ABSTRACT
Advocacy encompasses so much more than bringing your own chair to the table. This chapter describes the first of the Advocacy Action Phases under the Boomerang Policy Making model – the Message. Drafting messages for key decision makers is the topic of this chapter and introduces readers to the 3 As: awareness, access, and action. First, readers must be aware that there is an opportunity to advocate, or they must create awareness around a specific mental health issue. Next, they must have access to the policy makers or key decision makers to present their ask or offer their expertise. Finally, they must take action on what they’d like to see happen. Under action, step-by-step directions are provided for constructing the components of your ask following the Message Development Framework. How to define the problem, identify your ask, describe the benefits, and offer fiscal solutions are discussed. Additionally, how to create an elevator pitch is introduced.
