Advocacy Skills

Characteristics that make someone a “Good Co-op Advocate”

Strong inter-personal skills:

• can effectively communicate the needs and best interests of the sector

• able to provide clear and focused arguments/points – i.e., not a “big talker” who goes off topic, but someone who can speak to what’s really important

• a good listener

• able to ask for advice and not give it

• ability to persuade

• assertive but not aggressive

Knowledgeable:

• about the co-op sector in general and the sector they represent specifically

• understand what they are advocating for – i.e., not there to advocate for their own issues

• about the person they are going to meet (or a willingness to take the time to learn a bit about them)

Professional:

• able to be objective and non-partisan when speaking with gov’t

• not intimidated by meeting with members of parliament

• able to make informed decisions – e.g., doesn’t make up answers but will get back to you with the right answer

• good follow-up skills (i.e., with gov’t, us, etc.)

• takes notes and can respond effectively to meeting

• in manner and appearance

• diplomatic

• honest

• sensitive

• open-minded

Passionate:

• about co-ops and the future of co-ops in Ontario

• about giving the sector a voice in government