Agents of change usually require good planning while advocating for their objectives. Like other non-profit organisations, NGOs working in the disability area need to bear in mind several factors, such as their own resources or institutional partnerships, to implement their lobbying strategies according to their goals. In line with this philosophy, the Union of the Blind and Partially Sighted of Slovenia hosted a three-session webinar series focused on enhancing the promotion of the rights of people with low vision throughout the month of June.
Co-funded by the European Union, this initiative also served as an excellent exchange forum between representatives from our National Members. While introducing the first meeting, Polona Car Djurić, the Program Manager of our Slovenian Member, stated that “advocacy requires constant communication with related organisations, public authorities and other stakeholders to raise awareness of our communities’ challenges”. Among other obstacles, participants such as Susanne Tarp, from the Frederiksberg regional branch of EBU’s Danish Member, pinpointed loneliness as one of the main issues faced by people with low vision. As part of the solution to this problem and others, our organisation’s First Vice-President, Bárbara Martín, highlighted that “it’s not only about promoting our rights, but also about trying to change attitudes within the general public and open minds among policymakers.”
Nonetheless, there are some theoretical aspects that non-profit organisations must consider while developing their advocacy strategies. For that purpose, Tina Divjak, from CNVOS, an umbrella network for NGOs in Slovenia, taught participants about the main concepts behind a good lobbying plan during the second and third sessions. In this sense, she explained to participants that advocating for human rights requires in-depth analysis backed by empirical data, establishing objectives, suggesting solutions and identifying your target group. At the same time, Tina added that “you just don’t promote your rights in an office; we’re speaking about initiatives which need the use of tools such as social media platforms or face-to-face meetings in order to make your voice heard in decision-making processes”.
Additionally, attendants were also able to learn more about the importance of an organisation’s internal flexibility. “New challenges may come and your target group can include various profiles with very different needs, so you must be able to respond to their expectations when you design your services for them”, emphasised Tina. Moreover, she also mentioned the relevance of trying to reach potential beneficiaries of your activity while also identifying the core group of actors who are going to help you in putting your mission into practice. After all, engagement will always remain a key in advocacy and lobbying, and it will allow all NGOs to remind one of their most essential purposes: making their communities an active actor in their activities.