Evaluating Advocacy Efforts

The final lesson encourages students to take the information gleaned from the previous lessons and compare and contrast the advocacy efforts of several groups.  Keep in mind that they may not be what they appear.  Consider who is really behind the cause.  Think about where the funding may originate.  Included in lesson ten you will find links to mainstream agricultural organizations as well as those that may run counter to traditional agriculture values.

When you hear or read political ads, take a moment to tease apart the fact from fiction.  What reaction are the groups hoping to cause? 

Compare and contrast advocacy efforts of other organizations.

Evaluate the advocacy efforts of an association/organization with which you affiliate. 

Prepare the final project.

  Spend time surfing the consumer freedom website. It is more than “a little in your face,” but is enlightening none the less! 

  After viewing the consumer freedom web sites now look at The Humane Society’s site.  Compare and contrast.  

Farm Bureau and Facebook?  See how the Virginia Farm Bureau connects with members and thus credits them for legislative successes.  Do you think social networking will be the driving means for advocacy?

Does this group of concerned scientists’ opinions mirror that of production agriculturalists such as Farm Bureau?  Read the advocacy material provided by this group.
 

This organic farming association from Vermont has a lofty legislative agenda.  They provide a clean page for accessing several more lengthy documents.

The Grange’s advocacy newsletter can be found on their homepage with an archive listed beside the current events.  The Grange remains quite active in pockets of the country. 

Notice the AVMA web site, while full of useful information, it does not mention legislation specifically and only advocacy in the president’s speech title.

This veterinary organization clearly has a link to advocacy.  How do they differ from AVMA?


Thank you for taking the course.  We hope you are geared for action to advocate in a professional and proactive manner.  Engage others in your group to chart a new course.  Success breeds success.  Please keep in touch.  Your instructors are very willing to give feedback and help you strategize on behalf of agricultural and Extension education.

Clifford the Big Red Dog is a popular cartoon character.  But have you ever heard of a Blue Dog?  See if you recognize anyone in the Blue Dog membership!

1.  Send a short email which lists two action items you will be taking to further the efforts of an advocacy organization with which you affiliate.

2.  The primary assignment this week is to complete the final project.  If you have questions or concerns, please call the instructor for assistance.  Projects may be tailored to meet individual/group issues with instructor approval.