For both proactive and responsive advocacy issues, action plans should be created. Action plans will vary in complexity and length, depending on the timeline for the advocacy work (e.g. responding to a one-time event vs working gradually to influence systemic change over time); they may be as brief as decisions documented in Board meeting minutes or may be separate, more comprehensive documents. In general, however, the Board will discuss and document the following components for how to address a specific advocacy issue.

Vision

• What outcomes or change does the Alliance want to see related to this issue?
  • The desired outcomes and related actions should be explicitly tied to the Alliance’s vision and mission; this should be clear in all advocacy messaging.

Needs

• What specific things need to happen in order to move toward (if not fully achieve) the desired vision? For example, is there a specific policy change needed? Or a specific barrier removed for a group of people?
  • In determining the specific needs, the Board should consult with, as appropriate, Council, member library staff, and Alliance Central Staff. These consultations may also reach out to other impacted communities who are not part of member institutions.

Messages/Actions

• What individuals/groups are we advocating to; who has the power/influence to enact the change that is needed?
• What are the needs/interests of those we are advocating to; how can we frame what the Alliance wants in a way that meets their needs as well? (mutual gains)
• Are there other organizations who are advocating around the same issue who we view as exemplars and may want to emulate in some way?
• What will be the most persuasive, and attention-getting, messages or data points to include?
• What statements or actions can the Alliance take to have the greatest possible impact?
  • If the Board intends to commit the Alliance to action beyond a statement or other Board engagement, consultation with (and endorsement from) individuals/groups who are implicated by such commitments must be done. (For example, if advocacy actions would commit Alliance Central Staff or member library staff to new work, or would potentially have direct/indirect impacts on existing work.)

Responsibility

• Who should be involved in developing the Alliance position/language around this issue? Is this most effective being created by the Board or within other Alliance communities?
• What formats should the message be delivered in, and who is responsible for that delivery?

Timeline

• What is the schedule for any planned advocacy actions?
• When will the Board revisit advocacy actions to assess their impact?