ADVOCACY FOR HACKATHON IMPACT
INGREDIENTS
- Process Sheet for outlining advocacy strategies
- Flipchart paper, markers, A3 paper
- video platform link (if online)
Purpose/Goal
To teach participants how to advocate for the solutions developed during the Hackathon,
ensuring their ideas are implemented and create meaningful impact in the local community.
Desired Outcomes
Participants articulate the value of their solutions, develop advocacy strategies, and outline next steps to promote their ideas and create change.
Serving size:
one group of 2 to 5 people
Preparation time:
10 minutes
Cooking time:
50 minutes
INSTURCTIONS
STEP 1: SETTING THE ADVOCACY SCENE (5 MIN)
Begin by explaining the importance of advocacy in bringing Hackathon solutions to life:
- Solutions developed during the Hackathon have the potential to solve local challenges.
- Advocacy ensures these ideas gain support, funding, and recognition, making real impact possible.
- Share inspiring examples of advocacy in action, such as community gardens, zero-waste initiatives, or food-sharing programs that began as small ideas and grew with local support.
STEP 2: MAPPING THE SOLUTION'S IMPACT (10 MIN)
Ask teams to revisit their Hackathon solutions and discuss:
- What problem does this solution address in the local community?
- What impact will it have? (e.g., reduce food waste, improve access to fresh food, promote sustainable farming)
- Who will benefit? (local families, youth, farmers, small businesses)
On flipchart paper, teams create an Impact Map that includes:
- The Problem
- The Solution
- Short-Term Impact: Immediate benefits of implementation.
- Long-Term Impact: Sustainable changes the solution could create over time.
STEP 3: DEVELOPING AN ADVOCACY STRATEGY (15 MIN)
Introduce participants to key advocacy tools they can use to promote their ideas:
- Share real stories or visuals about the community problem and the impact of their solution.
- Identify who needs to hear about the solution—local leaders, schools, policymakers, or businesses.
- How can local residents support and participate in the solution?
- Identify potential partners who can provide resources, funding, or expertise.
- Teams outline their Advocacy Strategy on A3 sheets:
- What is the core message they want to communicate?
- Who needs to hear it? (e.g., government officials, local media, businesses)
- What steps will they take to promote their solution? (e.g., presentations, social media campaigns, community events)
- When will they act?
STEP 4: PITCHING AN ADVOCACY PLAN (10 MIN)
Each team delivers a 2-minute advocacy pitch to the group. The pitch should include:
- A brief description of their solution.
- Who the solution will help and the impact it will create.
- Their key message and the actions they will take to gain support.
Encourage participants to focus on clear, passionate communication and consider their audience when presenting.
STEP 5: FEEDBACK AND REFINEMENT (10 MIN)
After each pitch, other teams provide feedback on clarity, creativity, and feasibility of the advocacy plan:
- What worked well?
- What could make the message stronger?
- Are there additional stakeholders or actions to consider?
Teams refine their strategies based on feedback.
Tips & Tricks
- Advocacy plans should focus on clear, actionable steps that can be implemented in the local community.
- Encourage teams to use real-life stories or relatable examples to make their message compelling.
- Highlight the importance of building partnerships and engaging local stakeholders.
- Remind participants to emphasize the short- and long-term benefits of their solution.
