Advocacy in restricted spaces: A toolkit for civil society organizations
Key Guidance
Inspiring Practice
Lifeline Fund for Embattled CSOs;Freedom House (2020), 46 pp.
Contains photos, bibliogr. pp. 44-46
Other editions: also published in Arabic, Farsi, French, Russian, Spanish and Vietnamese
"There are many valuable resources on how to conduct advocacy that provide a detailed, step-by-step approach. These approaches include best practices for identifying stakeholders, developing a message, or planning a timeline. We will not go deeply into these topics, but we do want to provide an introductory framework to help CSOs think about how to develop an advocacy action plan [...] In Part 1, we present the framework for advocacy planning. In Part 2, the guide provides a tactics toolbox that can be used in restrictive contexts where civil society is under threat. In Part 3, we provide additional resources to assist with your planning. The primary focus of this toolkit is found in Part 2 with detailed case studies illustrating 10 key tactics that can be used in a range of contexts." (Using this guide, page 5)
"To provide this planning framework, we draw extensively on the 2018 publication by PACT, “Politically Smart Advocacy: A guide to Effective civil Society Advocacy for Sustainable Development”. The PACT guide provides a more detailed explanation of each of the following steps: https://www.pactworld.org/library/politicallysmart-advocacy-manual." (Page 5)
PART 1: ADVOCACY PLANNING, 6
Step 1: Identify your goal and objectives, 6
Step 2: Define stakeholders, targets, and "asks", 7
Step 3: Assess risk and develop your advocacy strategy, 8
Step 4: Develop the message, 11
Step 5: Select advocacy tactics, 11
Step 6: Implement and Evaluate, 12
PART 2: TACTICS TOOLBOX FOR RESTRICTIVE SPACES, 13
Tactic A. Using an Alternative Entry Point for Influence, 13
Tactic B. Identifying a Less Provocative "Wedge" Issue, 16
Tactic C. Using International or Regional Mechanisms to Amplify Pressure on National Institutions, 18
Tactic D. Engaging with Unlikely Allies, 21
Tactic E. Addressing Slander, Stereotypes and Stigmatization, 24
Tactic F. Working with the Diaspora, 27
Tactic G. Innovative Use of Digital Technologies, 28
Tactic H. Deploying Evidence-Based Advocacy, 31
Tactic I. Strategic Litigation in Restrictive Environments, 32
Tactic J. Creative Cultural Resistance, 35
PART 3: RESOURCES, 38
Annex A: Risk Assessment, 38
Annex B: Checklist of Practical Security Steps, 39
Annex C: Best Practices for Digital Security, 40
Annex D: Best Practices for Well-Being, 42
Annex E: Stakeholder Mapping and Power Analysis, 43
Annex F: Additional Resources, 44
Step 1: Identify your goal and objectives, 6
Step 2: Define stakeholders, targets, and "asks", 7
Step 3: Assess risk and develop your advocacy strategy, 8
Step 4: Develop the message, 11
Step 5: Select advocacy tactics, 11
Step 6: Implement and Evaluate, 12
PART 2: TACTICS TOOLBOX FOR RESTRICTIVE SPACES, 13
Tactic A. Using an Alternative Entry Point for Influence, 13
Tactic B. Identifying a Less Provocative "Wedge" Issue, 16
Tactic C. Using International or Regional Mechanisms to Amplify Pressure on National Institutions, 18
Tactic D. Engaging with Unlikely Allies, 21
Tactic E. Addressing Slander, Stereotypes and Stigmatization, 24
Tactic F. Working with the Diaspora, 27
Tactic G. Innovative Use of Digital Technologies, 28
Tactic H. Deploying Evidence-Based Advocacy, 31
Tactic I. Strategic Litigation in Restrictive Environments, 32
Tactic J. Creative Cultural Resistance, 35
PART 3: RESOURCES, 38
Annex A: Risk Assessment, 38
Annex B: Checklist of Practical Security Steps, 39
Annex C: Best Practices for Digital Security, 40
Annex D: Best Practices for Well-Being, 42
Annex E: Stakeholder Mapping and Power Analysis, 43
Annex F: Additional Resources, 44
