Garland's Steps to Advocacy Programs

Olson and Friedrich lay out Diana Garlands principles for organizing an effective advocacy program, which provide a step by step practical approach to advocacy as she outline in her book Precious in His Sight: A Guide to Child Advocacy.  


1.  Acknowledge Abundance.  
In a materialistic culture, it is hard for most of us to come to the realization that we have more.  This is a difficult thing to accept, and it can bring up feelings of entitlement and defensiveness.  The reality is that there are enough resources in the world to provide for everyone if they are redistributed.  This is a difficult concept to unpack and really needs to be done first.  The reality of privilege can be paralyzing for many, however acknowledgement is the first step to empowering and advocating for others.  
2. Infuse Theology
The love of God and love of neighbor is our foundation, or as the authors describe, our loom.  This is what makes us different from other social justice organizations.  Always ask - "Where is God in this?" and we will find much more in common throughout the body of Christ.  
3. Identify Obstacles
The reality is there are many obstacles that need to be expressed before advocacy work can be done.  A few that Garland lifts up include "there's really nothing we can do to stop child abuse, we should leave it to professionals", "we are already doing so much", "we need to take care of our own children first", "we don't have the money".  All of these are valid obstacles, but do not have to be the end of a good idea.  
4. Engage Allies 
Don't reinvent the wheel! Find other organizations in the community or across the denomination to offer assistance, provide resources, and partner with you working towards a communal goal. 
5. Develop Structure 
It is important to consider the logistics of who will be responsible for what, where supplies will be stored, what committees will be effected, and making sure to have potential leaders.  
6. Build Plan 
This is the part of the larger plan in which prioritizing issues and goals should be done.  Prayer, brainstorming, discernment, and conversation is crucial to making sure all people involved are on the same page and working in the same direction for the biggest impact.  
7. Foster Action 
Committees can meet, dream, and talk all day - but at some time (sooner than later hopefully!) the work discussed needs to be done!  This can be in the form of articles being written, events, trainings, phone calls to legislators, and many more.  
8. Evaluate Response
Taking time to reflect and evaluate is one of the most important steps to continuing to make a impact.  During this intentional evaluation, changes can be made to streamline processes, update educational pieces, or bring in new people to continue to build the advocacy program.

Programs can very difficult to get started, especially if they are lead by the pastor or staff.  Ownership by the community is one of the most important elements to motivate to work towards sustainability.  Each of these steps can be done as response and reaction to parishioners if they are guided and encouraged to work with others with specialties in different areas.  For example, Olson and  Friedrich tell a story of a pastor who asks a foreign businessman, accountant, teacher, and stay at home mother to help lead a book study together.  A year later they were actively engaged leaders in a social justice program they began.

What needs do you see in the communities you are doing ministry in?
How can you bring gifted and called folks together to learn about these ministries and begin to address some of the issues that arise?

Personally, one of the greatest needs in one of the communities I serve is having a safe place for children in the afternoon.  The church has created an after school program which is working to fill this need, with the help and support of many other agencies in the community.

Peace,
Erin