My Communities

It also seems like most governments have been ignorant to this issue. It's almost 9 months without them going to school and no one is even looking at the issue. 4months back the government then introduced radio learning for the kids without access to computers and internet. What really hurts me the most is that each grade is only given 30 mins for learning over the radio on each day. This does not even cover an eighth of what the kids should be learning when they are in a classroom for 8days.

If there's anyone who's doing advocacy on SRHR and HIV/AIDS and advocacy for Transgender rights please feel free to message me. I would like to learn more on the work you are doing in your organisations.

Could someone please explain to me what the MORE Act pass is about. I do want to join in the discussion but I'm totally blank.

I'd like to know more about this MORE Act, too!

I believe that in as much as marijuana has its benefits it comes with many more disadvantages

Tough one with all the controversies surrounding marijuana. But that is a good strategy

UNESCO reports: "Half of the total number of learners – some 826 million students – kept out of the classroom by the COVID-19 pandemic, do not have access to a household computer and 43% (706 million) have no internet at home, at a time when digitally-based distance learning is used to ensure educational continuity in the vast majority of countries.

These figures were compiled by the Teacher Task Force, an international alliance coordinated by UNESCO, on the basis of data from the UNESCO Institute for Statistics and the International Telecommunication Union.

Disparities are particularly acute in low-income countries: in sub-Saharan Africa, 89 per cent of learners do not have access to household computers and 82% lack internet access.

Furthermore, while mobile phones can enable learners access to information, connect with their teachers and with one another, about 56 million learners live in locations not served by mobile networks, almost half in sub-Saharan Africa.

“While efforts to provide connectivity to all must be multiplied, we now know that continued teaching and learning cannot be limited to online means”, stated Audrey Azoulay, UNESCO Director General. “To lessen already existing inequalities, we must also support other alternatives including the use of community radio and television broadcasts, and creativity in all ways of learning. These are solutions we are addressing with our Global Coalition partners”.

Globally, at least 1.5 billion students and 63 million primary and secondary teachers are affected by the unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, with school closures in 191 countries. (see also our global monitoring interactive map on school closures)The rise of online distance learning is disadvantaging students who do not have access to computer and internet access."

The sheer numbers of people unable to access digital platforms is evidenced by UNESCO. These figures alone would be beneficial in Framing the issue of digital services access.

The problem I'm trying to solve is Female Genital Mutilation.
Over the months, I've been in position to meet with the local leaders, different cadres in the community, disseminated the FGM act and also met with a few circumcisers who have denounced the act and vowed not to continue with it after going through a series of training about it and the side effects attached to it.
ive also been in position to come up with alternative rites of passage instead of the circumcision's of young girls.

I'm not so familiar with the act but i believe the initial steps taken are very practical and can bring about a change in policy.

The problem i am panning to resolve is at least seeing a reduction in drug and substance abuse in my community and this i will be able to achieve through grassroots or community organizing theory, policy windows or agenda -setting theory and disunion theory of diffusion of innovations to keep them busy and divert their focus from drug and substance abuse

Marijuana is criminalized in the United States at the federal level. There is a need to decriminalize it for medical use which could help many veterans who are suffering from PTSD.

U.S Representative is audience whom my advocacy will try to motivate or persuade to pass the act to decriminalize Marijuana.

The audience should be intrinsic motivated positively, where by he should be reminded how the veterans will remember him as well as the whole population will be alert about how humane he was and also giving him more chance to be re elected.

The best time to persuade is the time close to election.

The issue should be framed as Merit good, based on the importance of policy as means to protect the vulnerable out of unlighted self interest.

Or framed as human right, since all human have equal right to treatment and care

Also can be framed as patriotic policy, since veterans protected our country against external threats and that is the cause of PTSD

Sometimes it's better to go through politics while advocacy, the participation of the government will really be helpful in your advocacy

I want to advocate on planting trees, and I will like to make every citizens that lives my place to bring a tree for planting.

The advocacy is well put across. Its aims and the roles it will play clearly outlined.

The advocacy is well put across. Its aims and the roles it will play clearly outlined.
Quite a challenging module but very informative

well thought out and detailed analysis

I believe the opportunity here is in the last sentence of the post. I think it may be a good strategy to focus on the important benefits marijuana may have for veterans and downplay any risks marijuana may have. Really focus on his intrinsic support of veterans. Reinforce those beliefs.

If any one here then please kindly check my assignment

If you allow me, from my point of view the framing has mistaken the problem itself. Normalizing the use of any psychoactive drug, weed or medicine will be harmful for the community. If we keep it in the hand reach of people for sure people will misuse, therefore, it should be handled by government only in the shape of medicine that can be dispensed in special cases through accredited entities i.e Pharmacies.

It is possible to appeal to the intrinsic motivation of the U.S representative more, by outlining possible benefits and stating the right policy window to the vulnerable veterans? Also state clearly the problem and highlight preventive rather than curative/ management measures to curb possible abuse of marijuana. Amidst all these consider the timing as well.

I'd love to appreciate possible cons. If it's all rosy why are governments being reluctant to benefit from the gains.

"....Forgetting where you're coming...." I believe this statement is coming from the ideology point and not background. If it's the latter then I agree with your statement. However, I think the former is key in making your point out more clearly and effectively. I believe advocacy should involve a mix of you, the other party and the goal (positive outcome)

I totally agree! Without any proper checks and balances it's highly likely it will be a disaster.

Advocacy is closely linked to advertising and the only difference is that its done for a specific cause. The framing of our advocacy messages is the determinant for our success.

Your advocacy statement has exploited merit good framing method. You have explicitly revealed the benefit of Marijuana as medicinal and as well showed its therapeutic effect on the person suffering from PSTD. In addition, the statement also showcases an extrinsic motivation where money generated from Marijuana will be spent on state workers. I believe appropriate timing is also captured by approaching a key leader in the state on the issue.

Thanks.

Changing policy is difficult but you maybe facing a more pressing issue. People of a certain age still see marijuana as a substance that leads to harder drugs. If you could find and document studies that disprove that theory you may be able to get more help from your senator.

I believe what is required, and may well be in the interest and favor of the farmers, is connecting farmers directly to the middle men's customer or client base (i.e. Manufactures, etc), establishing and patronizing local community farmers markets where farmers can showcase their harvests or farm produce and sell them directly to the locals at reasonable prices.

Have not been considering most of the things mentioned but now am good to go. Thanks

This is why countries needs to enact the birth control policy

Yes I think they are related in a way advocacy and marketing but there is a slight difference

Advocacy work must be delibrate and intentional

It makes the works of NGOs easier

This is really an informative module.
I learnt a lot from the behavioural motivation: which talked about the extrinsic and intrinsic motivation , the timing: which is knowing the appropriate time in presenting an issue and the framing, which is knowing how to put your words in a way that will look acceptable to your targeted audience.
It is nice learning advocacy.

I agree with you !

Exactly! The issue of it been misused if not strictly monitored is a point of concern. Considering the need medically and the danger of misuse, can we prioritise?

Thank you.

Thank you.

A very interesting point. I guess you have to consider both, but it raises the issue of watering down the message that you advocating for, perhaps gaining piecemeal changes that make it more difficult to argue for more. Do you follow an iterative process hoping for more each time, or stick to what you want and hope that a window of action resents itself at some point?

I agree with Dr. Sandy De Silva that the writer captured the two elements of persuasion. framing and motivation and that the third, timing, is equally an important consideration. I will also like to suggest that in addition, he can explore the grassroots and media influence theories of change to get the attention of his audience.

I must say this topic of discussion has been thrilling and very educative. Personally, I consider the dimensions of advocacy strategy as independent skills we as professionals and leaders must posses appropriately.

Framing of the problem is very key in advocacy. Totally when doing advocacy one should almost forget about where he/she is speaking from and only focus on who he/she is addressing.

Framing of the problem is very key in advocacy. Totally when doing advocacy one should almost forget about where he/she is speaking from and only focus on who he/she is addressing.

thats agreat idea if medically proven to be healing people that problem and also bringing alot of revenue to the county interms of taxes that one is great.although in my country marijuani is illegal and someone found selling or using it can easily be convicted otherwise its agood idea.

It is true that marijuana has been listed as one substance whose use is highly restrictive mainly due to its unpalatable historical past. That does not still take away the fact that recent medical studies have proven the numerous benefits that the drug has and its potential socio-economic impacts. Decriminalizing the use of marijuana would therefore go a long way to ensure that its benefits are fully exploited. Applying the large leap theory as an advocacy strategy in this scenario might be difficult since various jurisdictions have different laws governing its use. An advocacy strategy that highlights the benefits that neighboring jurisdictions are enjoying could go a long way to persuade policy makers to soften their stands on the drug.

I think, framing the issue very good way! Every herbal elements has marmite and demerit. So classified and change the existing law is very helpful to them who are involve in herbal medicine also protect to its abuse.

Yes, it is absolutely right that, middle man is big problem in everywhere in this world! Farmers and local producer didn't get profit. It is urgency to develop act and its implementation for benefit of the farmers.

It is more appropriate to use the intrinsic motivation in decriminalizing marijuana. The benefits derived from it must be presented in a convincing way to capture the interest of policy makers

I have little knowledge about the MORE pass Act neither have i studied the merits and demerits of consuming Marijuana. However, from your deductions, it seems you have established though not strongly so, that marijuana can help to deal with PSTD among the veterans. That can really be a good project for advocacy however, the main challenge is the legalization of Marijuana.
To ensure medical marijuana is legalized, there has to be a tactical approach hence I suggests the use of a tactical theory. The most suitable theory is "media influence", since we live in the error of social and mainstream media, getting the discussions running through the media platforms would be convenient method of advocacy. People will get to learn more about medical marijuana and its health benefits, and when people have changed their perspective about the issue, even the legislators will be compelled to make the change. So the change begins by persuading the people and not the legislators because the legislators are the representative of what the people stand for

The best framing tto consider in such regard is the human rights frame which will help to inform policy makers that individuals are at liberty to engage in any activity whatsoever

It good to be motivational in framing issues in order to appeal to the sense of hearing of the audience

In my past organization, we got problem to advocacy with primary education system. Our timing was okay but problem to figure out the motivation way. We just thought about the problem and its solution so the impact sustain no longer. The problem was, the teachers of the primary school were not active, responsible to do their job. We tried to sit with various meeting with various stakeholders but don't think about the extrinsic motivation. So, the problem was not solve.

Good that you've talked of the health benefits of marijuana to the veterans but it will be so good also talking of the negative effects.

Good that you've talked of the health benefits of marijuana to the veterans but it will be so good also talking of the negative effects.

I totally agree with you coz advocacy just build a foundation on an approach to given problem which needs change or reaction

Maybe just to mention but a few the negative effect like maybe hallucinations and addiction

Thank you Silva really this course is so amazing

Marijuana is classified as illegal drug and should not be allowed in the markets.

I AGREE,

The problem I am solving is child marriage and teenage pregnancy in Uganda, many girls get married before age of 18 years, nearly 1 to 2 girls have married at the age of 13-16, 2/3 girls have had child before completing their studies at age of 12-15 years
and 19-24 years takes the smallest percentage. Girls face multiple vulnerability. 2/10 girls are survivors of Gender based violence.
However much as the challenge is there I have reach 10,000s of people and have changed over 10,000s lives of youth and young people in Uganda.
1000s of girls have been rescued from marriage, over 300 child mothers or young mother have gone back to school at different levels of primary,secondary and tertiary, university after giving birth , rape and defilement cases were reported to police.
Together with local authorities, NGOs,community, other CSOs, Government of Uganda, all key ststakeholders I have been able to achieve this. More especially the re- entry oaf child mothers back to school government program
I continue to Empower girls and young women, the out of school girls and boys through vocational skill.
On this note Advocacy remains a key.
Thank you

The decriminalized of marijuana is an important problem that is worth looking at, even though legalizing marijuana at any county may lead to marijuana been abuse by citizens but at least for medical reasons and conditions it should be considered eg at all health centers that require it for the better treatment of their patients.

I think that the key point here is to stay focused on the main agenda of helping people who could benefit from the use of marijuana for medical purposes. Although the government will use this as a means to make money. I think all means should be used to achieve this goal

As time goes by, more research can be used to support the use of marijuana in treating PTSD. Also, picking a good time to bring this issue can lead to a more favourable response. His favour of the veteran population might indicate his sense of patriotism, and that being said, bring this issue up to him along with examples of the countries that have legalised marijuana (if you haven't done so already) and the favourable results from their veteran groups.

Discrimination and marginalization has been a major challenge for the person with disabilities to overcome, they are seen as incompetent and unproductive by the society. persons with disabilities are excluded in societal engagements due to stigma surrounding disabilities The problem I am trying to solve is to advocate for the social inclusion of people with disabilities thereby mitigating the increase rate of discrimination and marginalization of people living with disabilities in the Gambia.. These I will be doing through advocacy and awareness raising as well as empowering people with disabilities with skills that they will use to confront prejudice and misconception. However, lobby with public and private sector for job placement and internship for already empowered Persons with disabilities for self independence and sustainability.

Decriminalization of marijuana means to stop treating something as illegal or offence, however, Marijuana for many countries has been treated as illegal for those who are smoking or using it. As we know the role of advocacy is to persuade people to do a certain activities while they were not ready to do so. Again, bear in you mind that before coming with any activities you have to consider three factors such as timing, motivation and framing.
Coming to our discussion whereby i would like to convince the United State Government to use Marijuana as one of the medication. First and fore most i have to wait when they do have really problems of curing cancer let say and they badly need a medicine for anti pain, that is exactly time i will convince them to use Marijuana as anti pain and they have to change the law against it.
How you can do all this?, first of all i will meet stakeholders such as Doctors both private and Government and using my research which proves that Marijuana can be used as anti pain for those who are suffering from cancer and I'm sure most of the doctors will be on my side. Secondly, i will use extrinsic motivation where by i will give doctors some money in order to campaign for usage of marijiauana.
Moreover, i will discuss with politicians who have power to influence the government to discuss with the president about the issues trying to give them motivation as i can in order to do what i want without forgetting that we will have discussion with parents about the marijuana how it will help our sick people and this is meant for hospital use only and not public use.
Not only that but also, for the Frame i will use Responsible Public Policy Frame which state that, an action are cost effective ones because they will generate a better relief to the patient as well as government will use lesser budget for discovering other medicine. Also, how are we going to cure those people who are drug addicted for the marriajuana.We can start training and seminars of which those who participate fully will be paid and got certificates in turn we can use them to give seminar about drug abused. First and fore most, we will request them to stop using as normal things rather for medication purposes. By making them bussy with seminars i hope we will help the society and the sick people as well.

This is a very effective example of framing.

I really agree with your view on this. I saw a documentary on the "marijuana business" that has the US linked to it and had the same thought as you.

I agree! Because of legalization on a state level, it has really confused opportunities for reliable data and inconsistencies in policies and laws from state to state have had similar impacts on data. I think this is some of the problems we have seen with the public understanding the real risks that are involved with increasing access to dangerous substances, certainly contributing to social norms and decreased perceptions of harm.

The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement Act, seeks to decriminalize Marijuana for a Schedule 1 classified substance and have it regulated as an product.
The arguments against it are the addictive nature of the substances and the overt nefarious acts associated with it.
However the opportunities with growing and trading Marijuana, the medicinal benefits of it, should serve as a reason why it should be decriminalized.
This of course can be framed as Patriotic Policy Frame, wherein countries/states that have decriminalized it have earned more in taxation and revenue for its citizens compared to states that have not. This will serve as a new revenue stream which will lead to investments in other social areas for much needed intervention.
Employment opportunities, medical grounds should serve as incentives for the policy makers.

It's amazing!

Thinking about the issue related to changing the military's policies around the legalization of marijuana, as many of you have suggested, centers around framing the issue within the framework of gathering the best available data on the benefits of the drug and on finding champions with clout who could possibly persuade military elites (decision-makers) to authorize and/or support such a policy change.

GOOD WORK

The problem we have in the USA is that people don't like to stand up and make change in the world. We need to come together to make change. We need to make sure that we have a plan and we are taking that plan and doing something about it.

It does seem like reframing would be good for this issue, to take the stigma away from this as a recreational drug, and place it squarely in the "therapy" lens for lawmakers. And to show that many people can benefit from this therapy. Maybe having prominent health officials on your side would help with this as well, to lend credibility to the source of the information.

AT SOME POINT I HAVE NOTICE THIS ALL ACTIVITIES AVE POLITICAL SUPPORT JUST TO GAIN VOTE.

It is a recurring problem in Africa where producers do not benefit from their harvest and struggle to make a living from their laborious work. The political framework being identified, an advocacy should be conducted with the Ministry of Agriculture and also the Ministry of Commerce to make the voice of these brave peasants heard.

@gsmith0901 , you have indeed identified an issue with many viewpoints and stakeholders involved. As @SandyDeSilva pointed out, besides capturing the framing element of persuasion, you also appeal to motivation. If I may suggest, consider utilizing as an option the "Advocacy Coalition Framework" by bringing many of those stakeholders together. Besides your specific Representative, there are only six states left where marijuana is fully illegal. You can bring onboard Congress and Senate members from those 40+ states that have advanced the mariguana agenda. Support that with advocacy tactics like a grassroots movement composed of Veterans and their families. One thing for sure is that any advance in the legalization agenda has to be accompanied by the respective mitigation of substance harm and abuse.

More of awareness and education is important on Marijuana's health benefit as mostly Marijuana is known not to be as mentioned above. I also believe proper research needs to be done to show the reality of it.

This is an excellent TOC

Consider your timing, framing and the type of behaviour you are working with. Also the advocacy parties you will be working with will help on deciding

While marijuana could be used for medicinal purposes, care needs to be taken so that the legal availability may not lead to gross abuse; thus increasing crime rates.

Need to improve policy window

To me, stakeholder analyses is a key step before framing. Otherwise one might leave out the right target and end up framing a less priority one. But I stand to be corrected.

Medical marijuana should be prohibited for general population, however, should be allowed for medical reasons.

This is very good and something I am also doing. It is very important that a voice (we) comes out to speak for these children. Many of them go through all these rapes, defilements and have no one to report to or confide in. Advocacy is what's left so that the government assistance different people are able to know the best ways to protect and save these children.

framing an issue is one of the most crucial and necessary aspect as it brings to light the important/pressing issues that needs to be addressed. the issues should be framed in such a manner that all the people affected by the issue are incorporated.

yes, true that

framing the issue is important and crucial since it will only convey what are the issues that the community faces.

It’s obvious that you are applying the “merit good frame” by advocating for PTSD veterans, but this may be challenging since it’s not scientifically proven. The USA is already facing fentanyl abuse which is an imported Drug classified under DDA (Dangerous Drug Abuse) despite all strict measures. This makes it harder for all the states to agree on its legalization So, the question remains what measures will be taken against marijuana yet it’s a plant. Alternatively you may consider “power Politics theory” where the you need influential individuals to approve this The health board, politicians but with really facts at hand.

I have to thank you for gaining some knowledge regarding this MORE Act, which de-criminalizes the marijuana and also provides one way of generating employment opportunities...

It's better for me to compare the same thing with my regional issues TASMAC (Tamil Nadu State Marketing Corporation Limited) company owned by the Government of Tamil Nadu, which has a monopoly over wholesale and retail vending of alcoholic beverages in the Indian state of Tamil Nadu. It controls the Indian Made Foreign Liquor trade in the state. The Reason which made the government to brought this up was - eliminating the adulteration in alcohols/ liquors and the consequences of consuming those adulteration. Even its also considered to be the greatest fund generation process for Tamil Nadu.

Before the State Lock down (From May 10, 2021 to May 24, 2021) it grossed more than 800+ crores within the span of two days. So its considered to be greatest manifestos but within certain limitations.

Likewise if Marijuana also not being remove from the Schedule 1 Drugs, more adulteration and illegal windows would be opened, its better for the government itself to take and provided with the limitations like Age Category, Medical Purposes, Authentication of Sales.

The problem I am trying to solve is youth's underappreciation of the importance of history. Framing the issue, it is best to position such problem to the struggle of creating a common ground as [any nationality] and show how history is a source of a common ground where identity and national unity can be achieved.

I want to advocate for a more regulated way of gambling in Ghana.
The timing of this could be a bit dicey but anyone to help?

Framing has to take into account the system of values of your interlocutor . In the United States, the frame of reference that you use in your advocacy efforts for instance in Congress has to take into account the values, interests and priorities of the member of Congress

The issue of marijuana really need a good advocacy approach. As stated above, the motivation part is extrinsic as it is promising that once regalised it will bring money to the entire nation. At the same time the issue of fraiming has also been addressed focusing on merit good as the benifit of money realised from marijuana will help all citizens there by accomodating even the vurnerable people of the country. I am now interested in the medicine part, that if Marijuana indeed can be used as a raw material of some drugs, then a research must be made to assess if medicine from Marijuana can help to heal some of the diseases that are symptoms of COVID-19 because if it can be proved that the medicine helps in those diseases that are symptoms of COVID-19, surely this can be a better time to advocate for that hence achieving the right timing of advocacy.

good and thoughtful

Most of the times poverty plus unemployment among young elders usually toughens the living standards while girls end up in early Marriages. The government need to introduces more technical and vocational training centrs that youths will be trained in various grounds.

I am not familiar with the MORE act. Thank you for the awareness. I like how the issues is clearly laid out and how there are clear examples, studies, and data to back up the plan of action to produce the change.

The problem I am trying to solve is helping the MORE Act pass which would decriminalize marijuana in the United States at the federal level. Revenue generated from taxing marijuana would be allocated to several agencies including those employing social workers and clients with substance abuse needs.

I have recently reached out to my U.S. Representative and sent an email requesting he consider how medical marijuana could potentially help many veterans that are suffering from PTSD. With marijuana listed as a Schedule I drug which is considered as substances, or chemicals with no currently accepted medical use and a high potential for abuse. Until this changes, the appropriate approval for studies are difficult to get approved and many veterans cannot participate due to the current schedule classification. I looked at his history, he is tough on drugs but tends to favor the veteran population.

I like how the issues is clearly planned out and this topic does need a good advocacy approach. I am not familiar with the MORE act. and the barriers this may cause on the taxing system. But I would as an advocate be prepared to do further research to assess and consider how medical marijuana could potentially help many veterans that are suffering from PTSD.

The problem I am trying to solve is eradicating "extreme poverty". The audience whom I want to motivate are teenagers/adolescent girl's, which motivational styles or tactics should I use?