Step #3. What do I say?

What you say or write to an organisation or service provider is very important as it may influence how long the advocacy process takes. Make sure that you focus on your goal and are as specific as possible. If you are going to speak with someone on the phone about your issue, it may be helpful to write down what you are going to say before hand. If you are going to write a letter or an email, make sure you read through it a few times to make sure it is clear and to the point. Click on the link if you are unsure about what to say when making contact and require some assistance.

State clearly the issue you are talking about and indicate what action you think should be taken to resolve it. Make it clear that you are giving the service provider or organisation a chance to fix a mistake or omission if that is the issue.

It is important to remember that although you may be upset, you should always be polite and keep your cool. State your case calmly, clearly and confidently. If you find that the situation is becoming too much, calmly tell the person you are speaking with that you will call them back later and hang up.

Always remember to ask if you are unsure about anything (or you need something clarified), there are never any stupid questions!!