an overview
'Advocacy' is often a rather abstract activity, based around talk as opposed to action. Homeless International recognises the value of laying claim to rights, and of calling governments to account, but we believe that this is most effectively done where dialogue takes place in parallel with practical demonstrations of community capacity. This approach has given rise to the term 'pragmatic advocacy'.
'Pragmatic advocacy' involves Homeless International and partners in working with, and influencing, key agencies and individuals from local to global level. This process of engagement is anchored in the capacity of communities to demonstrate their ideas and practical solutions to problems of housing and infrastructure in informal settlements. It consists in building constructive relationships with other development actors to support community-led processes.
To this end, Homeless International is involved in:
- Participating in meetings and events.
- Putting forward written submissions during policy consultations
- Preparing briefing papers about major issues
- Engaging with DFID staff around programmes and strategy
- Affiliating with networks and institutions concerned with international development and shelter issues
- Showcasing lessons learnt from our work with international partners
To find out more about Homeless International's advocacy work, please browse the topics in the menu on the left of your screen.
