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The theories give me a hind to identify the problems, coordinate with align individuals, make use of the media, etc. to make changes. Very organized and helpful!

Dear Dr Sandy,
Your contribution to this discussion put a smile on my face while I read it. It made all the theory I've learned in this module more practical and relatable.
Looking forward to reading more from you.

Thank you.
Mfon.

I do believe that it can be legalized because it has many advantages to the health sector ,as much as people maybe abusing it. There should be awareness to the public on marijuana this will help in reducing the risks of abusing it especially by this young people.
Otherwise that is good work and a current problem that you are trying to solve

Even though I'm not familiar with the MORE Act, your advocacy statement has certainly piqued my interest, and I'm wondering if legalizing marijuana could benefit soldiers with PTSD. You can use the intrinsic motive to get the attention of the US Representative because you now know how he has a soft spot for veterans despite his rigorous drug policies.

You could definitely use the human rights frame to illustrate how vital it is for these guys to receive medical help and spell out how marijuana abuse can be limited if the act is approved. Since you used the merit good framing to fight for the soldiers with PTSD, provide evidence-based information about the drug's benefits to people with PTSD. Additionally, look into policy windows and utilize the opportunities.

I haven't done much research on the MORE ACT but what I do agree with is decriminalizing something that the government is now able to receive taxes on. I do believe that this would drastically change the narrative of what a criminal is and isn't fair that people can still be locked away one the basis of something that is now illegal.

In African countries it rings true that advocacy work is best timmed towards elections as politicians will be open to suggestions and be willing to be engaged.

you captured it all especially the strict regulation part so that control is placed. what should be a blessing could also be cause if care is not taken. Substances are a way out for many people wanting to run away from the worlds painful reality. Hence if not controlled, we will have a nation of mentally sick people. I think we are messed up enough already.

I totally agree with you this is a common problem in Africa, looking at what we learnt in the first and second module under advocacy, i think there is no best time given to start advocating. all is needed is to employ the best strategies when identifying the problem statement, causes and indirect causes. with this knowledge, it can help us engage and convince government officials to act either its before or during elections. All we need is to ensure that the right motivation strategies is used in as much as politicians are trying to deceive the poor.

My Advocacy is about substance abuse. Our society is been robbed of human resource that is needed for development in all angles. As well meaning individuals we can not sit back and do nothing. Yes the problem is deeply rooted but by concerted effort we can win.

A great module, that needs to be studied thoroughly.

Members of political parties attempt to frame issues in a way that makes a solution favoring their own political leaning appear as the most appropriate course of action for the situation at hand. To frame is to select some aspects of a perceived reality and make them more salient in a communicating text, in such a way as to promote a particular problem definition, causal interpretation, moral evaluation, and/or treatment recommendation for the item described.

I agree with your analysis, adding a timing aspect to it would lead to better results

I agree with your analysis, adding a timing aspect to it would lead to better results

I agree with your analysis, adding a timing aspect to it would lead to better results

I am trying to work on reducing the high cost of Education in Nigeria which adversely resulted to massive dropouts. The government of the day is full of poor economic polices that lead clampdown of many industries leaving a number of people jobless why the government is taking a high percentage of the school internally generated revenue. To ensure adequate maintenance and running cost the heads of various institutions decided to increase school fee in order to meet up with the basic needs of the school.

We discovered that a side poor funding, corruption is at high rate in the institution and we are trying to engage government on and NGO to contribute more to funding of Education, campaign awareness on effect of corruption, encourage government to make all heads of institutions give public account of the resources at their disposal and engage in aggressive fight against corruption.

Your suggestions will be appreciated. Thanks.

Everything is great. The course is amazing.

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The problem is that is you don't know if it could potentially lead to more addicts

It would seem to me that the challenge in getting the MORE Act passed would be the framing of the argument and the policy window.

The framing is defined as HOW this subject is approached. There is a great start here by mentioning the benefits of decriminalizing the drug. By listing it as a schedule 1 drug, there would still be some control over the distribution of it. And the benefit of all the taxes that could be collected on a state and federal level is nothing to sneeze at. I think that there are now enough states that have already passed similar legislation that there should be an abundance of data driven statistics to bring home that point. Another method that could be used to convince others of this point would be to use first hand accounts. Find Vets that have used this method to deal with their own PTSD to tell their story. Invoking empathy is a very strong motivator.

The Policy Window, or when to approach this topic, is also a key factor. Right now is actually a great time with so many soldiers returning from the East Asian countries. A great example of a policy window (that is completely off topic but is easy to understand) is about when to talk about gun violence and potential reforms in America. That would be right now. There have been multiple mass shootings over the last couple of weeks. There are currently local elections happening and run offs are being held all over Texas. The only way that any kind of changes will happen in connection to gun violence is by changing the people talking about it. (STEPPING OFF SOAP BOX NOW). Just like talking about potential gun reform has more impact after a mass shooting where children are killed for no apparent issue, the time to talk about Legalizing marijuana is when something happens that people need to utilize its unique properties.

This is a great response. I was saying just about the same thing in mine response.

I think Advocacy requires a deep critical approach with consideration of the target audience. One needs to deeply think of their messaging in order to make it relevant, timely, motivating, and persuasive.

I would only add the timing factor of persuasion so that you can find the right policy window to advocate within.

In as much as marijuana has it’s own benefits and also an adverse effect. It can be abuse such as any other pharmaceutical product…
The solution to this problem can be averted, if there is a law regulating the intake under a close marking, by the Ministry of health.

You have captured your statement well, i am no quite familiar with the policy but i must say good work

It's amazing and constructive

To engage the audience's sense of hearing, it helps to be inspirational when framing issues. so good to use the motivational frame

Another thing is that, many of Sun-Saharan African countries mainly SA has a huge problem of undaignosed learners with mental problems, now with COVID everything just got worse and a lot more school drop out.

In this discussion of framing the issue, its important that while lobbying for a change in perspective you look at the intrinsic since this drug of marijuana can ruin the advocacy move if at all people at the end of the day begin misusing the drug and end up not solving the problem.

This is very insightful on methods of advocacy. I hope that the upcoming modules focus on grassroots/public/individuals more. I am new to understanding advocacy and this seemed to focus on policy makers/influential leaders. Clearly this is VERY important, but this can be applied to who we partner with like-minded NGOs and caring donors.

In framing I have seen the tendency to focus on what we want to say, not what we need the audience to hear and do. Ensuring the framing resonates with the audience is critical.

I have understood

The framing is okay but I feel like the background information was not brought out well fully. I feel like the framing of the issue did not bring out the understanding of the problem by the audience in the same way.

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.

The problem I am trying to solve is the exclusion of children and persons with developmental disabilities from the social and economic spheres. At present, we are trying though KEDDO (our organization) to come up with advocacy strategies that will lead to changes in the way Kenyans generally and policy makers think about and behave towards issues surrounding inclusion of children and persons with developmental disabilities. As it is, the primary when it comes to disability is primarily focused on physical disabilities. Even disability advocates appear to lack knowledge on disability advocacy.
Against the preceding background, we seek to frame the issue from a human rights perspective which equally applies to physical disability. To this extent, we seek to entrench recognition of their rights under the CRPD and the Kenyan constitution with respect to their diverse rights to health, education, family. While single framing may be ideal, we may also be forced to take the merit goods framing approach and are still discussing on how to frame it in our next project phase.

Great module; a key takeaway for me is the importance of framing when trying to persuade a decision maker during advocacy. Intrinsic motivation brings out the humanity in decision-makers and gives room for more impact:

In your attempt to see the MORE Act being passed which would decriminalize marijuana in the United States at the federal level I see responsible public policy frame and merit goods frame into play. However, i would have present an advocacy strategy that captures the health benefit of marijuana, how it can be used and consumed responsibily, the health consequences of abusing it, and the regulations that ought to guide its consumption to checkate abuse of same. (By doing this, merit goods framing is at work.)

blend in this with the right timing and a well crafted advoac y messsages and as the large leaps thory of changed posited, when the conditions are right, change will occur.

the problem is that we always look into solutions and not structure well for us to meet the aim at hand, this course really helped us to know more in differenciating.

I want to advocate for less use and gradually stop eating dog and cat meat. This is how I frame the issue: Dogs and cats are best and loyal friends to human beings. We need to save their lives as we usually do to our relatives
Could you please feedback where and how I improve the statement. Thanks

Our organisation is currently working on trans and gender diverse persons rights form Legal Gender Recognition to access to gender affirming care including access to inclusive health care services, sexual reproductive health rights

Our organisation is currently working on trans and gender diverse persons rights form Legal Gender Recognition to access to gender affirming care including access to inclusive health care services, sexual reproductive health rights

Its important to take time to understand the political context in which one is operating before framing the issue such as political will, if it will be in favour of the issue or not. I feel the first step is to get a buying from them through a series of engagement meetings to change their attitudes so that we you frame the issue it will be given the attention it deserves.

too tough guys

You have completed this assignment. Your final grade will be available when the assessments of your response are complete.

Its so interesting and i have greatly learnt

It is a bigger problem which the farmer are facing each a every year

The More Act in my opinion is a piece of Federal Legislation that would remove cannabis from a controlled substance schedule. Let's look how the state of Nevada has benefited by legalizing Marijuana and how there revenues have increased due to taxation ordinance imposed putting the state's economy in a positive.

In regards to the treatment for PTSD, Marijuana has medically proven to be very effective in treating PTSD and other types of illnesses. Medical use of Marijuana has played a huge role for individuals treated with chemo and radiation due to Cancer.

In respect to high potential abuse theory, I would argue that the abuse of Schedule 1 over prescription drugs statistically, are a greater danger and problem then Marijuana. Most Veterans wait months to be treated for just about anything according to scholarly medical journals, and when they are treated for issues such as PTSD, the medication prescribed are extremely addictive.

The pharmaceutical industries are part of the addiction problems. Many doctors overprescribe and many think that its all about profits and gain, not for the people.

The marijuana issue can be advocated for, and all three approaches can be used to motivate and persuade the policy makers to decriminalise the herb for medical purposes for the benefit of the public.

All four frames can recovered in your statement which makes it easier to draft your advocacy strategy. Decriminalisation of this herb, can protect the vulnerable population which is the elderly by providing medical care for their PSTD, their right to health can be respected, and the patriotic policy can be covered, where the nation can pride itself for prioritising the public which will be their intrinsic incentive.

Absolutely! This module was informative with practical tips through
the 10 theories in the reading assignment on how to identify the target audience and engage them. Did anyone else read the material? Share your greatest take away with me!

Absolutely! This module was informative with practical tips through
the 10 theories in the reading assignment on how to identify the target audience and engage them. Did anyone else read the material? Share your greatest take away with me!

Absolutely!

Framing is key to policy change because decision makers are human (believe it or not ;)) so they will respond more favorably to a request or proposal that is framed in such a way that they are more likely to FEEL that your plan is the best option. Of course, timing is also extremely important. The best framing cannot compensate for poor timing.

I completely agree with this

Apparently, the framing of this issues was on point, because marijuana is now legal in some states. I used to be on the band wagon for the legalization of it. Being the mother of a teenager, it has now become a problem not only in my household, but in the community as well.
There laws created that decriminalize it for adults, but the kids are smoking like it is legal, what about the health of the youth. Nobody talks about the tar that sticks to your lungs, so can you imagine the effects that it will have on the undeveloped lungs of our children. Nobody talks about the fights that us parents have to go through with our underaged children who are out here smoking weed. Marijuana effects your motor skills, it makes you happy, hungry, lazy and sleepy. I also notice how the youth are mixing the marijuana with Graba with is nothing more than tobacco. You have marijuana vape pens, how are we to know that the liquid in these vapes are harmless, do we even know what the ingredients are. I've personally witnessed law enforcement giving my minor son back his marijuana.

It is the problem and the best solution is what taught in the module

framing the issue is the best solution for the organisation it is much helpful which has been taught in this module.

I have honestly never heard this and I am so delighted that I have attained knowledge and I am so willing to pass it on to others as well as use it while executing organizational duties. Motivation is not a new concept though I did not know how it relates to advocacy and now I have an insight. We can now advance our work by using framing by talking to new women politicians to advance on fighting for a reduction in the prevalence of HIV infection against LBQ's

It has to be done more on it.

Thank you

This is key element in advocacy not to flow as water.

This is key element in advocacy not to flow as water.

I am not familiar with MORE, however, I consider it important not only to include medical marijuana, but recreational marijuana as well, this would close the gaps in prejudices about consumption. In addition, it should focus on the production of marijuana not only being the pharmaceutical sector, but favoring the countryside and local producers.

Framing an issue in broad terms usually attracts the support of people who may not be positioned to respond to the immediate problem, but have a stake in the wider problem.

Can be a good idea only if other people might not abuse herb once it has been decriminalised. The policy need to be very tough still to protect the youths who can be more exposed and being the victims in the end.

Can be a good idea only if other people might not abuse herb once it has been decriminalised. The policy need to be very tough still to protect the youths who can be more exposed and being the victims in the end.

I think it may be a good strategy to focus on the important benefits marijuana may have

Advocating for marijuana to be dicriminalised and allow administration of drug by qualified health personnels. Criminalising the use of marijuana only makes it available to wrong persons who will acquire them through illegal means.

The way we intend to communicate an issue will determine how it is received by the audience. we should be wise with the choice of words and the tone of communication.

The way we intend to communicate an issue will determine how it is received by the audience. we should be wise with the choice of words and the tone of communication.

It also presents the appropriate body who is to prevent the selling and usage of Marijuana as incompetent because despite the fact that it is illegal people have access to it and sometimes with the complicity of those people expected to prevent it from reaching the public. Hence it will be better if it legalized and properly monitored to avoid abuse. Many benefits could be derived from that.

The smoking of marijuana is potentially harmful , although it has many benefits. I alway recommend a less- harmful version of us to mitigate risks like vaping or eating a chocolate or gummy. Completely agree with you that it society would benefit greatly from its decriminalization. I think its a travesty how many marginalized people are in jail because of a minor possession of this drug.

In the statement, the use of the merit of good frame is identified when addressing veterans suffering from PTSD. It is also noted the identification of the Representative´s interinsic motivation who is sensitized with the veterans, as well as possible extrinsec motivation as the act indcates that the revenue generating by taxing marijuana would be allocated to several agencies within the country.
The dimension that still needs to be addressed is timing. Identifying the best moment to try to persuade the representative to act for the approval of the MORE Act will be essential, and it could be for instance during the middle term elections or to carry out a massive campaign close to veteran's day. The use of data on studies on the use of marijuana on other populations suffering PTSD could also be helpful to convince, as veterans are so far not allowed to participate in such studies.

Very nice approach to a very important matter to discuss.

Very nice approach to a very important matter to discuss.

Well explained in detail

Revenue generated Ideology will be beneficial in some aspects for sure , nice opinion

Definitely, but it must not be misused as it has some worse side effects for sure in long time use for sure

Definitely, but it must not be misused as it has some worse side effects for sure in long time use for sure

Yes, this is a great thought as planting more trees is very beneficial for the entire world . If we talk about pure oxygen , then it is a natural way to boost the pure oxygen in the entire globe for sure

Yes , definitely.the NGO work will be much faster and smoother with this

Malnutrition is a big issue nowadays, I would like to add on some major facts . Many dietary factors affect your cholesterol levels, and your cholesterol levels affect your risk for heart disease. Pizza, baked desserts, ice cream and processed meats, such as sausage and bacon, are among the top sources of saturated fat.

I too agree with this statement as by distant education , one can’t learn more concept as the does in physical . The confidence will also boost by attending more classes online and experience the challenges and quiz

Framing the issue is more or less like putting up a strategy to solve a certain problem.

Very helpful learning!!!

I am not familiar with the MORE Act but I do agree that there are certain populations of people who could really benefit from having access to medical marijuana. Just as the US provides benefits like TriCare and VA hospitals to veterans (albeit not fantastic programs), they should be finding additional ways to support their veterans and the people who fought for their country. You would imagine they would have a harmonious relationship.

Where I come from people have little to no knowledge of the importance of marijuana. They only know of how to abuse it , I would therefore suggest that you find ways of how to change the general population's perception of the drug and come up with measures that it wouldn't be abused incase the policy is passed.

I agree with you on this one

Excellent points made! However, I have to say if proper structures are not put in place to control the use of marijuana, then this can pose a bigger problem than solution

I have gone through above statement: explain both farming and motivation, you have greater motivation but still need a better timing to have greater persuasion.

Of a truth framing change the entire narrative an issue and project it in a better light but often more than not this framing doesn't address the core issues. However, it helps determine what the problem and core issues are contextually.

I've learned from the class so far that when we are trying to change cultural practices, we have multiple audiences who have the power to make change if the will is there. We need to say what/when/how each audience will hear it, build on several coalitions but not get distracted by the "kitchen sink" , ie trying to do everything. This is where skill and experience come into play.

I believe so too.
There are people who genuinely need Marijuana for medical purposes and so instead of decriminalisation, strict regulation can rather be put in place to avoid its abuse.

That's very correct.

So very true.

Rightly put.

Perfectly said.

intresting key notes on this course.

intresting key notes on this course.

Although the Representative is hard on drug, he however opens a window policy opportunity as a first step to achieve further extension of such drug tolerance to a larger group. I encourage you to coose the ideal moment to approach the representative. Good mission.

The framing of this issue seems more individualized than strategic to the problem discussed. Personally, I would gravitate more to the framing analysis portion of this issue to provide context and substance to the argument. This will offer a good understanding of urgency and need for review of the issue. Although the motivation portion is appropriately outlined, it might be more advantageous to review the current legislative priorities to align the identified topic with an ongoing line-item to help influence the decision-making process.
The framing process while done adequately, could offer more buy-in through alignment and analysis support towards the need. Otherwise, it it presented with a surface level understanding.

Good topic. I want to apply this to the context of changing the habit of rural people in exclusive breastfeeding to their six up to six months after their childbirth. Governments also need to change their way of perceiving development only in giving a high priority in bringing heavy investment in infrastructure and turn its priority towards bringing investment into increasing human capital by taking care of small children by making policy arrangements to increase the habit of exclusive breastfeeding.

Thank you so much for this course, it inspired understanding of important dimensions of advocacy strategy such as timing, framing and motivation.