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Information Reviewed: Communication Skills Smooth Way for Advocates
Author(s): T. Seekins and F. Balcazar
Source: Independent Living Forum 4(1), 15-16; Lawrence, KS: The Research and Training Center on Independent Living, The University of Kansas
Date: Winter 1986
Type: News article
Overview:

The type of projects your advocacy group chooses will contribute to its reputation in the community. A healthy basis for community involvement is to:

  • Accentuate the positive. Respond to at least as many positive events as negative ones by complimenting actions and honoring key figures. Keeping positive is easy and it will win you friends and built your reputation as a responsible group.
  • Begin by assuming the best of others. Challenging others' motivations often produces needless resistance. Assume that a negative act is the result of ignorance or inattention (especially your own). Use mistakes as an opportunity to teach and learn. A corollary to this is to give credit freely for well-made decisions.
  • Acknowledging the wisdom and vision of others who support you is likely to increase their commitment to your goals.
  • Do your homework and document everything. If your group takes a position or initiates an action based on an error of fact, you stand of good chance of being embarrassed. A significant error can also direct attention from your issue. Thus, the first step in developing a position or starting a project should be confirming your information.
  • Take the high ground. When taking a position on an issue, always highlight the general values or principles you are promoting, such as equal access. The importance of these values and principles is hard for anyone to deny. They also serve as a firm basis for agreement and prevent personality conflicts stemming from disagreements over the details of solutions. Positive values lend an air of eloquence to your position that will inspire almost everyone.
  • Take a broad perspective. Spread your attention across different issues over time to broaden your appeal to other consumers and the public.
  • Plan many small successes. Groups are more likely to grow and maintain membership over time if they have many successes. One way is to have many small projects rather than one major one.
  • Begin with the simplest step. Hold back on radical actions unless they are the only option.
  • Be prepared to follow through.
  • Be reasonable. Public support is almost always on the side of those who are reasonable in their approach and demands.
  • Be prepared to accept success. A mutually acceptable solution to a problem is a success for everyone.

    This research was supported by the National Institute on Disability and Rehabilitation Research in the U.S. Department of Education.#467

    Seekins, T, & Balcazar, F. (1986, Winter). Communication skills smooth way for advocates. Independent Living Forum 4(1), 15-16. Lawrence, KS: The Research and Training Center on Independent Living, The University of Kansas

    Keyword: Advocacy

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    Reviewer: Cindy Higgins

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