Campaign Tactics
When advocating for animal welfare and rights, there are a series of useful campaign tactics and tools that you can use to inform and advance your campaigns. Find out more about some of them below!
Freedom of Information
Freedom of Information (FOI) can be an especially helpful tool when carrying out animal advocacy. As animals can not speak and tell us about the issues that they are facing, we can use FOI to find out and expose the abuses and inhumane treatment that they are subjected to. Requesting information is very easy. FOI covers all public bodies and responses should be received free of charge, within 20 days. Next time you embark on a new campaign, try using FOI to inform your actions! For more information on how to use FOI when campaigning, read our guide.
Media Coverage
Circulating press releases on campaign wins or issuing statements on a topic connected to a campaign to the press are two other effective way of extending the reach of a campaign. Establishing good working relationships with local and national press contacts is essential and can be a very helpful asset when trying to get a campaign over the finish line.
Protest
Public protests and demonstrations are a very effective way of gaining publicity for a cause and showing the amount of support for a cause. Protests which express disapproval with a decision or inaction on a matter are often very powerful and bring together people with . However, due to significant protest restrictions which have been introduced by the UK government in recent years, there can be some risks when engaging in this type of campaigning. To find out more about how the proposed animal testing protest ban impacts Scotland, read more here and how it impacts online activity, read more here.
Social Media
In a world which is becoming increasingly digitalised, campaigning via social media is essential. Disseminating information on a campaign via social media can significantly improve the reach of a campaign. In particular, eye-catching and informative visuals, as well as videos breaking down an issue and why it is important are successful ways of generating more interest in a campaign. Take a look at our Instagram and Facebook pages for some inspiration!
There are so many ways you can support our work in protecting animals and their welfare in Scotland and the UK. Click above to find out how you can help.
Lobbying
Engaging directly with Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and Members of the UK Parliament (MPs) to advocate for your campaign is one of the most effective ways of securing legislative change which support your goals. Shaping policy and individual political opinions on an issue connected with your campaign is only possible by directly contacting your representatives, and can have a profound impact when successful.
Petitions
Petitions that request a government or public body act on something relating to your campaign are a useful tool for generating public interest and ensuring a discussion is had by decision makers. Creating, signing, and sharing petitions are all important ways of spreading the word when it comes to campaigning.