Advocacy Help Desk

Do you want to make a change in your community? Do you want 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’ll help you refine your ideas for policy change, no matter what step in the process you’re at—whether that’s exploring city laws, reviewing your press release, or helping you brainstorm new partners.

Sign up for a free 30-minute appointment here!

 

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 is guided by PPG’s principles. As long as your advocacy idea aligns with our principles, we can help you! 

Topics can include:

  • Policy Advocacy 101—how to advocate for a change in your community or neighborhood, whether that’s with the city council, county legislature and local government offices
  • Coalition building—helping you build a group to champion your cause, whether that includes brainstorming potential partners, talking through group decision making, outreach strategies, etc. 
  • 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.

How much time can the 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.

The Advocacy Help Desk is free! 

Do I have to live in Western New York to use The Advocacy Help Desk?

No, but the we specialize in City of Buffalo, Erie & Niagara County, and New York State policy.

Is it virtual or in person?

We have both virtual and in-person options. Our in-person meeting location is at Merriweather Library, 1324 Jefferson Ave, Buffalo, NY 14208. Choose whichever option works best for you on the booking page. 

Who runs it?

The Help Desk is staffed by the PPG team on a rotating schedule. Learn more about the team. Depending on your 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?

  • Contacting government officials on your behalf
  • Fundraising
  • Assisting with structuring organizations, internal conflict, interpersonal conflict, or mediation within your group
  • Restorative justice processes
  • Crisis intervention work or direct social services
  • Leading implementation of the work
  • Dedicating time to your project beyond the 30-minutes that we have scheduled