The AEBC has developed a comprehensive advocacy guide for members (and the community) that provides concrete examples and advice on effective advocacy, communication, and negotiation strategies.  This guide includes tips on assertive communication, interacting with the media, writing press releases, and more. 

Download Stand Up! Speak Out! (Microsoft Word document) now.

Table of Contents

Part One
1.0 Introduction
1.1 The Alliance for Equality of Blind Canadians (AEBC)
1.2 A Note about the Language Used in this Guide
1.3 Navigating this Guide (Microsoft Word Version only)

Part Two
2.0 What is Advocacy?
2.1 Who Can Be An Advocate?
2.2 Qualities of Successful Advocates
2.3 Forms of Advocacy
    i) Self Advocacy
    ii) Peer / Consumer Advocacy
    iii) Citizen Advocacy
    iv) Consumer Group Advocacy
    v) Community Agency Advocacy
    vi) Case Manager
    vii) Protective Services
    viii) Systemic & Legislative Advocacy
2.4 The Advocacy Process
    i) Step One: Preparation
    ii) Step Two: Planning
    iii) Step Three: Action
    iv) Step Four: Evaluation
2.5 Advocacy Techniques
    i) Advocating In Person
    ii) Advocating Over the Phone
        a) Sample Record of Conversation
        b) Sample Telephone Log
    iii) Advocating Through Writing
        a) Format for Writing Letters
        b) Sample Advocacy Letter
2.6 Using the Media
    i) Interviews
    ii) Letters to the Editor
        a) Sample Letter to the Editor
    iii) Media Releases
        a) Media Release Format
        b) Sample Media Release
2.7 Advocacy Tips
2.8 Barriers to Advocacy and Other Challenges
2.9 Effective Communication
    i) Active Listening
    ii) Giving Feedback
    iii) Clear Communication
    iv) Negotiation and Persuasion
    v) Communicating During Conflict
2.10 Assertive Communication
2.11 Code of Ethics for Advocates

Part Three
3.0    Case Scenarios
    a)    Example #1: Braille Bank Statements
    b)    Example #2: Coffee Shop Accessibility
    c)    Example #3: Audible Bank Machines
    d)    Example #4: Braille Textbooks
    e)    Example #5: Court Challenges Program
    f)    Example #6: Nondiscrimination Policy for Blind Teachers
    g)    Example #7: Wheelchair Ramp for Condominium
    h)    Example #8: Challenge Ballot Campaign
    i)    Example #9: Never Threaten What You Can’t Follow Through
3.1 Chapter Meeting or Annual General Meeting / Conference Discussion Questions

Part Four
4.1 Advocacy Guides and Manuals
4.2 Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms
4.3 DisAbility and Consumer Rights Information and Resources
4.4 DisAbility / Advocacy Organizations: National
4.5 DisAbility / Advocacy Organizations: Provincial
4.6 Government Agencies and Resources: National
4.7 Government Agencies and Resources: Provincial