oclc online computer library center 1 developing your advocacy goal

OCLC Online Computer Library Center

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Developing Your Advocacy Goal


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Session Purpose

In this session, we will discuss advocacy goals and objectives, and you will develop an advocacy goal for your

library.


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In this session, you will:

Session Agenda

1. Discuss the purpose and process for developing an advocacy goal.

2. Learn how an advocacy goal serves as the foundation for an Advocacy Action Plan.

3. Develop your own library advocacy goal.


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What is an Advocacy Goal?

Advocacy Goal

Describes the specific change or action you want decision-makers to make to help

create the desired policy or funding change you seek to support the sustainability of

your library.


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Developing an Advocacy GoalWhat is a need in the community that the library can help fill? Q:

This determines your advocacy goal

What is preventing the library from filling this community need?

What can we do to change this / what solution will help the library overcome that barrier?

What solutions are possible when decision-makers are involved (i.e. through advocacy)?


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Discussion: Relationship Between Community and Library Needs


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Advocacy Goal Example

Which requires convincing decision-makers to make a policy or funding change? Q:

Community needAccess to opportunity through Internet

Library Offering Library offers public Internet access.

Problem / BarrierOutdated computer and Internet services

• No technology maintenance planning in their regular work

• No established standards for maintenance and updates

• No government funds for updates to computers and Internet services

A:


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Advocacy Goal Example(continued)

Possible Solution #1: The local government increases the public library’s annual budget to cover the cost of updating computers and Internet services.

Which requires convincing decision-makers to make a policy or funding change? Q:

Advocacy Goal: By June of next year, the local government increases the public library’s annual budget by two percent.

Possible Solution #2: Library has a technology maintenance and replacement schedule to ensure its technology services remain up-to–date for users.


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Activity: Advocacy Goals Test

Our mayor dedicates new funding to the library in the annual town budget.

The local community donates 100 new books to the library.

The chief budget officer for the town increases the library’s budget by 2%.

The library staff raises $2,000 for new computer equipment from private donors.

The local high school principal publicly speaks about the value of the library to the city council.

X

X

X


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Advocacy Objectives

The measurable and more immediately achievable milestones that bring you closer to your advocacy goal and provide the structure

of your Advocacy Action Plan.

Advocacy Goal The Feast

Advocacy ObjectivesThe dishes that make up your feast


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1. The library’s chief supporter on city council once again provides testimony urging continued funding of the library.

2. At the time the testimony is given, the majority of the city council members are aware of the ways in which public Internet access at the library is benefiting the community and the number of citizens using the service.

3. By January of next year, city council proposes a new resolution that positions public Internet access as a core library service and recommends an annual budget increase.

4. By April of next year, the budget increase is set at two percent to cover the necessary costs for updated computer and Internet services.

Advocacy Objective Examples

Advocacy Goal: By June of next year, the local government increases the public library’s annual

budget by two percent.


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No Change (maintains the situation that already stands)

Relative Change (improving, increasing, decreasing, or strengthening something)

Absolute Change (creates or establishes something that didn’t exist before).

What Makes a Good Objective?

Objectives are specific and measurable changes that bring you closer to your advocacy goal


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Building Toward Your Advocacy Goal


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Advocacy Tactics Example

TACTICS

1.Identify the members you need to reach

2.Collect evidence of library use and support

3.Organize the community to demonstrate its support of the library

Objective: At the time the testimony is given, the majority of the city council members are aware of the ways in which public Internet access at the library is benefiting the community and the number of citizens

using the service.


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Activity: Advocacy Case Study


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Advocacy Action Plan

Advocacy Action PlanThe combination of an advocacy goal,

objectives, and supporting tactics.

Think of it as your recipe book.

Goal: the final mealObjectives: the dishes you will prepareTactics: the ingredients you need


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Your goal should center around the needs of the community.

Your advocacy goal should directly support your library mission.

Do not confuse your advocacy goal with objectives or advocacy tactics that are required to accomplish your advocacy goal.

Tips for Creating an Advocacy Goal


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Advocacy Action Plan Workbook


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Reviewing our agenda:

Discuss the purpose and process for developing an advocacy goal.

Learn how an advocacy goal serves as the foundation for an Advocacy Action Plan.

Develop your own library advocacy goal.

Closing


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Please fill out your Session Feedback Form.

Evaluation

oclc online computer library center 1 developing your advocacy goal

Documents