Page 14 - BPW-UK - E-news - Edition 110 - March 2023_Neat

Advocacy Session

Chris began her session by discussion around what we understand by advocacy
and as one of the pillars of our organisation how we could improve our communica-
tion and lobbying skills.

Our current and ongoing priorities at this time are gender equality/human
rights, misogyny, promotion of STEM subjects for girls, equal pay and women on
boards.

Discussion was then invited on how we can communicate and network better.
We already have a network in place that should improve communication in the form
of Area Groups and Working Groups which enables two-way dissemination of infor-
mation. This needs to be
fed back to the advocacy Working Group on a regular basis.

Jackie Franklin, VP Media & Marketing, suggested that our mandate issues
should be put on the new website, as we are proud of what we have already
achieved and pledge to work forward on them.

Individual members may write to their MPs and those in neighbouring constitu-
encies, using personal letters rather than templates to ensure they are read. Some
MPs then contact the relevant minister resulting in a very full answer.

Sue Holtom, Treasurer, said celebrating our successes as well as progressing
those that needed further work would show younger members what we had
achieved.

The main conclusions from the session include:

1. Improving awareness of our mandate past and present
2. Use lines of communication already established in a regular and proactive way.
3. A future topic of our Wednesday Talks will be on advocacy.

Remember the 3 P’s when advocating:

Be polite, prepared and persistent!

Chris Nendick, Advocacy Vice President