We live in a time when many people throughout the world want to see positive changes in different aspects of society. But making those changes happen starting from the grassroots level can be difficult – especially when people trying to initiate advances don’t have a strategic roadmap or the right tools to navigate the obstacles.
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With solid organization and an effective process, grassroots advocacy – making change happen from the bottom up – can work, despite the common perception that only people in a position of power can make a difference, says Dr. Tarek Kteleh, author of The Six Pillars of Advocacy: Embrace Your Cause and Transform Lives. Dr. Kteleh has led numerous successful advocacy efforts, saving lives, helping to sanction a war criminal, and standing up for healthcare workers and patients.
“You’ve heard these sentences before: ‘You’re powerless to change the status quo,’ ‘“ he says. “Or, ‘You’re no match for the special interests embedded in the U.S. government.’ Or, ‘You’ve lost the battle before you’ve even begun.’ But I’m here to tell you none of that is true.
“I know because my community and I have achieved success, working through multiple levels of the American political system and taking on everyone from war criminals to profit-driven corporations and come out ahead.
If you’re passionate about helping a community or cause and willing to selflessly dedicate your time and energy to service for others, you have a strong foundation for making change. You just need to know the tools required to fight for those who desperately need change or are unable to stand up for themselves.”
Keys To Successful Grassroots Advocacy
Dr. Kteleh offers the following keys to successful grassroots advocacy:
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A Noble Cause.
“Pour your limited time, energy, and financial resources into a campaign that benefits the many, not the few,” Dr. Kteleh says. “Find and fight for a cause that lifts up entire communities and inspires dedication from those around you.”
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Networking.
Once you’ve committed to a noble cause, seek out a community of kindred spirits who share your goals, Dr. Kteleh says. “The difficulty lies in connecting with them,” he says. “Start with your neighbors, colleagues, and professional associations.” Online search engines and social media sites also can be valuable tools for finding like-minded organizations.
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Education.
Dr. Kteleh says the challenge here is two-fold: “Teaching your supporters about your cause and undoing a lifetime of indoctrination that tells us the powerful hold all the cards.”
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Fundraising.
Even with a noble cause, asking family, friends, and supporters for financial help can be daunting. But Dr. Kteleh says if you’ve built a vibrant network and developed strong educational messaging, you’ve already done the heavy lifting.
“Communicate to your supporters the results you hope to achieve and, specifically, how to achieve them,” he says. “Potential donors will then understand what their hard-earned dollars can fund and justify donating.”
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Organization.
With the help of an accountant or lawyer, Dr. Kteleh says, define your group’s mission and legally register an entity within your state. There are three primary classifications for advocacy organizations. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization is for charitable and educational purposes.
Contributions from donors are tax-deductible. A 501(c)(4) is not tax-deductible but it has more flexibility in its activities than the 501(c)(3) and can lobby decision-makers without limits. A political action committee (PAC) is a vehicle for supporting policymakers who can further your legislative priorities.
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Advocacy Tools.
Dr. Kteleh says there are numerous tools for advancing your cause through policymakers and the public: a professional staff, ideally with requisite lobbying experience; the media, including op-eds about your topic, newspaper coverage of it, and commercials; social media, especially via targeted Facebook and Google ads; and face-to-face meetings with policymakers.
Conclusion
“Human beings were created to bring positive change to the world,” Dr. Kteleh says. “No matter what cause you work toward, the people whose lives you seek to change need and deserve your full commitment.”
About Tarek Kteleh, MD
Dr. Tarek Kteleh is the author of #1 Bestseller The Six Pillars of Advocacy: Embrace Your Cause and Transform Lives and a medical doctor who established and operates Rheumatology of Central Indiana.
