An Introduction to Legislative Advocacy
Animal advocates engage in a large repertoire of actions to try and influence legislation. Animal advocates are especially known by the public for their social campaigns, which aim to raise awareness about animal protection issues. However, the strategy of animal advocates can also include legislative advocacy, defined as “efforts to influence the introduction, enactment, or modification of legislation.” Legislative advocacy is an umbrella term used to describe many forms of advocacy aimed at those with legislative powers.
Legislative Advocacy in the EU
The EU is an international legal system to which 27 countries adhere to – the EU Member States. By way of a series of treaties binding the EU Member States, these 27 countries have transferred power to enact and implement legislation to the EU in a certain number of fields of law. Such a mandate to legislate is limited, meaning that the EU can only adopt legislation in these fields for which the Member States have agreed to transfer their power.
Legislative Advocacy in the US
American systems of governance were built on the notion that government representatives (lawmakers) are meant to represent the interests of the populations they serve. Americans vote for elected officials, and they rely on them to work towards society’s collective goals. But to optimally represent the interests and goals of a community, representatives need to know what they are. This is where legislative advocacy comes in, offering the opportunity to frame the public policies of cities, states, and nations.
A Guide to Evaluating Policy
Government policy and legislation can address many problems on a much larger scale than individual actors. Legislative advocacy campaigns have the potential to leverage the vast resources and unique enforcement mechanisms available to governments to greatly improve the quality of life of humans and other animals, making this approach a potentially highly cost-effective way to create positive change.
Legislative Advocacy Guides in collaboration with
Center for Animal Law Studies
Animal Ask
Animal Law Europe