Do you want to make a change in your community? Do you want some help figuring out how to do it? The Advocacy Help Desk is a direct one-on-one consultation service for community members working to make a better Buffalo. We will partner with you to refine your ideas for community improvement, and we’ll help you with whatever step in the process you’re at—whether that’s exploring city laws, reviewing your press release, or helping you brainstorm new partners.
The Advocacy Help Desk is available by appointment, offering 30-minute one-on-one consultation to support groups and individuals who are interested in working on projects and community-wide advocacy to make a policy-based change.
How do I book with The Advocacy Help Desk?
What can The Advocacy Help Desk assist with?
- Partnership for the Public Good (PPG) is a community-based think tank that builds a more just, sustainable, and culturally-vibrant community through action-oriented research, policy development, and civic engagement. The Advocacy Help Desk alongside our annual Community Agenda are guided by PPG’s principles.
- We can think through implementation, strategies, outreach, building and supporting your team/collective, ethical dilemmas, and long-term planning for addressing policy based issues in WNY. We can also think through problems or sticking points in the work to make your project, process or political work more value aligned and impactful.
Topics can include:
- How to advocate for a change in your community or neighborhood — with the city council, county legislature and local government offices.
- How to find supporters for your cause “coalition building” — like brainstorming potential partners, decision making as a group, leadership development, outreach strategies, policies and procedures, and more.
- Working with elected officials — scheduling a meeting, making an agenda and other tips.
- Local laws and legislation — how to find local laws and navigate government websites.
- City, County and State Budgets — budget timelines, how to read the budget, understanding the budget process.
Is The Advocacy Help Desk right for you?
How much time can The Advocacy Help Desk offer?
- You can schedule an appointment for 30 mins. Depending on your concern, we may schedule a follow-up meeting or direct you to the proper resource, government office, or partner organization as a next step.
How much does The Advocacy Help Desk charge?
- The Advocacy Help Desk is FREE.
Do I have to live in Western New York to use The Advocacy Help Desk?
- The Advocacy Help Desk specializes in City of Buffalo, Erie & Niagara County, and New York State based policy.
Does The Advocacy Help Desk offer virtual appointments?
- Yes. Please select a virtual meeting on the booking site.
Who runs The Advocacy Help Desk?
- The Advocacy Help Desk is staffed by the PPG team on a rotating schedule. Learn more about the team. Depending on your intervention or needs, we may direct you to a follow-up with a specific staff member or trusted partner working on your issue area.
What DOESN’T The Advocacy Help Desk assist with?
- Contact government officials on your behalf
- Assist with structuring organizations, internal conflict, interpersonal conflict, or mediation within your group.
- Offer restorative justice processes.
- Offer crisis intervention work or direct social services.
- Offer funding, development or fundraising services for your cause.
- Lead implementation of the work.
- Dedicate time to your project beyond the 30-minutes that we have scheduled.