Thread by @segalink

This is why people should study the @SIAF_NG model for engaging change. It is called the Conscious Revolution Paradigm; strategic engagement beyond emotional tantrums. It works globally and with track record of successes even in Nigeria. #Selah

https://twitter.com/RuggedyBaba/status/1324312232776339461

An anachronistic law/bill that is no longer fit for purpose is simply analyzed by experts with recommendation on the ideal with justification amidst public awareness just as done for #EndSARS #ReformPoliceNG (not the protest) and #ElectoralReform campaign.

This way, the needed political will is galvanized and proper objective engagement of the legislative is done by representatives of the movement for this change. This is not a one time event but a reiteration of several actions in an accountable & objective manner.

If this is tied up with common grounds of the public enough for them to own the struggle, the political class who are most often shackled by public perception will do something about it at least to keep their seat in power. No demonization necessary by the way.

My answer is not for everybody and definitely not for the uncontrollable emotional ones whose idea of revolution is destruction of properties, silencing voices of dissent or pulling others down. We need not be malicious to engage issues. Follow a path that works.

Learn more 👉🏽link.medium.com/M6U36DFtOab

You don’t riot your way into changing legislation. This has never worked anywhere in the world. At best it gets you something worse than what you had before. See Syria and Libya. Peaceful Protest is good but not viable when protracted in a polarized environment.

Your message will be lost due to infiltration and lack of control of elements who have their own idea different from your why. This is why Advocacy is mostly preferred even though it tries the patience of the microwave generation who don’t see timing as a strategy.

First of all we all must see ourselves as leaders of our individual selves who have a vital role to play in the unfolding destiny of the world. Your utterances are critical no matter how passionate you are on the subject matter. Hate never brings anything positive.

Credibly identify the problem, cause of the problem, effect of the problem, check the availability of extant laws that forbids the problem, examine likely solution/recommendations & highlight beneficiaries. This takes diligent work beyond jumping on hashtags ignorantly.

The advocacy conversion funnel begins with Awareness. This can be done via different vehicles by engaging the interest of the public via the common discontent over the subject matter. Galvanize this & determine if the issue is common to majority. Identify the cadre affected.

Then direct your messaging to the bracket having done your home work. These are your evangelists and members of the movement even without registering them physically. They will help push the ideal you have objectively defined & contribute their quota to it generously.

Asides from the objective of changing legislation or Ending the culture of impunity or fixing electoral issues with reforms, an end goal must be defined. Something that justifies the sacrifice in the first place. For #EndSARS it was #ReformPoliceNG

Of course not all advocacies have different objective from the end goal. Some are singular mandates such as #NIS2000 which simply sought to get back the jobs rudely taken from 2000 vulnerable youth at the Nigeria immigration service. We never burnt Tyres to Fix this.

Suffice to say there must be a Vision for the movement. Something that connects all and justifies the struggle in the first place. Know your audience. Nobody need be forced to comply. Have an action plan. It must be intentional. The Who, What, Where, When, Why & How matters.

Implementation and strategic (Action) plan and evaluation of the campaign is essential. It MUST never be mistaken for a Carnival or a street Orgy. Keep the awareness alive and never slip into the gap if “We against Them.” Don’t allow your emotions cloud your intelligence.

Grow with your messaging and learn from those who have gone before you whether they failed or succeeded in their time. Monitor the conversations and correct wrong impressions sternly for the record. The Truth must remain your greatest weapon on the journey to bringing Change.

No Advocacy is a sprint. I prefer advocacy because of the civility and higher bar which automatically excludes folks seeking to establish their personal notoriety. It is about the Cause not the frivolities of characters seeking to derail the Vision. No need to Catastrophize.

Meaning, there is no point blowing anything out of proportion or sensationalize events. Let the merit and credibility of your research speak for the cause. If you have done enough & learnt from past contributions on the issue, you will succeed.

This is something we have executed and taught for years. It is not a mere theory. Consider this a crash course and learn more if you ideally want to contribute something to nation building for all our children’s sakes. #Selah