How to use the Advocacy Toolkit - Digital Preservation Coalition

This Advocacy Toolkit is designed to be used, not read cover‑to‑cover.

It brings together practical tools including templates, examples and message‑building frameworks which are supported by guidance to help you apply them effectively in your own organizational context. You can dip in and out of the toolkit as needed, depending on what you are trying to achieve.

Quick start guide: overview of tools and templates

Start where it is most useful for you. There is no single “right” way to use this toolkit.

If you are just starting out with advocacy for digital preservation and want to learn more through a guided process, you may find it useful to take the Novice to Know-How module on Advocacy first.
If you already know what you want to ask for, start by defining your ‘ask’ and use the Advocacy Action Plan in combination with the Step-by-Step Guide to Planning your Advocacy Activities.
If you are struggling with buy‑in, go directly to the Stakeholder Map, the Stakeholder Scenario template, Sample Motivators, and Message‑Building tools.
If you are preparing for a specific meeting or conversation, use the slide‑deck starter, sample email scripts or one‑page briefing template and prepare for common challenges and responses using the handy reference table.
If you need to strengthen your messages visit the Evidence to Support your Ask section and complete the Vignette template in combination with some of the further resources referenced.

You do not need to complete every step or use every tool.

Use tools independently, or together.

Each tool in this toolkit can be used on its own:

Templates can be reused, adapted, and revisited over time.
Tables and examples can be copied directly into your own documents (but they are more effective if you tailor them to your own context first!)
Message building and storytelling frameworks can be applied to emails, presentations, funding requests, or informal conversations.

The accompanying guidance explains why a tool exists and how to use it effectively, but it is not mandatory if you already have experience or clarity in a particular area.

Expect to return, reflect, and iterate.

Advocacy is rarely a one‑off activity. You may return to the same tools as your context changes or you encounter new stakeholders, shifting priorities or new opportunities.

This toolkit is designed to support small, achievable actions, as well as reflection and refinement. You are free to return to it as you make progress and your confidence and influence grow.