Advocacy

What is your advocacy in 2026? Do you have any plans? Yes, advocacy can be unplanned, but true advocacy benefits from planning.

When I entered PCCI–Boracay (formerly Boracay Chamber of Commerce) in 2008, the word “advocacy” was vague to me. I wasn’t used to it, so I had to study how to do it.  I thought I was just a reliever, but I was left hanging during the radical change.

I was new to the business world.  I used to be an assistant, but after the radical change that took place, I had to run the office with the guidance of the Board of Directors. Yes, I struggled. I knelt in prayer, asking God how to handle the affairs of the Chamber. I was a one-man buddy, and communication with the Board was done online.  The Board of Directors was composed of one Chinoy, two Swiss, one Swiss-German, and two Filipinos.  At first, it was difficult for me, as I had to adjust my communication skills due to language barriers, but by the grace of God, I was able to gain their trust.

I met people in the same field who helped me understand how to run the office. I thought my role was limited to administration, but when I encountered the concerns of our members, I was overwhelmed because it was beyond my imagination.

When I asked God how to handle the affairs of the Chamber, He answered by leading me to attend a seminar.  One of the topics that remains vivid in my heart is the Components of Effective Advocacy.

I was in awe when God opened doors for me. When the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry offered a seminar on Advocacy, I grabbed the opportunity because I needed it.  The Board granted me their support, and the lessons I learned from that seminar were not only used for the Chamber but were also applied in my ministry. Yes, it was a different field, but the same principles applied.

I’m going to share with you the components of effective advocacy.  Indeed, I used these components during my leadership trial in Dance Ministry.  I also shared this to my friend who went abroad and wanted to be involved in the community of the church.  I can guarantee that it is effective.  It was proven and tested by the CIPE and PCCI, and even I, myself experienced it years ago. 

Here are the key points and I’m looking forward to for effective results.  Feel free to ask if things not clear to you.  A blessed new year ahead of you!

 

COMPONENTS OF EFFECTIVE ADVOCACY

By Mr. Fred C. Whiting, CIPE

 Step # 1 – Refining the Problem

 

Ø What is the basic problem we are trying to attack?

 Step # 2 – Identifying Solutions

 

Ø What resources can we consult to identify possible solutions?

Ø Of the various possible solutions, select one solution that the business community could effectively advocate.

 

Step # 3 – Getting Organized for Advocacy

 

Ø How will our advocacy organization be structured?

Ø What resources will we need?

Ø What resources can our members provide?

Ø Assuming we have very limited (or no) financial resources, do we have other resources that will enable us to be successful with our advocacy project?

 

Step # 4 – Establish Goals

 

Ø What policies/ laws/ or regulations need to be enacted or changed?

Ø What is the process to achieve such new or revised policy/ law or regulation?

 

Step # 5 – Selecting the Advocacy Targets

 

Ø Who will be the targets of our advocacy?

Ø At what point in the decision-making process should we seek to intervene?

 

Step # 6 – Supporters & Opponents

 

Ø Who are likely to be our supporters?

Ø Who are likely to be our opponents? What will be their arguments?

Ø Who else should we educate and convince regarding the problem in order to enlarge support for our advocacy?

 

Step # 7 – Developing the Message

 

Ø What are the main arguments to support our advocacy?

Ø What are our opponents’ arguments and how do we refute them?

 

Step # 8 – Developing Advocacy Materials

 

Ø What materials can we create to help get our message across?

 

Step # 9 – The Messengers

 

Ø Who should we use to carry our message to the targets?

 

Step # 10 – Creating the “Big Army”

 

Ø Who should we invite to be coalition partners for this advocacy?

 

Step # 11 – Mobilizing Supporters

 

Ø How can we broaden our support in the community?

 

Step # 12 – Developing a Communication Plan

 

Ø How should we work with the media to spread our message?

Ø What materials should we provide to the media?

Ø Are there “media events” that we can organize to create news and get free publicity?

 

Step # 13 – Launching the Advocacy Campaign

 

Ø How should we launch our advocacy campaign to get maximum favorable attention?

Ø What sort of meetings or other contacts should we organize with decision-makers?

 

Step # 14 – Monitoring Progress

 

Ø How can we measure our progress along the way?

 

Step # 15 – Preparing for the Next Advocacy Campaign

 

Ø After this advocacy campaign – what should we do to thank the decision-makers who we worked with?