What is a key "do" in advocacy etiquette?

A key aspect of advocacy etiquette is to be self-critical and admit ignorance. This practice demonstrates humility and a willingness to learn, which can enhance credibility and foster stronger relationships with policymakers and stakeholders. Acknowledging one's limitations encourages open communication and collaboration, allowing advocates to engage in meaningful dialogues about complex issues.

Being self-critical also involves recognizing the importance of diverse perspectives and the potential gaps in one’s own knowledge. This understanding can lead to more informed advocacy efforts, as it encourages advocates to seek out information from others and to remain receptive to feedback.

In contrast, positioning oneself as always knowing everything can hinder constructive conversations and alienate those in power. Additionally, the other options represent detrimental approaches: embarrassing or threatening public officials may close off lines of communication or promote defensiveness, while relying solely on data can overlook the emotional and human aspects that often drive effective advocacy. Thus, being self-critical and open to learning is essential for successful advocacy in any setting.