Chapter 2: Advocacy

Advocate’s Empathy

Consider for a moment what the city councilman or councilwoman wants to hear. These people are elected officials and want to be associated with projects that are good for the community. They certainly don’t want to be associated with a controversial project that causes friction. If the skatepark concept is presented in tones that suggest confrontation as an inseparable part of the process, cautious politicians will avoid offering their support. There are many ways to present the skatepark concept, and understanding what the City Council wants out of the proposal should influence how you present the idea. Here are two arguments for the new skatepark:

    1.    “We keep getting tickets and our boards confiscated. We need a skatepark or else skaters will just keep skating wherever and causing problems.”

This statement announces that skateboarders are getting in trouble. It does not present skaters as responsible, courteous, law-abiding individuals, but rather as people driven to break the law. What elected official would want to enthusiastically represent a group of people who threaten to break laws if their demands aren’t met? Not many.

    2.    “Skateboarders currently have nowhere they can legally ride. There is strong community support for a new skatepark, so let’s build one together. Everyone is really looking forward to it!”

This statement presents the skatepark as an answer to a current problem, and an inevitable and successful facility that is going to be built with or without City Hall. What elected official would not want to be involved with such a vibrant, grassroots effort? Not many.

The idea behind both arguments is the same, but the presentations are quite different.

SIMPLE CIVICS
Most communities have the same basic structure for their local government. Here's how it is usually organized.