(Provided by the Children's Link Society - adapted from Training Families in the "Step Approach Model" for Effective Advocacy by J. Dale Munro.)

Points to Make

1. Never use a cannon where a pea shooter will do.
2. Get the big picture - determine goals realistically.
   • Who can help?
   • Who are key people?
   • What do we really want to achieve or resolve?
3. Time your strategies carefully.
   • Raise concerns when your own motivation and energy level are at their highest.
   • Advocate when potential problem solvers are most willing and able to listen and deal with the concern.
   • Identify needs early to avoid a potential crisis later.
4. Use the cards you have been dealt.
5. Don't do it alone.
   • There is strength, power and support in numbers.
   • Work closely with established groups and influential individuals.
   • Coordinate with other families or self-advocates.
6. Be willing to compromise.
   • Results should be a family's overriding goal.
   • Find common ground - negotiate a workable compromise.
7. Humanize the concern.
• Do it so decision-makers feel the uniqueness, validity, and urgency of the request.
8. Express appreciation and show support to helpful problem solvers.

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