{"id":5124,"date":"2014-09-29T20:28:13","date_gmt":"2014-09-29T20:28:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/staging\/1509\/?page_id=5124"},"modified":"2026-01-13T21:45:27","modified_gmt":"2026-01-13T21:45:27","slug":"strategies","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/staging\/1509\/strategies\/","title":{"rendered":"Strategies for Change"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row row_height_percent=&#8221;0&#8243; override_padding=&#8221;yes&#8221; h_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; top_padding=&#8221;3&#8243; bottom_padding=&#8221;3&#8243; overlay_alpha=&#8221;50&#8243; gutter_size=&#8221;4&#8243; column_width_percent=&#8221;100&#8243; shift_y=&#8221;0&#8243; z_index=&#8221;0&#8243; content_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;204580&#8243;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;152156&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h2>General Strategies for Encouraging Policy Change<\/h2>\n<p>Below is a list of general strategies for working with communities and organizations (at any level of policy readiness) to encourage healthy policy change.[\/vc_column_text][vc_accordion typography=&#8221;advanced&#8221; sign=&#8221;plus&#8221; gutter_simple=&#8221;0&#8243; titles_size=&#8221;custom&#8221; titles_weight=&#8221;600&#8243; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;105103&#8243; active_tab=&#8221;20&#8243; heading_custom_size=&#8221;16&#8243;][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Develop Organizational Knowledge and Support&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908489-1-56&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;720643&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>It is important to develop internal knowledge about the proposed policy (e.g., benefits of the proposed policy and potential sources of opposition) and gain buy-in from colleagues who represent your organization publicly prior to moving an issue forward externally.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Efforts to engage external community members and decision-makers can be unintentionally undermined if public messaging about an issue is not consistent from internal organizational representatives and supporters.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Understand the Social, Political &amp; Economic Context of the Municipality&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908489-2-80&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;720643&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Develop a broad understanding of the community or organization that you are working with.\n<ul>\n<li>Find answers to questions like: What key issues are impacting the community or organization?, Who makes up city council and what are their priorities?<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Be aware of the social, political and economic issues that are most pressing to the constituents within your target.\n<ul>\n<li>Local newspapers, council sessions, committee meetings and annual reports from local community agencies can provide valuable insight into the perceived needs and priorities of the community.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ul>\n<li>Understand the context in which your target community or organization operates.\n<ul>\n<li>This will help you identify stakeholders that share a common interest in an issue and possible champions for moving the proposed policy forward.<\/li>\n<li>It will also assist you in identifying potential sensitivities and anticipating possible barriers to policy action.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Watch Closely for Open Policy Windows&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908548308-2-5&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;720643&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Determine when the timing is right to move an issue forward. To build support for your issue, be prepared to act on open \u2018policy windows\u2019 and critical events that reflect favorably upon your issue.<\/li>\n<li>A policy window is a unique opportunity to take action on an issue and build support for policy change. They occur infrequently and do not stay open for long periods of time. For this reason, advocates and policy developers must learn to recognize and take advantage of open policy windows.<sup>1<\/sup><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><strong>Potential reasons why policy windows open:<\/strong><br \/>\nAdministrative changes, change in decision-maker ideology, a shift in public opinion, the emergence of a new problem or the onset of a crisis or focusing event.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Potential reasons why policy windows close:<\/strong><br \/>\nA feasible solution to the problem is found, a shift in priorities or attention takes place, a change in personnel, or a failure to find a feasible solution in an adequate amount of time.<sup>1<\/sup>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Frame the Issue in a Context that is Meaningful and in Terms of the Immediate and Long-Term Benefits of the Policy&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908560490-3-9&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;444164&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Frame the proposed policy in a way that reflects your understanding of the community or organization and its priorities. Framing involves carefully defining your goals and strategically tailoring your message to your target audience.<sup>3<\/sup>\n<ul>\n<li>For example, if you are trying to pass a smoke-free parks bylaw and your community or organization is in the process of developing an environmental action plan, highlight how your proposed policy will support the policy directions of the environmental action plan (e.g., decrease in litter from cigarette butts).<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<li>Position the policy based on its future health benefits, but also illustrate to decision-makers the immediate pay-offs that may result from policy adoption.\n<ul>\n<li>For example, a smoke-free bylaw in city parks not only protects the health of children, but also decreases park maintenance and contributes to urban beatification.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Take Advantage of Changes in Leadership&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908568434-4-3&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;444164&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>An election campaign is an ideal time to develop relationships with candidates and generate support for proposed policies. Do your best to connect with every candidate, even those who may not be on the radar for elected office. After the election, keep successful candidates accountable for their pre-election promises.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For an example of how to incorporate leadership changes into your policy advocacy<br \/>\nstrategy, see the\u00a0<strong>Alberta Policy Coalition for Chronic Disease Prevention\u2019s<sup>4<\/sup>\u00a0Healthy Schools Now Survey<\/strong>\u00a0(available at:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/abpolicycoalitionforprevention.ca\/provincial-coalition-calls-for-government\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">http:\/\/www.abpolicycoalitionforprevention.ca\/component\/ content\/article\/48-press-room\/75-oct14-10-release.html<\/a>).[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Keep your Message Clear and Simple by Using Three to Five Key Messages&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908575544-5-3&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;444164&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Use plain language, simple examples and anecdotes to create messages that people can relate to.<\/li>\n<li>Remember that \u201cone size fits all\u201d is not always the best way to go about your advocacy campaign, so tailor your messages to fit the different priorities, interests and backgrounds of the groups and individuals that you are seeking to engage.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Show Constituent Support for an Issue and Illustrate Benefits to the Community&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908584716-6-6&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;444164&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Highlight how the proposed policy will make the community a better place for constituents to live. Include the community in this process and encourage members to get involved.<\/li>\n<li>Elected officials pay close attention to the needs of their constituents and whether or not there is a high level of support for a proposed policy within their riding. For this reason, it is important to use a variety of tactics to illustrate public support for the proposed policy or related issue. Examples include opinion polls, surveys, letter and phone call campaigns, letters to the editor, writing news articles and blog posts, and the use of media and social media.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Build Partnerships with Communities&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908592310-7-3&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;444164&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Building community partnerships can take time. Begin by developing relationships with a variety of community stakeholders (e.g., community members, organizations and decision-makers).<\/li>\n<li>Provide community members with opportunities to get involved in the process of generating support for the policy.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>For additional resources on community building, see\u00a0<strong>The Citizen\u2019s Handbook<\/strong>, an online resource created by the Vancouver Citizen\u2019s Committtee (available at:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.vcn.bc.ca\/citizens-handbook\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.vcn.bc.ca\/citizens-handbook\/<\/a>), or visit the\u00a0<strong>Tamarak Institute for Community Engagement<\/strong>\u00a0(<a href=\"http:\/\/www.tamarackcommunity.ca\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">www.tamarackcommunity.ca<\/a>)[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Engage \u201cFence-Sitter\u201d Decision-Makers&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908600069-8-3&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;444164&#8243;]The term \u201cfence-sitter\u201d refers to those decision-makers who flip-flop in their support for an issue or who have not solidified their opinion in regards to a proposed policy. It is important to engage fence-sitters by continually providing them with updates and new information to keep them in the loop and to move them in a positive direction in terms of their support for an issue. Remember to do this in a respectful way.[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Build Partnerships with Key Stakeholders&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908608228-9-7&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;444164&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Collaborate with diverse groups and individuals interested in the issue to build a broad base of support for the policy.\n<ul>\n<li>Intersectoral collaboration is a strategy that works particularly well with Innovator and Majority communities and organizations. Intersectoral collaboration refers to a process of working with individuals and organizations from a variety of sectors (e.g., health, education, non-profit, for-profit and government) to reach a goal.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>To learn more about intersectoral collaboration, see.\u00a0<strong>Crossing Sectors \u2013 Experiences in Intersectoral Action, Public Policy and Health<\/strong>\u00a0(available at:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/www.phac-aspc.gc.ca\/publicat\/2007\/cro-sec\/pdf\/cro-sec_e.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">http:\/\/www.phac-aspc.gc.ca\/publicat\/2007\/cro-sec\/pdf\/cro-sec_e.pdf<\/a>)<\/p>\n<p>For additional resources on partnership building, see the<strong>\u00a0\u201cPartnering Section\u201d of the Healthy Alberta Community\u2019s Model for Capacity Building in Health Promotion<\/strong>\u00a0(available at:\u00a0<a href=\"http:\/\/heapro.oxfordjournals.org\/content\/29\/3\/463\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">http:\/\/heapro.oxfordjournals.org\/content\/29\/3\/463<\/a>).[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Enlist Earned Media and Employ Media Advocacy&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908616056-10-4&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;444164&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>If used correctly, the media can be a powerful tool for encouraging policy change.<\/li>\n<li>Media advocacy is the strategic use of the mass media, coupled with other advocacy strategies, to influence public debate and encourage policy change.<sup>5,6<\/sup>\u00a0To make your media advocacy more effective, try to connect the proposed policy to issues and events that are relevant to your target.<\/li>\n<li>Earned media involves working deliberately to have your issue covered by the news media in contrast to paying for media coverage. Examples of earned media include media releases, writing news and magazine articles, organizing staged demonstrations or events, and writing letters to the editor.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Use a Range of Communication Channels and Tools&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908623734-11-0&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;444164&#8243;]<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>In-person meetings, phone-calls, emails, letters, the development of websites, mass media and social media can all be used to engage decision-makers and the public.<\/li>\n<li>When using these different channels and tools, it is important to tailor them to the adopter type that you are working with.\n<ul>\n<li>For example, while social media might be a good tool for Innovators, it may not be an effective way to connect with Late Adopters who tend to be more traditional.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][vc_accordion_tab gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; column_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; title=&#8221;Raise the Profile of Innovators and Celebrate Successes&#8221; tab_id=&#8221;1765908631469-12-5&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;444164&#8243;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"accordian fusion-accordian\">\n<div id=\"accordion-5124-1\" class=\"panel-group\" role=\"tablist\">\n<div class=\"fusion-panel panel-default\" role=\"tabpanel\">\n<div id=\"67dc90a3664a3716d\" class=\"panel-collapse collapse in\">\n<div class=\"panel-body toggle-content fusion-clearfix\">\n<ul>\n<li>It is important demonstrate positive policy outcomes, such as health benefits or economic return on investments, that have resulted for others that have successfully implemented the policy. This helps to illustrate to potential policy adopters what is possible in their own jurisdictions.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_accordion_tab][\/vc_accordion][vc_column_text text_lead=&#8221;small&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;106304&#8243;]REFERENCES<\/p>\n<ol>\n<li>Kingdon, J.W. (1984). Agendas, Alternatives, and Public Policies. New York, NY: Harper Collins.<\/li>\n<li>Center for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Chapter Nine: Media Advocacy. In Designing and Implementing an Effective Tobacco Counter-Marketing Campaign. Retrieved from\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/stateandcommunity\/counter-marketing\/pdfs\/chapter9.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/tobacco\/stateandcommunity\/counter-marketing\/pdfs\/chapter9.pdf<\/a>.<\/li>\n<li>Previously known as the Alberta Policy Coalition for Cancer Prevention, the name changed to Alberta Policy Coalition for Chronic Disease Prevention on October 1, 2011.<\/li>\n<li>The Advocacy Institute. (1998). Blowing Away the Smoke: A Series of Advanced Media Advocacy Advisories for Tobacco Control Advocates. Revised series September 1998. DC: The Advocacy Institute.<\/li>\n<li>Wallack,L\u00a0and Dorfman, L. (1996). Media Advocacy: A Strategy for Advancing Policy and Promoting Health. Health Education Quarterly, 23 (3), 293-317.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column column_width_percent=&#8221;100&#8243; gutter_size=&#8221;2&#8243; overlay_alpha=&#8221;50&#8243; shift_x=&#8221;0&#8243; shift_y=&#8221;0&#8243; shift_y_down=&#8221;0&#8243; z_index=&#8221;0&#8243; medium_width=&#8221;0&#8243; mobile_width=&#8221;0&#8243; width=&#8221;1\/3&#8243; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;663058&#8243;][vc_column_text text_lead=&#8221;small&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;254171&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h5><strong>What Level of Readiness is Your Community?<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>Take the online questionnaire to assess your community or organization\u2019s readiness for policy change.[\/vc_column_text][vc_button button_color=&#8221;color-prif&#8221; border_width=&#8221;0&#8243; button_color_type=&#8221;uncode-palette&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;247751&#8243; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fpolicyreadinesstool.com%2Fstaging%2F1509%2Fthe-tool%2Fstart-the-tool%2F|title:The%20Tool&#8221;]Start the Questionnaire[\/vc_button][vc_empty_space empty_h=&#8221;1&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;167550&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Levels of Readiness<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_button border_width=&#8221;0&#8243; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fpolicyreadinesstool.com%2Fstaging%2F1509%2Freadiness-levels%2Finnovator%2F|title:Innovator&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;186934&#8243; width=&#8221;200&#8243;]Innovator[\/vc_button][vc_button border_width=&#8221;0&#8243; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fpolicyreadinesstool.com%2Fstaging%2F1509%2Freadiness-levels%2Fmajority%2F|title:Innovator&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;946364&#8243; width=&#8221;200&#8243; button_color_type=&#8221;uncode-solid&#8221; button_color_solid=&#8221;#32a5bf&#8221;]Majority[\/vc_button][vc_button border_width=&#8221;0&#8243; link=&#8221;url:https%3A%2F%2Fpolicyreadinesstool.com%2Fstaging%2F1509%2Freadiness-levels%2Flate-adopter%2F|title:Innovator&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;468725&#8243; width=&#8221;200&#8243; button_color_type=&#8221;uncode-solid&#8221; button_color_solid=&#8221;#67bfd3&#8243;]Late Adopter[\/vc_button][vc_empty_space empty_h=&#8221;1&#8243;][vc_column_text text_lead=&#8221;small&#8221; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;104023&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h5><strong>Download Your Copy<\/strong><\/h5>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/11\/PolicyReadinessTool-2020OCT-English-1.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u2022 Policy Readiness Tool (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" data-fontsize=\"13\" data-lineheight=\"20.02px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/07\/Encouraging_Policy_Change_2019_2019-07-08.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u2022 Encouraging Policy Change (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"fusion-responsive-typography-calculated\" data-fontsize=\"13\" data-lineheight=\"20.02px\"><a href=\"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/06\/PRT-Infographic-Final.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">\u2022 Infographic (PDF)<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[vc_row row_height_percent=&#8221;0&#8243; override_padding=&#8221;yes&#8221; h_padding=&#8221;2&#8243; top_padding=&#8221;3&#8243; bottom_padding=&#8221;3&#8243; overlay_alpha=&#8221;50&#8243; gutter_size=&#8221;4&#8243; column_width_percent=&#8221;100&#8243; shift_y=&#8221;0&#8243; z_index=&#8221;0&#8243; content_parallax=&#8221;0&#8243; uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;204580&#8243;][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_column_text uncode_shortcode_id=&#8221;152156&#8243;] General Strategies for Encouraging Policy [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","template":"","meta":{"nf_dc_page":"","footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-5124","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/staging\/1509\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5124","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/staging\/1509\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/staging\/1509\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/page"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/staging\/1509\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/staging\/1509\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5124"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/staging\/1509\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5124\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":7048,"href":"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/staging\/1509\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/pages\/5124\/revisions\/7048"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/policyreadinesstool.com\/staging\/1509\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5124"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}