Read on Twitter
@UviNaidoo and @rhea_lobo are leading the skill-building workshop: advocacy for researchers for what will surely be an inspiring workshop. The resounding message so far? Lead with #empathy. (1/?) https://twitter.com/GlobForumTBVax/status/1384818807231893504
David Lewinsohn, Chair of @newtbvaccines, reflects on lessons learned & inspiration from HIV advocacy as he notes that “sometimes advocacy isn’t easy or comfortable but it’s really important.” (2/?)
@UviNaidoo is a TB pediatrician, scientist, survivor, & advocate. He recently led @IAVI’s #WorldTBDay #TwitterTakeover where he shared his story and inspired us all in our collective pursuit of new #TBvaccines. #TBHope
Read his messages here: https://bit.ly/UNiaviTT (3/?)
Read his messages here: https://bit.ly/UNiaviTT (3/?)
TB advocate @nandita_venky shared her keen insights on advocating to governments for policies & funding:
We need many, many advocates
Be ambitious but clear in your asks
Break TB myths: TB is not a thing of the past & can occur anywhere (4/?)
We need many, many advocates Be ambitious but clear in your asksBreak TB myths: TB is not a thing of the past & can occur anywhere (4/?)
Evaline Kibuchi ( @ekibuchi @StopTBke) discussed the need for government sensitization of new TB products. Communities are key to this thru:
Sensitization forums w/affected communities to drive demand
Involvement of affected communities & CSOs in policy-making process (5/?)
Sensitization forums w/affected communities to drive demandInvolvement of affected communities & CSOs in policy-making process (5/?)
When advocating to governments, it pays to be prepared. @agustinmlasanta from @dsw_intl shared some top tips:
Identify priorities and resources (policies, laws, budgets, & programs)
Map & engage with key actors
Understand decision-making & decision-taking processes (6/?)
Identify priorities and resources (policies, laws, budgets, & programs)Map & engage with key actorsUnderstand decision-making & decision-taking processes (6/?)
Rosa Herrera ( @TBProof) calls us to diversify advocacy approaches & collaborate thru common connections. She further notes that promotion and integration of TB & #COVID19 services is a key opportunity to connect with the community! (7/?)
Anastasia Koch, co-founder of @Eh_woza, encourages researchers to advocate w/their ready-made skills:
Rigour
Research skills
Knowledge, comms skills
Collaborative skills
Critical thinking/problem solving
Dedication
Fundraising (8/?)
RigourResearch skillsKnowledge, comms skillsCollaborative skillsCritical thinking/problem solvingDedicationFundraising (8/?)
Next, @Eh_woza’s Cheleka Mpande answered the key question of why it’s important to communicate scientific findings to advocacy?
Awareness
Build trust in science
Translate results into meaningful benefits (9/?)
Awareness Build trust in science Translate results into meaningful benefits (9/?)
Laia Ruiz introduced key principles on how we can communicate to advocate with the help of a handy inverted pyramid!
Most newsworthy info first
Organize your information
Share clear, short, & direct messages
Simplify
If necessary, start w/ a problem statement (10/?)
Most newsworthy info firstOrganize your information Share clear, short, & direct messagesSimplifyIf necessary, start w/ a problem statement (10/?)
Effective advocacy needs a diverse toolkit. Rabita Aziz ( @AzR86) from @IDSAInfo share her top tips, including for:
Government relations
Public awareness
Media
Another key takeaway? Be creative! (11/?)
Government relationsPublic awarenessMedia Another key takeaway? Be creative! (11/?)
Co-chair @rhea_lobo shared inspirational words for advocates everywhere – “Advocate for what you believe in & be the change you want in the world… when you are, you can achieve all that you’ve ever dreamt of achieving.”
Watch Rhea's film here: (12/12)
Watch Rhea's film here: (12/12)
