What is advocacy?

Advocacy can be defined as deliberate and strategic actions taken by an organization, group, or individual to influence policy change within political and social institutions.  

In practice, advocacy is about using Cochrane’s platform, reputation, and thought leadership to make a positive impact in the world on a public policy level that aligns with our mission.

What can advocacy look like?

• Engaging with and lobbying government officials at global, regional, and national forums i.e. the World Health Assembly
• Developing policy briefs and keeping up to date with policy debates
• Mobilizing support to promote or support certain actions i.e., campaigns, petitions, working groups

There are different advocacy styles and a range of tactics and activities that you might use as part of an advocacy campaign. There is no one ‘right’ approach – activities should be context- and audience-specific, and a campaign may involve a mixture of tactics.

How is advocacy organized at Cochrane?

The Central Executive Team (CET) coordinates advocacy activities at the international level. However, most policy change happens at the national and (sub)regional levels. We welcome Cochrane Groups and the wider community to get involved; this could be through Groups supporting centrally led advocacy campaigns or developing their own local campaigns with the support of CET.

Please get in touch with Mariam Salman to let us know of your plans and to discuss how we can support you.