Transcript Interest Groups

LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS
AND
ADVOCACY
Denise Conroy
Chairman
Zonta International LAA Committee
March 2009
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A WORKING DEFINITION OF
ADVOCACY
Advocacy is an action directed at change.
It is putting a problem on the agenda,
providing a solution to that problem,
building support for that solution and for the
action necessary to implement that solution.
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WHAT IS SOCIAL JUSTICE
ADVOCACY?
Social justice advocacy is public advocacy,
which draws attention to an injustice and
promotes the public good. It focuses attention
on improving the well-being of the poor and
marginalised members of the community. For
example, social justice public advocacy efforts
take up issues relating to women, children,
workers, the disabled, etc. For Zonta
International, the focus must be on women and
the girl child.
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In summary, Advocacy begins with a problem
or with a perception that there is a better
alternative to a current condition and seeks to
solve that problem and/or implement the
selected alternative.
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ZONTA INTERNATIONAL
ADVOCACY POLICY
As adopted by the Zonta International Board, at its
February 2000 meeting; as last amended by the
Zonta International Board, January 2009. (Refer
to the Zonta International Website – LAA Page).
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ADVOCACY DEFINITION - CURRENT
Advocacy is the expression of support for or opposition
to a cause, argument or proposal. Advocacy may
include influencing laws, legislation or attitudes.
Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs are urged to express
themselves about and become involved in issues which:
*Improve the legal, political, economic, educational, health and
professional status of women;
*Advance understanding, goodwill, and peace through a world
fellowship of executives in business and the professions; and
*Promote justice and universal respect for human rights and
fundamental freedoms.
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ADVOCACY GOALS
1. Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs,
shall be nonpartisan and nonsectarian.
2. Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs are
encouraged to support legislation submitted to a
legislative body for its consideration, which
advances the implementation of the Objects of
Zonta, the mandates of Zonta International
Resolutions (current), the Beijing Declaration
from the United Nations Fourth World
Conference on Women and its updates and the
Millennium Development Goals and their
updates.
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3. Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs
will ascertain if there are other like-minded
organizations or individuals researching
issues regarding the legal, political,
economic, educational, health and
professional status of women, and cooperate with these other organizations and
individuals when appropriate. (Refer to
Revised Policy on Affiliation of Zonta with
Other Organizations – ZI Website, LAA Page).
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4. Whenever it is more effective to do so, Zonta
International, its districts, and its clubs will work
in co-operation with other organizations to
educate people (including ourselves) about the
legal, political, economic, educational, health
and professional issues which affect the lives of
women and the actions we must initiate to effect
a positive change.
5. When Zonta International, its districts, and its
clubs host or sponsor educative activities, every
effort should be made for a well-balanced
presentation of the facts and viewpoints.
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6. Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs
may register protests concerning violations
of human rights with the Zonta International
United Nations Committee.
a.
Clubs shall not otherwise express positions on issues
involving a country other than their own except with
the prior approval of the International President
through the International United Nations Chairman.
a.
Districts shall not otherwise express positions on
issues involving countries other than their own except
with the prior approval of the International President
through the International United Nations Chairman.
c.
Individual Zonta members shall not otherwise express
positions on issues involving a country other than
their own except with prior approval of the
International President through the International
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United Nations Chairman.
7. Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs
shall not advocate on behalf of, or endorse, a
political candidate or party, or any religious
denomination.
8. Zonta International, its districts, and its clubs
may endorse qualified individuals for
nonpartisan positions.
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9.
Zonta clubs may express their opinion on issues only
as clubs. Zonta districts may express their opinions
only as districts. The Convention may express
opinions on issues on behalf of Zonta International.
Between conventions, only the Zonta International
Board may express opinions on issues on behalf of
Zonta International. Subject to Article 6[c]
individual Zonta members may express a position on
issues involving a country other than their own
providing they use the exact wording of the position
as contained in material adopted by the Zonta
International Board or the International President’s
approval given through the International United
Nations Chairman.
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10.
Individual members may express their
personal views on issues which have not
been given prior approval by the
International President, through the
International UN Chairman, only as private
citizens, but must not attribute them to a
Zonta club or District or to Zonta
International.
Districts may include guidelines for the
process for determining their advocacy
activity in their district rules of procedure
providing that such guidelines conform to
the International Guidelines.
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ZONTA INTERNATIONAL
ADVOCACY PROTOCOL
ZONTA ENTITY
CAN SIGN
•
•
International President
International Board
On behalf of ZONTA INTERNATIONAL
•
District Governor
•
Club President
•
Individual Zontians
On behalf of DISTRICT (eg. Zonta International
District 2) only IF a resolution has been passed on
the subject at District Conference OR IF accepted
by a majority of clubs voting by a mail ballot.
(See Bylaw Article XIII, Section 10[f])
On behalf of CLUB (eg. Zonta Club of Bay View)
only IF a majority decision is passed at a club
meeting.
In OWN NAME only, WITHOUT mention of
Zonta
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Please Note:
• no-one other than the International President/International
Board can sign on behalf of Zonta International
• Club Presidents can only sign on behalf of club if a motion is
passed by a majority of members at a club meeting. (Club
Boards of Directors cannot make policy/pass motions or take
action binding a club).
• On advocacy matters to be decided by the club, advance
notice of discussion should be given (agenda items) and any
papers distributed to all members before any vote is taken.
• Governors, clubs, individuals should only advocate on
matters pertaining to their own jurisdictions. Concerns re
matters in other countries should be referred to the
Chairman of the United Nations Committee. ** ( Refer to
the Advocacy Policy, Section 9 for further information).
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•
Zonta must remain nonpartisan and nonsectarian
in advocacy action and on issues.
•
Zonta Districts,Clubs and members should not sign
petitions in Zonta’s name.
•
Send a copy of your letter/action to your District
LAA Chairman and to the International Chairman of
the Legislative Awareness and Advocacy Committee
Contacts ( See International Directory)
Chairman, LAA Committee: Denise Conroy
(email : [email protected])
** Chairman, UN Committee: Jackie Shapiro
(email : [email protected] )
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LINKING ADVOCACY WITH SERVICE and AWARDS
AWARDS/COMMITTEES
AWARDS
- AE
- YWPA
- JMK
PROGRAMS
YWPA
AMELIA EARHART
improving education,
economic, political status of women
JANE M. KLAUSMAN
UNITED NATIONS
STATUS OF WOMEN ISSUES (legal, health, social, economic,
political, educational)
HUMAN/WOMEN’S RIGHTS,CONVENTIONS, PROTOCOLS
SERVICE
SERVICE – CLUB/AREA/DISTRICT (eg. women’s shelters)
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE PROJECTS:
L.A.A.
Refer to ZI Website LAA Page
International projects are linked to Zonta’s Objects, Beijing +10
Goals and MDG Goals
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What is Lobbying?
Lobbying is an organised attempt by an individual, an organisation
or groups of individuals and/or organisations to influence on behalf
of a particular interest all the stakeholders involved in preparing
and passing legislation. Such stakeholders include ministerial
advisers and staff, legislative drafters, policy makers, members of
Parliament, portfolio committee members, select committees, the
staff of various committees, experts and consultants serving those
committees, etc.
It also means seeking the support of an influential person or persons
and providing accurate information which legislators can use in
their decision-making. Lobbying is a give-and-take process that
also involves gathering new information and analysis, which
enables lobbyists to strengthen their own strategies.
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What is the difference between lobbying and advocacy?
Lobbying is only one part of advocacy – one tool amongst
many. The difference between advocacy and lobbying can be
explained as follows:
ADVOCACY
LOBBYING
Related to specific cause / issue
Related to specific legislation
Group / collective effort
May be individual or collective
Aimed at several stakeholders, both
inside and outside of government
Aimed specifically at legislators and
government officials
Aimed at common good
Aimed at specific (or partisan) interest
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ZONTA DOES NOT LOBBY
We must not use the ‘L’ word – lobby. Zonta MUST be nonpartisan and non-sectarian (Bylaw Article III, Section I)
We must remain independent of all political parties and lobby
groups in order to maintain our non-partisan stance AND to avoid
being ‘used’ by other organisations to further their own ends.
Lobbying ‘tactics’ usually involve giving support – either money,
votes, endorsement or suggesting that support will be directed
elsewhere. It is a ‘political’ tactic and NOT one endorsed by Zonta
International.
We must use the word advocate in all correspondence and
presentations.
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FOUNDATION ‘STATUS’ 501[c](3)
The Zonta International Foundation (and some Zonta
Clubs) in the USA has tax deductible status.
There is some provision in the law for advocacy to
influence legislation – Section 501(h) which promotes
balance in the presentation of conflicting views and eases
the burden of administration of Section 501[c](3).
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Any charitable body can (‘lobby’) advocate legally, using
one of 2 standards by which their compliance with the
IRS Code is measured.
(i)
insubstantial part test (1934)
(ii)
Section 501 (h) expenditure test (1976)
(called the 20% rule)
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In the USA ‘direct lobbying’ is defined as communication
with either a legislator, an employee of a legislative body
or any other government employee who may participate
in the formulation of the legislation.
There is usually a reference to a specific piece of
legislation, and a view on it is taken/expressed.
This action is NOT to be undertaken in Zonta’s name
unless agreed to by the LAA/UN Chairman.
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EXCEPTIONS TO DIRECT LOBBYING ARE
1. Non-partisan analysis, study or research that presents
all sides of an issue.
2. Responses to written requests for assistance from
committees or other legislative bodies.
3. Challenges to, or support for, legislative proposals that
would change the organization’s rights or its right to
exist.
4. Examination and discussion of broad social, economic
and similar problems.
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All Zonta Clubs in the US are regarded as tax exempt
(Section 501[c](4)), and any Zonta Clubs with tax
deductible status (Section 501[c](3)), should seek
professional advice from tax advisors BEFORE
undertaking any activity which meets the IRS/Treasury
definition of ‘direct lobbying’ as this can affect your
status in these categories.
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ZONTA INTERNATIONAL POSITION ON
LETTER-WRITING BY ZONTIANS,
ZONTA CLUBS, DISTRICTS:
• That any advocacy which involves co-ordinated letterwriting by members/clubs be ‘checked’ with the LAA
Chairman/UN Chairman before proceeding.
• Advocacy on major Conventions will be co-ordinated
through the LAA Chairman/UN Chairman and draft
letters/templates will be provided for use by
members/clubs/districts.
• Above all, advocacy can only take place on matters
covered by Zonta’s Objects (a) and (c) - improving the
legal, political, economic, educational, health status of
women and promoting justice and universal respect for
human rights and fundamental freedoms.
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• LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS means that we know the
process by which laws are created at the local, state and
federal (national) level of government, from the first
mention/thought on the issue through to the passage or
defeat of a law.
• LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS also means that we
know how to have laws repealed or changed, how to
prepare submissions for parliamentary inquiries or
reviews, and how to present a logical, comprehensive case
to support our views/arguments for or against it.
• This awareness or discipline is referred to as the public
policy process. It is the starting point for advocacy.
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• LEGISLATIVE AWARENESS also means educating
yourself about the ‘Division of Powers’ in your country –
that is, what each level of government is responsible for.
You also need to know whether each level of government
has co-equal powers, or whether one level is ‘superior’ to
(ie. can over-rule) another level.
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IT IS ALSO HELPFUL TO KNOW ABOUT:
• The Constitution
• Federal (National) and State legislature processes
• Local Government processes
• How laws are made
• The agencies/departments which implement and enforce
laws
• How and when you can participate in the legislative
process
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HOW CAN WE INFORM OURSELVES ON
LEGISLATIVE MATTERS?
• Check your parliament’s website *
• Run a seminar session with invited (knowledgeable)
speakers
• Ask someone in your State who lectures in politics or
public policy or who has a Masters Degree in these fields
• Ask a senior politician how laws are made/to explain the
legislative process
• Better still, recruit people in these occupations as
members.
(* See www.mkogy.hu/world.parliaments.htm)
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ADVOCACY CHECKLIST
1. Choose an issue that promotes the status of women
-
education
-
health
-
legal
-
social
-
economic
-
human rights
Use the SCORE CARD and the Advocacy Framework which
links Zonta’s Objects to CEDAW Articles (See ZI Website –
LAA page)
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Ensure that the Club/District is in agreement about the
issue as one suitable for ZONTA ADVOCACY
ie. AVOID -partisan/sectarian issues
-issues which may ‘divide’ the membership (eg. abortion,
euthanasia, legalised prostitution, genetic research, etc.)
Issues where there is no majority (95%+) agreement
should be pursued as INDIVIDUAL advocacy (i.e. in
one’s own name NOT in Zonta’s name).
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NON PARTISAN / NON SECTARIAN
Definitions of these terms are given in the IBL (now Governing
Documents) Booklet.
Item 8 of the Advocacy Policy requires that we nominate persons ONLY
FOR NON PARTISAN positions (ie. NON-POLITICAL positions – not
influenced by, affiliated with, or supporting the interest or policies of any
persons or party)
The same would apply to SECTARIAN organisations (affiliation with
any particular religion or sect).
Zonta must, at all times, be seen to be totally impartial with respect to
religious, sectarian or political organisations, and to not favour any one
particular ‘belief’ over another with respect to ideology or dogma. These
are matters for PERSONAL CHOICE.
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PLAN YOUR ADVOCACY ACTIVITY:
-
Know your issue (high level of expertise required)
-
Establish your objectives
-
Conduct a stakeholder analysis to identify opposition
-
Develop a strategy
-
Identify and mobilise required resources
-
Monitor and evaluate the progress
-
Avoid conflicts of interest at all times
-
Conduct advocacy in an ethical manner
KNOW YOUR LEGISLATIVE SYSTEM AND PROCESSES
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WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE TO YOU?
RESOURCES ON THE Z.I. WEBSITE – LAA PAGE:
• ADVOCACY/SERVICE SCORECARD (does it meet our
Objects?)
• ADVOCACY FRAMEWORK (‘matching” Zonta’s
Objects with CEDAW Articles 1-16)
• WHEN/WHO TO TAKE ACTION (at what level –
International, District, Club – should the issue be dealt
with?)
• HOW SHOULD ADVOCACY PROCEED? (what
policies/guidelines are applicable? Conduct thorough
research; check District and Club advocacy processes).
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• APPLYING ZONTA’S SCORECARD TO THE
INTERNATIONAL SERVICE/ZISVAW 2008-2010
PROJECTS (plus Beijing + 10 Goals and the Millennium
Development Goals (MDGs) and Millennium Summit + 5)
This demonstrates our connectivity to key platforms
for women (including CEDAW) and enhances our
consultative status with the United Nations.
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INSTRUMENTS OF INTERNATIONAL LAW
CONCERNING WOMEN
•
Universal Declaration of Human Rights (1948)
•
Convention of the Political Rights of Women (1952)
•
International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (1966)
•
International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (1966)
•
Declaration on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1967)
•
Declaration on the Protection of Women and Children in Emergency and Armed Conflict (1974)
•
Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women (1979)
•
Declaration of the Elimination of Violence against Women (1993)
•
Inter-American Convention for the Prevention, Punishment and Elimination of Violence against
Women (Belém do Pará Convention) (1995)
•
Universal Declaration on Democracy (1997)
•
Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against
Women (1999)
At its 162nd session (Windhoek, 11 April 1998), the Inter-Parliamentary Council took a special decision on the
recommendation of women parliamentarians entitled “Parliamentary action for national follow-up to international
agreements and treaties regarding women”.
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Access this information at www.ipu.org/wmn-e/law.htm
RELATED DOCUMENTS
BEIJING DECLARATION AND PLATFORM FOR ACTION
www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing/platform/plat1.htm
www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/beijing/index.htm
BEIJING + 5 (2000) AND +10 (2005) CRITICAL AREAS OF CONCERN
www.un.org/womenwatch/forum/index.html
(Report E/CN.6/2000/PC/CRP.1)
www.un.org/womenwatch/daw/csw/csw49/documents.html (Report E/CN.6/2005/2)
MILLENNIUM DEVELOPMENT GOALS (2000)
www.un.org/womenwatch/millenniumgoals/relatedsites.html
MILLENNIUM + 5 SUMMIT (2005)
www.un.org/summit2005/
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OTHER SOURCES
•LAA Resources: CEDAW and the Optional Protocol to CEDAW – See LAA
page on ZI website. See also Zonta Countries, CEDAW Signatures, Reports
for latest country reports submitted.
•UN High Commissioner for Human Rights – treaties, declarations,
documents www.unhchr.ch/map.htm
•World Health Organisations – topics on womens’ health (FGM, HIV-Aids,
Violence etc) www.who.int/topics
•World Bank Database of Gender Statistics
http://genderstats.worldbank.org/menu.asp
•Council of Europe www.coe.int (equality between men and women,
trafficking, violence against women)
•UN Economic Commission for Europe – Gender Statistics website
www.unece.org/stats/gender
•The European Convention on Human Rights
http://conventions.coe.int/Treaty
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ASSISTANCE WITH ADVOCACY
Contact your District LAA Co-ordinator or the Zonta International
LAA Committee.
Chairman: Denise Conroy
[email protected]
Connie Deckert
[email protected]
Kikuko (Kitty) Hara
[email protected]
A.O. Omotayo (Tayo) Morgan
[email protected]
Bev Morrow
[email protected]
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