a policy is a plan of action a course or principle of action adopted by a government, party,...
TRANSCRIPT
A policy is a plan of action
a course or principle of action adopted by a government, party, business or individualenvision.ca/templates/profile.asp
Policymaking—a course of action dealing with a problem or matter of concern
Policies create a framework by which government affects the lives people
Policy Process•problem recognition •Formation and refinement of policy proposals•Politics
They can be created by crisisThey can be externally drivenThey can be people drivenThey can be development driven
Why target problems from the perspective of policy?
A policy is a course or principle of action on an issue. A typical document outlines the problem or current situation, the Governments vision, mission and objectives, strategies for achieving objectives.
From this document all strategies and programmes meant to deal with the issue are derived.
It ensures that your group position is represented at the start
It enables comprehensive action especially in complex issues that cut across sectorsIt is high impact.It builds alliances that strengthen democracies through principle of participation
“Advocacy is a set of targeted actions directed at decision makers in support of a specific policy issue.”Networking for Policy Change - An Advocacy Training Manual
Speaking out in support of a cause It is an umbrella term that describes various strategies.It includes:•Campaigning•Lobbying•Research/communication•Alliance buildingAdvocacy is engagement aimed at bringing about change
It engages youth in Governance in an enabling way
Enables them to contribute to national developmentThorough grasp of the existing policies is the strongest starting point for advocacyEnables youth analyze policies and political agendas from their own perspectiveEnables collective action for change.
Why Policy Advocacy?
•Identify a policy issue to work on•Focus on the area you can make the best impact•Enroll other like minds to the cause•Research! Research! Research!•Create action plan•Identify strategic allies
When you see something that’s wrong, no matter how big the problem is, think“Who else would like to change this? How can we work together?”UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan
Challenges for youth engagement in policy advocacy
•National Youth Policy and Implementation Framework•The National Employment Policy•NEEDS2
Poverty Reduction, Job Creation and Youth
Since the factors that give rise to unemployment and poverty are complex it may be difficult to target one policy instrument that can effectively deal with the issue. However as youth in this area there are some policy documents we must familiarize ourselves with.
Employment Generation
Poverty Reduction
Wealth Creation, and;
Value Orientation.
What Is NEEDS?NEEDS—the National Economic Empowermentand Development Strategy—is Nigeria’s planfor prosperity.
Policy advocacy – approach of YES Nigeria
YES Nigeria decided to ride on ongoing Policy development and implementation processes
Process so far
•Advocacy visits•Consultations•Focus on Employment Policy•Simplifying the Employment Policy•Reviews
Results
Current inclusion in policy processesCited in the YEN publication under best practices
Next Steps
• Enroll more youth campaign members•articulate a position that will be integrated into the strategies and programmes generated from NEEDS2 (from National to State to Local Government Levels) and the National Employment Policy Implementation Framework. •Capacity building in policy advocacy, strategy and programme development and monitoring and evaluation
http://projects.takingitglobal.org/YES-Nigeria
http://groups.takingitglobal.org/yesnigeria
www.yesnigeria.org
Pamela Braide [email protected]
Participate!
Remember
•You have a right to contribute to policy processes•If you don’t offer your perspective it will not be included•Policies affect your life whether you contribute or not.•In policy work the change can start with one but will be actualized by many•Keep yourself informed•Keep your issue on the front burner•Timing is of the essence in policy advocacy• Get to know your political representatives•Be very very patient•Policy making bodies are not the enemy, they are simply the arena for battle