The title sounds like the opening to a self-help program. In a way, this is about helping you, the advocate, become more successful or effective. Webster’s defines “successful” as “resulting or terminating in success". And, Webster’s defines “effective” as “producing a decided, decisive, or desired effect".
The key point is “Did you achieve what you wanted?” To help achieve what you want, the below list of 10 habits are offered.
1. Successful advocates pick their battles carefully!
Start with a plan of what you are going to do, and priorities, and stay focused on the plan and priorities. Stay focused on the plan and don’t wander into non-priority, off-topic areas.
2. Successful advocates have lots of patience …
Success depends on relationships. Relationships take time to nurture and develop. Relationships depend on trust. Take the time to learn about the issues and about your potential partners and your opposition.
3. Successful advocates have persistence …
Being a successful advocate means creating solutions and finding new ways to solve problems.
4. Successful advocates are creative…
Approaching problems with the same solution and expecting different results is said to be insanity. Successful advocates find common ground and create solutions.
5. Successful advocates reach out…
Whenever possible, share your personal enjoyment of your trail experience and the importance to you and the time spent with friends and family. Engage others to share their experiences and what it means to them.
6. Successful advocates are resourceful…
If you have a trail project planned and need supplies, ask for donations and accept what is offered. There may be times you are offered something you don’t really need for the current project, but, your may need it or you may be able to trade it for something you do need.
7. Successful advocates think nationally, act locally...
Be alert to events that are happening in other areas across the nation. What you do locally often will influence what is happening nationally,
8. Successful advocates are prepared…
Plan ahead for your next meeting. Learn about the agency hosting the meeting. Understand the laws and regulations that control their actions. Understanding the meeting topic will help you provide comments to support your preferred action.
9. Successful advocates are committed…
Commitment means hard work, resources and assistance of others. Set an example for other to follow with your commitment.
10. Successful advocates take risks
If you have educated yourself about an issue, don’t be afraid to act.
Advocating access to public lands carries a responsibility to be part of the solution for managing the public lands. As a strong proponent for participation to make a difference, I am a full time advocate for recreation and the Managing Editor of the OutdoorWire family websites.
4x4Wire.com is dedicated to four wheel drive recreation featuring technical articles and information to promote, protect, and provide outdoor recreation opportunities. 4x4Voice.com focuses on California issues. MUIRNet.net is focused on environmental, administrative and legislative news and information. OutdoorWire.com is Access and Landuse Central with an overall index to the contents of the family of websites.
OutdoorWire, 4x4Wire, JeepWire, TrailTalk, MUIRNet-News, and 4x4Voice are all trademarks and publications of OutdoorWire, Inc. and MUIRNet Consulting. Copyright (c) 1999-2020 OutdoorWire, Inc and MUIRNet Consulting - All Rights Reserved, no part of this publication may be reproduced in any form without express written permission. You may link freely to this site, but no further use is allowed without the express written permission of the owner of this material. All corporate trademarks are the property of their respective owners.