As a climate activist, you may have the opportunity to
participate in meetings with decision-makers in your
community, country, or even internationally. The purpose
of these meetings is to work together to create initiatives
and solutions to advance the climate agenda, while
considering the needs and challenges faced by children,
adolescents, and young people. By attending these
meetings, you can share your ideas, experiences, and
perspectives to infuence the decisions made.
In addition, countries work on climate policies and tools to
help protect the environment. It's important for young
people to participate in creating these policies so that they
refect their needs and uphold their rights. When young
people take part in consultations and reviews of climate
policies and tools, their perspectives are integrated into
the policies and make them more sensitive to the needs of
children, adolescents, and young people. Other young
activists have some tips on how to prepare for, participate
in, and follow up on these consultations and reviews to
make the most impact.
PREPARE TO ACT! PRACTICAL
TIPS FOR CLIMATE ADVOCACY
MEETING DECISION-MAKERS
There’s a good chance that you will need to meet someone
in a position of power to help you achieve your goals. This
could be a national Minister of Education, an advisor,
someone at UNESCO, or a local chief. Whoever it is, there
are some things to keep in mind to help you reach and
infuence them.
1. Setting up an advocacy meeting
• Contact
Find out the best way to reach them. Who can help you set
up a meeting?
• Courtesy
The relationship starts here! Recognise that your issue
might not be their priority.
• Timing
Is this a good time? Can what you are asking them to do be
done now?
• Clarity
Be clear about what you want from them.
2. Prepare
• What interests and infuences them?
Go over their position on your issue – could they support
the change you’re looking
for?
Who should go?
Think about who is best to attend the meeting. Can you
involve those directly afected by the issues?
• Have you designed brilliant messages?