ADVOCACY AND LOBBYING INDEX OF CSOs : A USEFUL TOOL TO DETERMINE CAPACITY

Index Description: The components help assess a CSO’s ability to research issues, the ability to track reaction to crucial events and decisions. Also crucial is the CSO’s ability to define its own position and to commit material and financial resources in order to organize information campaigns in the community, as well as working to influence political decisions.

Each of the index component should be rated on a scale, such as the following 5 point scale, where 1= none or very little capacity, 5= extensive or very strong capacity. Components of the index are the following:

1. The CSO collects information and researches issues

• Issue is of vital concern to the group’s constituents
• Relevant government agencies and their respective roles in the issue are identified at national and local levels; Knowledge and positions investigated
• Interests and stakeholders are identified
• Existing information and data on the issue is collected for summaries or position papers
• Policy analysis on legal, political, social justice, or health aspects of the issue are performed.

2. The CSO systematically seeks input and response from its members and the public on the issue

• CSO members meet to discuss information collected
• General public input is solicited (including from women and minorities) via public meetings, focus groups, conferences, seminars, call-in programs etc.
• Media campaigns are conducted
• The CSO adjusts its strategy in response to input.

3. The CSO formulates a viable policy position on the issue

• Policy formulation is done in a participatory (and gender-sensitive) manner
• Policy being advocated exists in writing, with formats and levels of detail that are appropriate for variousaudiences and policy makers
• Policy position is clearly and persuasively collected in component 1
• Presentation of the policy option uses attractive formats, such as graph

4. The CSO obtains and/or allocates resources (especially time and money) for advocacy the issue.

• Contributions are collected from member, interested citizens, and/or from other organizations (businesses, foundations, religious groups, etc.)
• Financial or other resources are assigned to the issue from within the CSO
• Volunteer time to help advocate the issue is obtained and well managed
• The CSO seeks contributions from outside sources (donors, business sector, local organizations, etc.)
• Human resources of the organization are well managed and advocacy activity is made a priority.

5. The CSO builds coalitions and networks to obtain cooperative efforts for joint action on the issue.

• Other groups and individuals with interests related to the issue are identified or persuaded to take an interest (may include government organisations which share concerns)
• Coalitions formed (defined as any type of joint working group)
• An existing or new coalition or network is activated through informal contacts, joint meetings, identifying common interests, sharing resources etc.
• Joint or coordinated actions planned and monitored

6. CSO communicates position/stand on the issue

• Communication plan put in place
• News release generated or public meetings held
• Events scheduled to educate public on the position/stand
• Response mechanisms exists for all outreach efforts ( for further input and to assess public interest)
• Relevant policy position papers and disseminated recommendations are based on the input collected and the coalition's joint interests
• Effective and well developed techniques of mass influence are applied.

7. The CSO takes follow up actions to influence policy and/or to maintain public interest

• Members/citizens are encouraged to take appropriate actions, such as writing letters to legislators
• Active lobbying conducted for the policy position such as testifying in hearings, personal visits to legislators
• Monitoring the status of the law, policy or court decision, and informing and mobilizing the public at critical junctures
• Some staff or volunteer time and resources are allocated to the issue for monitoring
• (If desired policy passed)- Monitoring and implementation and possible public awareness campaign undertaken to create or renew a sense of irgency on the issue
• (If desired policy not passed). At least a minimal level of advocacy maintained to take advantage of upcoming opportunities for pressing the issue, perhaps with a reformulated approach or different specifics.