Affecting Policy on Your Campus

Effecting concrete change is a crucial part of activism for Feminist Majority Leadership Alliances. These general guidelines outline an effective approach to changing policy on you campus. Your first step in working to effect change should always be to conduct research on the policy at issue. In many cases, your next step will be to set up a formal meeting with campus administrators. Your work to affect policy will also benefit from awareness raising and public education, further research, and campaign actions.

Whether the group is seeking to change the campus sexual assault policy, make emergency contraception available on campus, support unionization of staff workers or any other feminist issue, these guidelines will help you accomplish your goals!

Before Setting up a Formal Meeting

• Research policy through preliminary informal fact-gathering and report back to the group. Check websites and make phone calls, but do not set up any meetings at this point.
• Vote on how the group should approach the issue. While there may be multiple strategies for addressing any one issue, the group must narrow its focus to determine the best possible strategy.
• Call your Campus Organizer.
• Meet with feminist friendly faculty and staff to learn more about the politics of the issue on your campus and which administrator or decision makers might be helpful to you in your efforts.
• Vote on speakers/representatives from the FMLA to meet with key administrators. These spokespersons need to know the issue well and prepare talking points to convey a clear, concise message.
• Write a fact sheet on the issue.
• Compose a letter on behalf of the FMLA that explains the importance of the issue and the specific changes the group is recommending. Get the group’s approval to present the letter to the appropriate administrators.
• Brainstorm questions that you think may be asked and write out the answers, so that you are prepared to defend your recommendation and be pro-active in your approach.
• Make an appointment to meet with appropriate campus administrators.

During the Meeting

• Arrive at least 10 minutes early.
• Dress appropriately and be polite.
• Shake hands and introduce yourself. Be sure to mention that you are there on behalf of the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance. Mention your major and class year, other organizations you are involved with and if you hold any leadership positions on campus.
• At least one person should take notes. This shows your commitment and aides in debriefing later.
• Be sure to keep track of promises – yours and theirs!
• Present the facts, but also draw a personal or local connection.
• Limit your speaking time to allow for questions.
• Stay focused on the issue. Redirect the conversation if it begins to stray.
• If you do not have an answer to a question, say so, but promise to follow up with an answer later.
• Always leave something tangible (letter, petition, fact sheet, etc.).
• End your visit with a question, such as “Can we count on your support?”

After the Meeting

• Write a thank you note, even if the campus administrator was not supportive.
• Debrief with your Campus Organizer. Tell them about any questions you were unable to answer and prepare responses.
• Debrief with the Feminist Majority Leadership Alliance.
• Debrief with faculty and staff team.
• Answer any follow up questions.
• Decide on your next course of action. This will depend on the situation.

Examples:

• Follow up phone calls to ensure that new policy is put into place (if they agreed to make changes based on your recommendations).
• If the policy is changed, follow up with a “test run”. Make sure that the new policy is fully implemented.
• Increase visibility of your campaign
  - Submit student senate resolutions in support of the measure
  - Petitions
  - Tabling
  - Fact Sheets and "Did You Know" campaigns
  - Panel discussions, speakers or other events related to the issue
  - Vigils, protests, or teach-ins
  - Letters to the editor
  - Faculty and staff letters to key administrators
• Second meeting with additional campus administrators, possibly “higher up’s.”
• Second meeting with same campus administrator to demonstrate support through petitions and letters from students, faculty, staff, community members, etc.

Remember…
Be persistent and patient. Vary your approach. Try new things. Call your Campus Organizer for help. Keep good records for future reference. Celebrate your accomplishments!

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