Event Recap: Future of Advocacy Forum in Melbourne

Earlier this week, DANA hosted the first in-person forum for our Future of Advocacy Project. The event, held in Melbourne, brought together over 30 representatives from advocacy organisations across different states and territories.

Key highlights:

• DANA held a members forum in Melbourne on Monday 26 August 2024 as part of our Future of Advocacy Project. 

• There was strong recognition of the need to strengthen the sustainability and security of the sector, organisations and workforce, and to address persistent capacity shortfalls in addressing unmet demand and need for advocacy. 

• The forum discussed the need for more awareness and understanding of independent disability advocacy and when it is needed, retaining diversity and flexibility to respond to specific cohorts and local communities, and meaningful data demonstrating the value and outcomes of advocacy.

• Members also emphasised the crucial need to prioritise both organisational and individual well-being in the advocacy sector is crucial.

The primary purpose of the forum was to listen to our members and gather their insights to guide this project. As Jeff Smith, our CEO, highlighted in his opening remarks, the goal of the event was to take a step back, explore the challenges ahead, and begin defining a clear direction for the next few months. This project, which will unfold over four to five months, is an opportunity to test ideas, address pressing issues, and develop a sustainable vision for the advocacy sector.

The discussions during the forum were insightful, and well-led by our facilitator, Alison Plant, to identify the principles and priorities across the sector. Advocates discussed the importance of retaining the diversity in place-based locally responsive organisations with strong grassroots relationships, which requires increased flexibility and ongoing certainty in funding agreements. Another key issue raised was the importance of well-being within the advocacy sector, especially during these critical times. A member emphasised:

“I think it’s a key thing in your planning to consider what DANA could do, and the sector, to improve well-being. Organisational well-being as well as individual well-being.”

Attendees identified areas and guiding principles that need further exploration and resolution, such as what exactly does it mean for advocacy organisations to be human-rights focused, independent of conflicts and disability-led.

The forum also delved into the long-term vision for disability rights in Australia. A member thoughtfully suggested,

“My thought was to look ahead something like ten years, and to ask what full realisation of all of the CRPD rights in Australia would look like at that point and then to work back from that.”

We emphasised the need for meaningful, accessible data and innovative approaches to demonstrate the value of advocacy, ensuring that its impact on helping people realise their rights and access services is well understood by both government and the broader community. Advocates were reminded that for every dollar spent on advocacy, there is an exponential return to the economy [$3.50 for every dollar invested] and inestimable improvements in the lives of people with disability, underscoring the importance of telling our stories in compelling ways to bring this message to life.

Thank you!

We are grateful to all the members who were able to attend the forum, for their contributions to this important discussion. Your input is invaluable as we continue to scope out the project and gain clarity on the key issues.