Ensuring a Successful Initial Term: Strategies for Scrutinizing the New Administration

Preparing for Advocacy in the First 100 Days: A Guide for Social Purpose Organizations

In the aftermath of the Australian federal election in May 2022, social purpose organizations have a unique opportunity to make a significant impact. Here's a comprehensive guide on how to effectively develop and implement a 100-day post-election advocacy plan.

Building Relationships Before the Election

Start early by building relationships with newly elected officials. The Online Progressive Engagement Network (OPEN) offers tips on how to engage with Members of Parliament before, during, and after meetings. Aligning your goals with policymakers' priorities is crucial, and resources like the ACF Community Toolkit and "Windows and cycles: How policy gets made" can provide valuable guidance.

Coordinating Coalition Efforts

Coordinating with coalition partners is essential to amplify your advocacy impact. Resources such as "Participatory Policy Making" and "Coordinating Coalition Efforts" can help you work effectively with others to achieve your shared goals.

Making Advocacy Relevant

To make your advocacy relevant and compelling, it's important to align your messaging with specific policymakers’ agendas. Resources like "Change the Narrative and Frame Issues for Social Change Impact" offer messaging guides on various issues.

Maintaining Continuity

With staff turnover, it's crucial to reintroduce and refresh your message to maintain continuity. This can help ensure that your advocacy remains effective and relevant, even as personnel changes occur.

Leveraging Private Conversations

Leverage private conversations behind public political postures to open dialogue channels. This can help you build trust and establish productive relationships with policymakers.

Demonstrating Impact

Demonstrating your economic and social impact is key to justifying policy support. Use data and stories to show the positive impact your organization is having, and why continued support is necessary.

Navigating Legal Restrictions

Nonprofits should carefully comply with 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocacy rules to avoid legal pitfalls. Resources like "Tips for Policy Writing" and "How to Write a Powerful Submission to Government - in as little as 10 minutes!" can help you navigate these complexities.

Mobilizing Communities

Mobilize your communities to engage in actions such as calling representatives, attending town halls, and participating in rallies or voter mobilization campaigns. These activities keep pressure on elected officials to respond to your cause within the critical first 100 days after an election.

Resources for Success

The Commons Library, Social Change Radio Directory, Action Station, and the Commons Directory of Australian MPs and Senators are all valuable resources for developing and implementing a successful 100-day advocacy plan.

Understanding the Political Landscape

Newly elected politicians are busy during their first 100 days, focusing on solidifying their purpose, understanding contexts, establishing relationships, and more. To find out the Member of Parliament for each electorate, visit ABC News Election A-Z.

Inspiration from History

Historically, leaders like Franklin D. Roosevelt and Gough Whitlam have made significant changes in their first 100 days in office, passing numerous pieces of legislation. Today's social purpose organizations can draw inspiration from these examples and strive to make a similar impact.

A Strategic Approach

Given today's complex political environment and potential federal pushback on advocacy groups, maintaining a strategic, informed, and collaborative approach while monitoring policy changes is critical for success. Daniel Hunter's book "Strategy and Soul" (p 184) introduces the metaphor of moving the social values rock to influence politicians, a metaphor that can serve as a guiding principle for social purpose organizations seeking to effect change.

[1] Social Purpose Institute, "Social Purpose Organisations: Developing a 100-Day Post-Federal Election Advocacy Plan"

[2] Action Station, "Petitions: Tips from Action Station on getting more signatures, presenting a petition to Parliament, and presenting a petition on the Australian Parliamentary website"

[3] Commons Library, "Campaign Strategy and Information about the Australian Federal Government and MPs"

[4] ACF Community, "The ACF Community Toolkit: Guidance on implementing advocacy tactics to put pressure on local MPs and plan effective campaigns"

[5] Social Change Agency, "Moving the rock: Shifting power for sustained change" and "Time to Move the Rock"

Ensuring a Successful Initial Term: Strategies for Scrutinizing the New Administration