Engaging with Officials and Advocacy

This video tutorial, part of the Young African Leaders Initiative, guides viewers on effectively engaging with candidates and elected officials. It covers the importance of elections, preparation steps for meetings, strategies to secure meetings, and best practices for conducting them. The tutorial emphasizes building relationships with officials based on mutual respect and provides resources for further learning.

Why is it crucial to engage with candidates and elected officials during election times?

• Because they are less likely to make promises.

• Because they have more free time.

• Because they are not interested in community issues.

• Because they are more focused on earning your support.

What is the first step in preparing for a meeting with a candidate or official?

• Identify key officials.

• Find out who is accountable.

• Craft community action ideas.

• Be specific about what the government can do.

Why is it important to know the record of key officials?

• To ensure they are not re-elected.

• To avoid discussing their past actions.

• To build on their previous efforts.

• To criticize them during the meeting.

Which method is generally the most successful for securing a meeting with an official?

• Writing a letter.

• Sending an email.

• In-person requests.

• Making a phone call.

What should you do first when conducting a meeting with an official?

• Make a specific ask.

• Introduce yourself and thank them.

• Tell a story about the issue.

• Propose a solution.

How can you effectively illustrate the problem during a meeting?

• By avoiding personal stories.

• By telling a story and using facts.

• By using vague statements.

• By focusing only on statistics.

What is the purpose of making 'the ask' during a meeting?

• To express gratitude.

• To request a specific action.

• To criticize the official.

• To end the meeting.

What should you plan for at the end of a meeting with an official?

• To criticize their past actions.

• To ask for a donation.

• To have a follow-up discussion.

• To never contact them again.

What is the ultimate goal of engaging with candidates and officials?

• To ensure they lose the next election.

• To build a relationship based on respect.

• To avoid future meetings.

• To solve all issues in one meeting.

How can you become a powerful advocate for your community?

• By focusing only on personal gains.

• By being aggressive and demanding.

• By being patient, specific, and creative.

• By avoiding contact with officials.