Tech types rule in AI hack battle to reach carbon zero
Posted on 14 May 2024
Nearly 1000 coders, data scientists and artificial intelligence experts have converged to witness a…
Posted on 09 May 2024
By Matthew Schulz, journalist, Institute of Community Directors Australia
One of the most powerful tools any community group can have is the ability to inspire and mobilise support for the benefit or development of the greater community. This doesn’t just mean recruiting volunteers – it can also mean rallying support from institutions, other not-for-profit groups, government agencies and media outlets.
Making the world a better place is the reason why most not-for-profits exist, yet achieving that goal is not always so straightforward.
Long, hard and persistent advocacy is often needed to push those in power to accept changes or reforms.
The 2017 decision to allow same-sex couples to marry was a watershed moment for the country’s equal rights movement. Many progressives believed it heralded a new era of inclusion and acceptance. Yet many of those same campaigners and Indigenous rights advocates were left to grieve after the Voice to Parliament referendum was soundly defeated in October last year.
Despite the setback, First Nations advocates have not stepped away from their desire to improve things for Australia’s first people, and we expect many of those same voices to dust themselves off for yet more battles in the future.
Not so long ago, charities were battling attempts to crimp their advocacy, prompting the formation of a coalition of 100 organisations under the Hands off Our Charities banner, which fought attempts to silence activism.
These days, Australian Charities and Not-for-profits commissioner Sue Woodward is much more accepting of charities’ rights to advocate, last year declaring, “We recognise that advocacy is an activity that often helps charities achieve their purpose. Charities can and do advocate.”
At the Institute of Community Directors Australia (ICDA), we support the aim of many organisations to steer policies, laws and public opinion in a direction that will help their mission.
This is why we’ve developed a great free library of resources on campaigns, lobbying, organising, and working with the media.
Tap on the links below for comprehensive information on advocating well.
Getting started in advocacy
Posted on 14 May 2024
Nearly 1000 coders, data scientists and artificial intelligence experts have converged to witness a…
Posted on 09 May 2024
Not-for-profits wanting to win the political and influence game can boost their negotiating power…
Posted on 09 May 2024
I recently wrote about the impotent campaigning of the Yes campaign. The current debate and…
Posted on 09 May 2024
A foremost expert in helping not-for-profits build better connections with government decision…
Posted on 09 May 2024
Many in the philanthropic and charity sectors have tremendous policy reform ideas that would help…
Posted on 09 May 2024
One of the most powerful tools any community group can have is the ability to inspire and mobilise…
Posted on 09 May 2024
Our Community’s resident Agony Uncle and thinker-in-residence, Chris Borthwick, examines the…
Posted on 08 May 2024
Not-for-profits are often humble about their impact, and shy to share their suggested policy fixes…
Posted on 24 Apr 2024
UPDATED: The nation’s top not-for-profit thinkers have summed up the big challenges for the sector…
Posted on 10 Apr 2024
ICDA has compiled a large library of resources, webinars, help sheets and policies to help…
Posted on 10 Apr 2024
A detailed study into the corruption risks faced by government-funded community organisations has…
Posted on 10 Apr 2024
Not-for-profits have been hit by a spike in insurance premiums because of a perfect storm of…