Advocacy

We support disadvantaged communities by bringing their stories and experience to the attention of the public and decision-makers worldwide. We undertake advocacy locally, nationally and internationally to bring about positive change to policies and practices. Together with our supporters, we campaign for global justice and help raise awareness of important development issues.

At present we influence policy in five main areas:

• education

• HIV and AIDS

• disability and HIV

• health

• gender.

VSO advocacy toolkit

We have produced an advocacy toolkit, Participatory Advocacy, based on our experiences in many countries over the last few years. It provides a simple, practical manual for VSO staff, partners, serving and returned volunteers that will help you plan and implement advocacy. The toolkit covers:

• participatory research

• strategic planning for advocacy

• lobbying and campaigning

• media work and communications.

The toolkit is available to download on the left.