What Makes an Initiative Worthwhile in Advocacy?

“What Makes an Initiative Worthwhile in Advocacy?” with “worthwhile” underlined inside an outline of a handheld sign.

In advocacy and activism work, most of the work is based on initiatives. Initiatives are intended to help solve an issue on a smaller scale to help move the needle in the larger movement. It is essentially filling a gap that is more tangible than the larger issue that may seem simple but is usually complex and systemic.

Taking action on initiatives or even being part of the initiatives is important because it can be part of the solution even if it seems small. The ideal of solving THE problem is nice but movements typically do not work that quickly or easily. It is mostly many small initiatives in many different areas slowly shifting the system over time. There are actions that need to be done now and actions that need to keep moving to ensure the future goal. Both directions need attention in many different issues which makes many different actions and initiatives more ideal than trying to coordinate the perfect action. Doing something is better than planning for the perfect solution that fits everyone.

So with the understanding that doing something is better than taking no action at all, what makes an initiative worthwhile?

There are 3 questions to consider that can help understand if an initiative is worthwhile.

1. Is there a need for the work?

The whole point of taking action is to fill a gap that is needed in the community. If there is a need, an issue to solve, that is a great starting point. If there is not a need, the value of the work will decrease and be difficult to implement. It takes research of what is being done around the issue you wish to solve.

2. Are there similar initiatives? If there are many similar initiatives, what makes yours different?

This is important to find out. Duplicating the work can be difficult to sustain long term. So in your research and ideation, what makes yours different? Is it the location, demographic you are engaging, the topic, or increasing accessibility or options to make it easier? They are important considerations. It can determine whether it needs to be created or if there are opportunities to improve current initiatives to facilitate the initiative to different locations, demographics, and needs.

3. Is there a goal with the initiative that can sustain long term and/or have an end result that deems the initiative successful in solving the issue?

The goal is to solve the problem but what problem are you trying to solve? What would it look like? This is the vision and mission of the initiative. This is what will drive people to care about the issue and want to solve it with you. It is important to consider not just the end goal of the initiative but the end goal of each action and individual. Who knows how long it will take to reach the ideal goal so ensuring that there are tangible and short term goals to look forward to can help.

The three questions are crucial to making a decision about the initiative’s value and action plan. With these questions, there are insights I have learned by doing advocacy work (and learning from others).

There are many factors that would make it difficult like funding and public and government interest. It will vary and change quickly with the needs and priorities of different sectors. It is important to be aware of those factors and have the ability to adjust accordingly.

Having a difficult time with the initiative or not being successful does not mean it was not worth it. Taking action can be a learning opportunity to improve in the future. Often, you will learn skills, gain knowledge about the issue and work, and connect with many people along the way.

Results are rarely quick or predictable. You are likely going to learn, change, and adapt with new information frequently. It can be seen as opportunities to grow or focus stronger on what needs to be done to reach the vision for the initiative.

Initiatives in advocacy and activism are not new. There are so many ways it can be done due to that many gaps that need to be filled. You do not have to create from scratch either. This information can be used to join existing initiatives, finding opportunities to help and improve initiatives, and be part of the change.

Amanda