What Is It?

To most people, the word research means people in white lab coats conducting tedious and time-consuming studies, data collection, number-crunching, and using words that only experts understand. This may be true in such fields as science and medicine but not in advocacy.

In advocacy, research means learning all you can about the problem you face and possible solutions to it. Facts are the fuel of advocacy. Facts prove there’s a problem, convince decision-makers of the best solution, poke holes in the arguments of the opposition, and otherwise make your case and build support.

You can get the facts in several ways. On any given issue, there is lots of information in newspaper articles, published reports, scientific studies, and government documents. Much of this is quickly and easily accessible, readable by and understandable to the general public. In addition to reviewing these sources, it can be useful to gather facts firsthand (for example, interviewing people in your community to see who is being hurt by a problem and how). You may also want to work with experts or researchers who are willing to help you with your advocacy agenda.
All of these types of research can have tremendous power in moving an advocacy agenda.

Why Use It?

Knowledge is power. When you know everything you can about an issue, you can put substance behind your position, frame the conversation, paint the portrait of reality, anticipate the arguments in opposition, recognize and seize opportunities to move your agenda, and know when and just how much to compromise without undermining your original goals.
Advocacy is about making change. Facts provide direction. They can tell you what exactly needs to be changed, the best way to accomplish the change, and whom to hold accountable for making the change.
Facts also bolster credibility. The media are more likely to pay attention, legislators are more inclined to listen, and allies are more eager to invest their resources when your effort is backed up with solid, compelling information. Rhetoric alone will not be effective.

When to Use It?

Knowledge is power. When you know everything you can about an issue, you can put substance behind your position, frame the conversation, paint the portrait of reality, anticipate the arguments in opposition, recognize and seize opportunities to move your agenda, and know when and just how much to compromise without undermining your original goals.

Advocacy is about making change. Facts provide direction. They can tell you what exactly needs to be changed, the best way to accomplish the change, and whom to hold accountable for making the change.

Facts also bolster credibility. The media are more likely to pay attention, legislators are more inclined to listen, and allies are more eager to invest their resources when your effort is backed up with solid, compelling information. Rhetoric alone will not be effective.