IMPACT | Advocating with Empathy

In Al Etmanski's latest book: IMPACT: Six Patterns to Spread Your Social Innovation, he tells the story of how Sean Moore, dean of Ottawa lobbyists, introduced him to the concept of strategic inquiry. This powerful approach to advocacy is based on the premise that the best way to learn about the procedures, language and priorities of those you're trying to influence is to ask them. If you have empathy for the challenges that the person you are trying to influence if facing, they are more likely to have empathy for your issue. Strategic inquiry gives you the feedback to refine and reframe your proposal to give it the best chances of success.

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  • Nonprofits & Activism