1. Care Enough To Do Something
Our sense of injustice needs to be aroused to the boiling point where we say: “Something has to be done about this!” For example, Little People are tired of being unable to reach ATMs, gas pump dispensers, point-of-sale terminals, light switches, door handles, elevator buttons, and the like.
2. Commitment Is Personal
Yes, somebody should do something about this. But we can’t expect others to do something if we won’t do anything. No one cares or understands as much as we do.
Nothing will change until “the somebody” becomes “the someone” who cares enough to do something!
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3. Choose the Right Forum
When advocating against dwarf tossing as entertainment in licensed establishments, Little People of America (LPA) successfully lobbied two State legislatures to impose a ban. Local governments couldn’t stop it because the road show had left town before a meeting could be held. Congress was inappropriate because the atrocity was not a nationwide problem.
4. Competence
The ICC/ANSI A117.1 Committee on Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities was the best forum to make building code changes, but LPA’s success depended on competent use of the amendment process, Robert’s of Order, building code language, legislative format, the art of persuasion, and so much more.
5. Can’t Change the World Overnight
Change is incremental in building codes. The long-term goal of accessibility in public places can be set, but it must be broken down into manageable pieces. For example, from 1994 to 1998, LPA’s first bite into access barriers was to lower the unobstructed reach range from 54 to 48 inches. From 1998 to 2003, the second bite was to remove the obstructed reach in bathrooms.
6. Calculate the Cost
Advocacy can be time consuming and expensive. Be sure to carve out enough time and to allocate sufficient financial and human resources.
7. Connections and Coalitions
Build relationships to ensure communications with people on both sides of an issue. It is important to know the objections so we are prepared in advance with an answer.
Form a network with those who share the same goal. In the case of Little People, look for constituents (LPA individuals and groups), allies (other disability groups), and supporters (family, friends, and colleagues).
Don’t compete with other disability groups. For example, the interests of little people and wheelchair users differ in bathrooms. Work together for universal design and don’t pull in different directions.
8. Compromise & Creativity
LPA’s short-term agreement with elevator manufacturers allowed for a reach exception in high-rise elevators in 1998, and gave time to develop a technology solution for the 2003 revision cycle.
9. Communication keys:
- Credibility.
- Consistency.
- Be concise in stating the problem and how it can be solved.
- Counter opposing opinions.
- Be clear and convincing to those whose minds need to be changed.
- Don’t crumble under the pressure.
10. Churchill
Remember the advice of Winston Churchill: “Never give in; never, never, never, never.” And my personal practice? Perseverance, preparation and prayer!
These principles are drawn from lessons learned when advocating against dwarf tossing and for barrier removal in the built environment. To see these principles in action, read “ALWAYS AN ADVOCATE: Champions of Change for People with Dwarfism and Disabilities.” Buy your print, e-book, or audiobook today at https://www.amazon.com/dp/1737333600/.
2 replies on “Ten Steps To Effective Advocacy”
Wow. Wish I had had this succinct outline years ago. Thanks
Thank you, Angela, for teaching those of us who “don’t know what we don’t know”!