fbpx

Episode 1 of our Leading Communities podcast focuses on making those in charge at a policy level listen to us in our communities. Tom McNeil (policy advisor for the West Midlands Police and Crime Commission), and Ben Twomey (Head of Policy and Research at the National Youth Advocacy Service) field questions from Kit (Director of Aspire4u) on behalf of aspiring leaders. Marieanne Delaney of iDeal Directions Marketing presents with That’s All Media CIC as host.

Highlights:
  • Firstly we begin with a key insight into policy makers’ mindsets. This follows from Daryl Chambers’s question (CEO of InPower Academy CIC). Understand the thought process of the powerful to get your agenda to the forefront of future policies. A key attribute of being a good policymaker is ‘knowing what you don’t know’. So all effective policymakers ensure they are out in the communities, listening to real people about the issues they face.
  • Furthermore, policymakers view themselves as the ‘good guys’. So frame your needs to them with this in mind to get what you want. Ben used a cup of tea analogy. “If you’re approaching your partner saying ‘you never make me a cup of tea in history, and your family has never made me one either, so you’re probably not going to make me one this time’ is only going to make unnecessary enemies and result in another negative reaction. However, ‘I’ve had a long day in meetings, they never once offered me a cup of tea, maybe you could make me one’ is more likely to be persuasive. In fact, it frames the issue as a way for them to save the day and be the hero.
  • Furthermore, one of the biggest challenges in affecting real change is getting yourself in the room with decision-makers. With this in mind, Tom and Ben also offer up tips on how to get closer to policymakers. Start the conversation with them about the issues you or your community are facing so that you can take steps that will eventually help to accomplish your goals.
Who Is This Podcast For?
  • For community leaders who looking to access policymakers and bring about positive change. This podcast is a great way to gain knowledge from those working in this environment.

Listen to the podcast here! What do you think? Has it made you think about tea differently? Or just think differently about policy-making? Get in touch. We’d love to hear from you! 

For Aspire4u CIC,

The Mindset-Led Organisation

You can also click here to read more of our blogs.

 

We are a not for profit community engagement organisation. We use the arts to develop mindsets to improve well-being, foster financial literacy and give people employability skills.

 

So get involved! You can contact hello@aspire4u.co.uk to discuss our current opportunities.

 

Finally, for more information get in touch 

 

 

Leave a Reply

By continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. more information

The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. If you continue to use this website without changing your cookie settings or you click "Accept" below then you are consenting to this.

Close