10 Points of Consideration for Youth advocating for different causes:
1. Have a clear concept note/vision/mission/objectives/strategic plan/action plans for your cause - Simple and concise, which can be shared with the public and is accessible;
2. Have an accountability process
1. Have a clear concept note/vision/mission/objectives/strategic plan/action plans for your cause - Simple and concise, which can be shared with the public and is accessible;
2. Have an accountability process
3. Avoid being hijacked by any special interest groups or politicians; steer away from communication that indicates fawning/sycophancy towards politicians. Communicate with all in a civil, respectful, DIGNIFIED, professional way. This way, you protect the integrity of your cause;
4. Be very intentional, strategic and structured in choosing your partners and in soliciting for/taking donations - in cash and/or kind. Have a process-driven approach, clear MOUs/contracts/agreements that have clarity of terms and boundaries.
If possible use an email chain...;
If possible use an email chain...;
5. Be aware of, and avoid the "cult of personality".
You are individuals running a cause/campaign/advocacy and the ADVOCACY/CAMPAIGN has its distinct identity, goals & characteristics should never be submerged under the identity of any individual(s) within or outside the group;
You are individuals running a cause/campaign/advocacy and the ADVOCACY/CAMPAIGN has its distinct identity, goals & characteristics should never be submerged under the identity of any individual(s) within or outside the group;
6. For consistency, have a communication strategy & a communication team made up of skilled content creators, storytellers, graphic designers/artists, data specialists, researchers/fact-checkers, versed in both new & traditional media practices, etc, even if on a volunteer basis;
7. Invest in documenting your processes/events/campaigns & well-written reports; especially post-event reports/minutes of meetings. Invest in building a sustainable community/organizational culture hinged on clearly defined VALUES. Communicate these values to your team/partners;
8. Be open to feedback - whether constructive or not. ALL feedback is valuable. Reflect on them and discuss as a team on the way forward, both in how to respond (or not respond), and how to incorporate relevant feedback. Continuous improvement/growth are critical to your success;
9. Have clarity about your goals. CLARITY is power. Ambiguity clouds your ability to achieve your outcomes. Clarify your long term, medium term, short term goals. Also have the immediate low-hanging fruits to kick-start..Periodically, re-assess your goals vs strategies & actions;
10. Build organically & solidly, one person/idea/event/campaign/project at a time. Build a base community that is sustainable, and invest in pilots that are scalable. Sow the right seeds🌱Invest in PEOPLE; build values, synergy, trust & goodwill🌴 #LeadershipMatters #ValuesMatter
