Even if the position taken by public policy advocates is based on excellent research, as it often is, the equally-necessary work of translating this research into relevant, constructive and realistic policy options is not often done – in part because governments themselves are hardly ever entirely open about the parameters of decision making, even if they know themselves. Everyone, to some extent, is fumbling in the dark.

Public Policy Advocacy is any effort to in influence public policy by providing information, speaking to decision makers, demonstrating benefits for policy change and other such activities that encourage the adoption of the desired policy change. Public Policy Advocacy requires organization, information, preparation and communication. Public Policy Advocates research and analyze proposed laws, rules, policies or regulations; monitor developments; attend hearings; furnish periodic updates; educate policymakers, staff, and colleagues, and work with other interested parties.

Meeting with and communicating with government officials usually represent only a small portion of a public policy advocate’s time. A far greater portion of time is generally devoted to other aspects of preparation: researching and analyzing legislation or regulatory proposals, monitoring and reporting on developments, attending parliamentary or regulatory hearings, working with coalitions interested in the same issues, developing strategy and evaluating tactics, and communicating with clients about the implications of various policies, proposals, and developments.

AALEP Consulting services are based on a four-step approach that includes 1. Intelligence Gathering 2. Analysis 3. Strategic Planning and 4. Advocacy. In order to manage policy change effectively, accurate and timely predictive intelligence is a necessity. Through our extensive network of contacts with the EU institutions, we are able to follow what’s going on first hand, providing monitoring and intelligence gathering for clients eager to stay ahead of EU legislation and policy developments.