Advocacy Team Member

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Reports to Communications - Aimee Lou Dee and to me

Hours - 1-2/week

Advocacy Team

The API Advocacy Team will work support API's mission and strategic direction by serving as an advocate for API's eight Principles of Parenting in the public arena. As an international organization, API will selectively create or assume positions on various Principle-related issues that advance the mission of API, as driven by the Advocacy Team, in consultation with API Communications, the Executive Director, and the API Research Group as relevant. The Advocacy Team will draft a plan to address known issues related to laws, entertainment, and corporate behavior, as well as a plan to respond to ad hoc issues and requests. The Team will create guidance materials for Leaders and other AP advocates. All advocacy will remain narrowly defined by API's Principles and guidance by nonprofit legal and insurance status, and approved by the Executive Director, or Board as relevant. API has a variety of technology and social media, as well as media contacts and networks that with thoughtful use and coordination with API Communications may be employed for advocacy efforts. A number of AP expert resources can also be secured for comment and/or advice. All advocacy plans, efforts and results are to be documented and reported to API Communications.

The general process for advocating for change will aspire to 1) privately contact the decision-making entity first (health department, political representatives, television producer, company representative, etc.) with information and education (this may be the most tedious piece); then if there is no satisfaction, 2) invite the AP community to make contact with materials API provides; and lastly 3) choose to contact media and take the campaign public. This rubric will vary but the intent is to peaceably resolve issues and remain focused on API's mission to educate and show empathy--being a model for what we espouse, rather than perpetuating a reactive state and being opportunistic for short-term gain.

API Advocacy Team members will work together and use their own personal office resources. There is no anticipated expense, however, any proposed expenditures must be requested in advance and approved. API staff/volunteers practice nonviolent communication and enjoy a very pleasant working environment. Any personnel questions or suggestions should be directed to the Volunteer Liaison or the Executive Director. API welcomes volunteers to start their own support group too!