ESTABLISHING LINES OF COMMUNICATIONS WITH YOUR OPPOSITION’S TRADITIONAL ALLIES

In advocacy work, you often want all the support you can get. You can think of possible support as arranged in concentric circles. The innermost circle contains you and your closest, most committed allies- your core group. The next circle out contains your natural allies- those individuals and organizations that share your beliefs and values, and stand to benefit or see their values confirmed by the success of your advocacy effort. The third circle encompasses those who are neutral, because they know nothing about the issue, because they’re not sure where they stand on it, or because they don’t believe it concerns them in any way. The last two circles are the least likely to be supportive. In the fourth circle out are the opposition’s traditional allies, who occupy the same position in relation to your opposition as your natural allies do in relation to you. And finally, in the farthest circle, are your opponents, those who are unalterably against what you’re in favor of.

Advocates know that you sometimes find allies in unexpected places. One of those places is among those who normally line up with opponents to your advocacy efforts.

Establishing lines of communication with your opposition’s traditional allies means creating a communication link with people who are usually on the opposite side from you, either on the issue you’re advocating for, or in general. The expectation is not that you’ll necessarily make them into allies, although that’s obviously a desirable goal, but rather that you can begin a dialogue. People and circumstances change with time and experience. If you can listen to and respect one another, you’ll certainly improve relations, and you may improve your advocacy position as well.

Opening lines of communication can be the first step to real understanding between two parties previously at odds. It can also serve to clear up misunderstandings of all kinds, and to make new allies in unusual places. It may reduce your opponents’ power base, by decreasing the people and organisations they count on to support them unconditionally. Setting up communication channels can help you expand your own power base, as well as your advocacy network. It may even bring your opponents to your point of view , and lead to future alliances.

To establish communication with opponents’ traditional allies you first should identify and get to know everything you can about your opponents, their allies, and your allies, so you’ll have some idea whom to contact and how. Consider the timing of your attempt: You’re more apt to succeed when your opponents’ allies are disaffected, for instance, or when you have something specific and important to communicate about.

Next, decide who will make the first contact, and how. This first contact isn’t the same as your first real significant conversation. You have to decide who’ll represent you there, as well, and what that conversation will be about. Then, once the decisions are made, do it if you can- make the contact, have the initial conversation.

Make sure to follow up on your first effort, so the momentum won’t be lost, and to try to schedule, or at least structure, future communication. Finally, work to maintain your lines of communication over time, so they don’t wither from neglect.

Establishing lines of communication with your opposition’s traditional allies, should at the very least, improve relations and your position in the community. Ultimately, it could lead to new alliances, and greatly improve your chances for successful advocacy.