wish to impart to the Committee.