How To Conduct Effective Advocacy

Conducting advocacy within government agencies can oftentimes feel like a daunting and unrewarding task, and in our experience, this is especially true of the Department of Corrections. While there is no one way to go about advocacy, we believe the following may prove to be some helpful tips.

​

1.  When at all possible, always use email.  In this way, you have an electronic record of what has been communicated by the DOC. Never allow yourself to be in a position where the DOC can control the narrative. 

​

2. Make sure you have a signed release of authorization form from the individual(s) you are conducting advocacy for. The DOC does and will use the lack of documentation as a means of refusing to speak with you, irrespective of whether protected information is being discussed. Please click on the link to access this form. DOC 1163

​

3. To the extent possible, provide concrete information (dates, times, places, individuals involved, formal responses received, policy references, etc.)

​

4. When appropriate based on level of escalation, include higher level authorities in the email correspondence.

 

5. If you have developed a rapport with lawmakers, their staff, advocacy groups, or experts, include them in the email, with their permission of course. If the DOC is made aware that others have gotten involved or are exercising oversight, even informally, it can often change their tune. 

 

6. If your advocacy is for an individual, please make sure you keep him/her informed at all times so as to assure his/her autonomy and involvement in decisions that will directly affect him/her. 

 

7. Make sure to communicate an acceptable form of resolution, and when possible, offer an alternative solution or solutions to try and build toward change for the situation. In your demand, make it clearly and plainly known that you will follow-up with the concerns. Also, pointedly ask the recipient the following: what next action steps will you take, who will you involve if anyone, when can I expect to hear back, and most important, if an issue of policy or procedure is mentioned, request that s/he provide you with copies of that information or direct you to where you can find it.

 

We hope you have found this helpful, and as always, do not hesitate to contact us with questions, concerns, or requests for additional guidance and support.