Step 2: Set SMART objectives

What are the desired solutions to your problem? What do you want to happen? Securing the support of policy-makers entails presenting a proposed solution that is logical, has sound evidence, is affordable, and can be implemented. Effective advocacy means having clear, unequivocal objectives on which advocates agree. An advocacy objective is a brief statement of intent describing the specific outcome sought in the short term. Advocacy objectives should be SMART: specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound. For example, to address gender discrimination due to family responsibilities, an advocacy objective may be to develop guidelines to offer on-site child care at three hospitals in the following year, which could encourage female students and faculty to return after the birth of their children and help to reduce attrition.