Ms. Nantume speaking to PELUM staff about her experience in advocacy

In the month of 0ctober 2010, PELUM Uganda organized an advocacy exchange visit programme for its member organizations and this lasted for 30 working days. I was placed at Environmental Alert a non governmental organization based in Kabalagala.  During my placement period, I had a great experience and all this was in line of achieving the prior plan of PELUM to support its member organizations that had gaps in Advocacy; with those that had skills to act as their mentors. At some point during my placement I trundled off to discover a lot of things in the fi eld of Advocacy and lobbying.

My own organization being purely a service provider organization, the whole idea of advocacy was just new to me. However, with the assistance of my mentor I was able to realize that Advocacy is about helping a person to be heard. With this I was able to realize that most people including my self can act as advocates .With deep understanding of Advocacy, I realized that often I was an advocate but I did not know about it. Several examples proved to me that I have been an advocate and also that I have interacted with advocates in my every day life. Such examples include, seeing  parents listen to the needs and wishes of their children, managers responding to the views of their staff and friends standing  by each other and offering support,all of whcih shows advocacy in our every day life.

I also realized that Advocacy is a tool that can be used in a variety of ways to ensure that the minority and disadvantaged groups in society have a means to know about their rights and also gainfully enjoy the same life opportunities as others. I  believe that advocacy offers support for people who are seeking resolutions to any issues that are of concern to them, by ensuring that their voice is heard and that they understand their civil and human rights. With this I still say everyone should always speak up if we are to to become great advocates.

However, I noted that Advocates need to attend a number of skill building workshops led by more experienced organizations as felt by PELUM Uganda. These workshops strengthen the effectiveness of the advocates who can later build stronger organizations back in the communities where they work.

During the exchange programme I was able to share my unique grass root in line with my organization together with my mentor so as to help me learn more about the strategies and best practices of Advocacy and other human rights. Self Advocacy which requires courage and willingness to face opposition and political resistance was built in me but it was initially my greatest fear to engage in this exercise. I realized that it was only standing tall in spirit, and respectfully addressing discrimination and demanding accountability that one could truly to make a positive difference in organizations and communities we work with.

For one to become a passionate believer, he/she should speak up when something is bothering him/her. It is no use complaining if you are not prepared to act is what I always tell my organization.

During the exchange programme I noted that, Advocacy by non profi t organizations can lead to fundamental reforms in our society such as saving and improving lives and strengthening democracy. This was very exciting because I see my own organisaation working towards this.

By examining case studies and success stories together with my mentor, I learnt how I can also make a difference in my organization and the community at large. This was all based on the case studies that showed how Environmental Alert worked to make social change or shape public policy. The case studies also described the lobbying involved, other tactics including research, media advocacy or other forms of advocacy.

With the mentorship received, I can now gladly say that,

• I managed to convince my organization that we need advocacy programmes and it accepted to put a Campign Advocacy and Lobby offi ce in place.
• With the new proposal, I effectively participated to put efforts to see to it that advocacy becomes part of our projects come the next phase.
• Have had experience with  different social groups after the exchange programme
• I have access to information which has helped me make decisions
• Most importantly, I have felt listened to as compared to before.