Session VIII - The Art of Advocacy
As you think back on our session dedicated to advocacy, what did you learn that might help you in your work with elected and appointed officials?
Session II - What is a Neighborhood Network?
Last night, we heard from city planner Hannah Van Nimwegen-McGuire about the City of Colorado Springs new approach to planning, a model centered around smaller neighborhood plans. We also heard CONO Execuitve Director Sara Vaas and CONO Board Chair Anthony Carlson discuss the plan to build neighborhood network boards to ensure citizens are involved in the development and implementation of these plans. What do you see as the possibilities for this model in your neighborhood? What are some of the challenges that may emerge in this model?
Agree one hundred percent that developing good relationships are the heart of advocacy. Also appreciated the simple model that was presented of getting people together and rallying them around an idea or whatever is being advocated.
ReplyDeleteThis session was very helpful. It helped me to be a trusted and positive influence on different groups, constituencies and public officials. It also provided information on how to be an effective
ReplyDeleteagent by being positive and using innovative ways to influence.
I enjoyed the class as usual. Learned a ton. Perhaps the most significant draw from this lesson is how important it is to manage up. Language is critical, and I am glad Anthony was intentional about referring to advocacy as an art form. I suppose that's the best method when it comes to honing advocacy as a craft.
ReplyDeleteThe art of advocacy presentation helped me take a more critical look at my motivation behind signing up for neighborhood university. A huge factor for me was that I didn't feel qualified as an advocate for my community. In recent years since we bought our home in the Midland neighborhood I've encountered numerous incidents in which I found myself wishing I could make a difference, motivate some change, or reach out to a political official regarding various issues and yet I've found I easily get overwhelmed not knowing where to get started. Jill Gabler's breakdown of the various types of advocacy provided clear pathways for communication and defining objectives in order to find common ground among neighbors. For me it's important to remember that something as simple as a neighborhood block party can provide a platform for brainstorming and conversations that can lead to an increased mobilization of constituents.
ReplyDeleteCourtney Benson
Midland
This was a valuable session regarding important components of advocacy, especially defining your goal and building relationships with elected officials and constituents. Probably the 2 strongest take away points for me was the concept of building a relationship with elected and appointed officials PRIOR to asking them for something and the power of telling a story with your ask. The group exercise really resonated with me, both in regard to the safety issues neighborhood groups brought up and especially in the feedback Jill Gaebler offered after quick presentations.
ReplyDeleteCyndi Long
Middle Shooks Run
Another great class - the suggestion to build relationships before something is being asked for is a good one, also to consider carefully what is your goal. Plus, the different advocacy types put into perspective some of the behaviors I have seen myself; if the goal is to develop long-term relationships some will be more effective than others.
ReplyDeleteJo Lucey
Advocacy is an art. I appreciated the practical advice on how to gain respect and keep the long-term goal in mind. Elected officials may not agree with my position this time, but eventually we will find ourselves on the same side of a future issue. I do not want to burn any bridges in my short sighted attempt at convincing them of my point.
ReplyDeleteAndrew (Mesa Springs)
DeleteCathy V
ReplyDeleteI really appreciated this clear and concise yet very informative session! And, I really appreciate Councilperson Jill giving her feedback so honestly and encouragingly. I guess one thought I keep having is that I work full time in a normal 8-5 job and another job and care for grandkids. So many meetings or times to meet one on one with elected officials is during those times. I know this may limit how I am able to get involved. But, more so, how do we get younger folks who are in similar or even more challenging situations to be able to be involved? They are the voices for now and the future. Issues like affordable housing, schools, parks, transportation, etc. ae important now, but they may not have time until 30-40 years from now to take part. I guess as an advocate, helping educate and inform them, and figuring out ways to creatively include them is a good thing to think about!
Class 8 - The Art of Advocacy
ReplyDeleteDianne Bridges
Key Points:
Great discussion on the art of advocacy.
Good point that the heartbeat of advocacy is strong relationships.
Appreciate the statement that if one has a strong argument, constituents and are able to communicate, you can make a difference.
There is a distinction between being heard vs. being persuasive. Important
Most folks like to hear stories. Effective in making your case.
Build relationships with elected & public officials
Bottom line: find common ground, offer to assist in solving, suggest an incremental approach to resolution and be willing to work on compromises
I had been taught long ago to seek to understand before being understood. It's what you were teaching here. It is a session that harkens back to earlier sessions about telling stories to build strong movements and gain broader buy in. It was an excellent session.
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