Leverage AI for Campus Advocacy
Maccabee.ai lowers the barriers to effective advocacy with a suite of AI tools. Here's how to leverage these game-changing resources:
1
Onboarding
Interview with our Context Statement Generator and save the output. This helps AI learn more about you.
2
Find Your Tool in the Playbook
Find the tool that is best suited for your needs within the playbook and paste in the context statement when asked.
3
Copy and Edit the Output
When you are happy with the results, copy the output and edit it on your own before usage.
1. Onboarding: Start with the Context Statement Generator
Think of this as your AI orientation interview. This tool will ask you key questions about your advocacy goals, campus environment, and current challenges. The resulting context statement is your personalized advocacy profile – a concise summary of your unique situation.
Pro Tip: Save this context statement in a note or document. You'll use it repeatedly to quickly brief other AI tools, saving you valuable time and ensuring consistency across your campaign.
2. Using AI: Choose Your AI Tool and Begin the Conversation
Maccabee.ai offers a variety of specialized AI assistants, each designed to help with specific aspects of your advocacy journey. Whether you need help crafting policy requests, preparing for media interviews, or writing compelling reports, there's a tool tailored for your needs.
When you start a conversation with your chosen AI tool, it will ask for context. This is where your saved context statement comes in handy. Simply paste it in, and the AI will immediately understand your situation, allowing you to dive right into your specific task.
Remember: These AI tools are here to enhance your efforts, not replace your unique insights and experiences. Use them to brainstorm ideas, refine your messaging, and streamline your workflow – but always apply your own judgment and understanding of your campus's nuances.
By integrating these AI tools into your advocacy strategy, you're not just keeping up with technology – you're staying steps ahead of potential challenges. Maccabee.ai empowers you to punch above your weight, compete with better-resourced opposition, and make a lasting impact on your campus.
Ready to get started? Let's dive into the world of AI-enhanced advocacy and transform your campus for the better!
Understanding Your Campus Environment
Before launching your advocacy efforts, it's essential to have a comprehensive understanding of your campus environment. This knowledge will inform your strategy, help you identify potential allies and obstacles, and ensure your efforts are grounded in the realities of your specific institution. Sometimes this is a complicated effort and you don’t have time to do so. Just know that the more you understand your campus environment, the more effective an advocate you will be!
🛠️ Campus Environment Researcher
Visit: Campus Environment Researcher This comprehensive tool conducts in-depth background research on university policies, power structures, and campus climate. It analyzes complex institutional data to provide valuable insights into the current state of your campus environment. The Campus Environment Researcher equips you with crucial knowledge about existing policies, key decision-makers, and potential areas for improvement, enabling you to develop more targeted and effective advocacy strategies. Have a free ChatGPT account and have you created your context statement yet? The context statement is something that gives the AI a background on your initiative, making it easier to work with. If you haven't created one yet, go here: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-xCikrtZq1-context-statement-generator
Researching University Policies and Procedures
- Familiarize yourself with your university's code of conduct, free speech policies, and protest guidelines.
- Understand the process for filing complaints or grievances.
- Research any existing policies related to discrimination, harassment, or antisemitism.
- Look into the university's disciplinary procedures for student organizations.
Mapping the Power Structure
- Identify key decision-makers in the administration (e.g., Chancellor, Dean of Students, Vice Chancellor for Student Affairs).
- Understand the role of the Board of Regents or Board of Trustees.
- Research the faculty senate or other academic governance bodies.
- Identify influential student organizations and their leadership.
Analyzing Campus Climate
- Review recent incidents related to antisemitism or other forms of discrimination on campus.
- Assess the overall political and social climate on campus.
- Understand the demographics of the student body, including the Jewish student population.
- Research any existing initiatives or programs related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Identifying Potential Allies and Opposition
- Look for student groups that might be natural allies (e.g., other minority or religious groups, free speech advocates).
- Identify faculty members who have spoken out on related issues.
- Research local community organizations that might support your cause.
- Be aware of groups or individuals who might oppose your efforts.
Understanding Media Landscape
- Familiarize yourself with campus media outlets (student newspaper, radio station, etc.).
- Identify local media that covers campus issues.
- Research which reporters typically cover higher education or campus issues.
Leveraging Institutional History
- Research past incidents of antisemitism or related issues on your campus.
- Understand how the administration has responded to similar situations in the past.
- Look for precedents that might support your cause.
Assessing Legal Context
- Understand relevant state laws that might impact campus policies or your advocacy efforts.
- Be aware of any ongoing legal cases related to campus free speech or discrimination issues.
Develop Your Core Message
While your requests are important, they'll go nowhere without a powerful message that resonates with your stakeholders. Here are some tips on doing so:
Frame the Problem
- What story can you tell about the issue that makes it relevant to a broad scope of people?
- We drew on the time-honored Wisconsin Idea to ask the university to encourage civil dialogue.
Find Resonance
- Consider how it will resonate with people.
- What does the media care about? The administration? Your university peers? We decided they cared about non-discrimination and free speech.
Make it Relevant
- The message should be relevant to the preliminary goals.
- How can your message be both broad while also furthering your direct goals? We felt that our idealistic strategy was a vehicle for our requests.
🛠️ Message Creator
Visit: Message Framing GPT Message Framing GPT This intelligent AI assistant ensures your campaign's messaging stays on-target and consistent. It helps weave key themes and principles, like the "Wisconsin Idea," throughout your various advocacy materials. By maintaining a coherent narrative across all documents, the Message Framing GPT maximizes the impact and persuasiveness of your campaign's communication strategy. Have a free ChatGPT account and have you created your context statement yet? The context statement is something that gives the AI a background on your initiative, making it easier to work with. If you haven't created one yet, go here: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-xCikrtZq1-context-statement-generator
Segment Your Audience
Your core message is the north star that shines through every part of your campaign. But activism isn't always one-size fits all. When you reach out to different audiences, you need to explain why they — and their own unique beliefs — align with your north star. If done wrong, you risk looking like a chameleon or double-speaker without conviction or common story. If done right, you will adapt your message to reach new and critical audiences.
University Administration
- Tailor message based on their motivations of creating an inclusive campus environment
Media and Public
- Tailor message to be newsworthy and something that everyday people care about
State Legislature
- Democrats: Tailor your message to democratic narratives and priorities
- Republicans: Tailor your message to republican narratives and priorities
Policy or Action Goals
- Define preliminary policy goals you are trying to achieve
Coming soon: Audience Segmentation Bot
Remember, the more thoroughly you understand your campus environment, the more effectively you can tailor your advocacy efforts. This knowledge will help you anticipate challenges, identify opportunities, and craft messages that resonate with your specific campus community.
Lesson from Renew the Wisconsin Idea: The campaign's success was partly due to their deep understanding of the university's values and history, particularly the concept of the "Wisconsin Idea." They used this knowledge to frame their arguments in a way that resonated with the university community. Look for similar foundational principles or values at your institution that you can leverage in your advocacy.
The Importance of Research and Documentation
The strength of your advocacy often lies in the quality and credibility of your research and documentation. Nobody wants to listen to someone who talks about feeling unsafe but turns up empty handed when asked for evidence. Arriving at meetings and interviews with with evidence and you can change the course of your advocacy effort.
🛠️ Incident Report Writer (Shorter)
Visit: Incident Report Writer This powerful tool streamlines the process of creating detailed, objective incident reports in a Title VI appendix style. It guides users through documenting events accurately and comprehensively, ensuring all crucial information is captured. The Incident Report Writer helps maintain a consistent, professional standard in your documentation, which is essential for building a strong case in advocacy efforts. Have a free ChatGPT account and have you created your context statement yet? The context statement is something that gives the AI a background on your initiative, making it easier to work with. If you haven't created one yet, go here: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-xCikrtZq1-context-statement-generator
🛠️ Testimonial Copilot (Longer)
Visit: Testimonial Copilot This empathetic AI assistant helps you craft longer-form, authentic, and emotionally resonant testimonials based on your personal experiences or observations. It guides you through the process of capturing the full depth of your story, including the emotional and personal impact of events. The Testimonial Copilot ensures that your voice is heard clearly and powerfully, helping to create compelling narratives that resonate with readers and effectively convey the real-world implications of campus issues. Have a free ChatGPT account and have you created your context statement yet? The context statement is something that gives the AI a background on your initiative, making it easier to work with. If you haven't created one yet, go here: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-xCikrtZq1-context-statement-generator
Gathering Evidence:
- Establish a system for collecting and organizing incidents of antisemitism, discrimination, or policy violations.
- Use a standardized form or template for reporting incidents, including: • Date, time, and location • Detailed description of the incident • Names of victims, witnesses, and perpetrators (if known) • Any immediate actions taken • Photos or videos, if available
- Encourage students to report incidents promptly, emphasizing the importance of detailed, factual accounts.
- Consider setting up an anonymous reporting system to encourage those who might be hesitant to come forward.
- If your school has a standardized bias reporting process, be sure to encourage individuals to submit bias incidents through the process in addition.
Analyzing University Policies:
- Thoroughly review your university's: • Code of Conduct • Non-discrimination policies • Free speech and protest guidelines • Disciplinary procedures
- Identify any inconsistencies in policy enforcement or gaps in protection for Jewish students.
- Research peer institutions' policies for comparison and potential improvement suggestions.
Compiling Comprehensive Reports:
- Organize your findings into clear, well-structured reports.
- Include: • Executive summary • Detailed incident logs • Analysis of policy violations • Impact on Jewish students and campus climate • Recommendations for action
- Use data visualization (charts, graphs) to illustrate trends or patterns.
- Have team members review and fact-check all information before finalizing.
Leveraging External Resources:
- Consult with legal experts or organizations specializing in campus antisemitism.
- Utilize resources from national Jewish organizations for data on broader trends.
- Consider Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests for relevant university documents if necessary.
Maintaining Confidentiality and Ethical Standards:
- Protect the privacy of individuals who report incidents.
- Ensure all documentation adheres to ethical standards and university privacy policies.
- Be prepared to redact sensitive information when sharing reports publicly.
Using Documentation Effectively:
- Present your findings in meetings with administration.
- Share relevant data with media, always respecting privacy concerns.
- Use documentation to support policy change proposals.
- Keep records updated for ongoing advocacy efforts and to track progress over time.
Tools and Technology:
- Utilize secure, collaborative platforms for storing and organizing data.
- Consider using data analysis tools to identify patterns or trends in incidents.
- Implement a version control system to track changes and updates to your documentation.
Remember, the strength of your advocacy often lies in the quality and credibility of your research and documentation. This evidence-based approach can be a powerful tool in effecting change on your campus.
Comprehensive Reports: A Powerful Tool for Advocacy
A well-structured report is a potent instrument in advocacy. It can serve as a compelling reason for administrators to grant you a meeting, or if a meeting is already secured, it provides a framework to present your case effectively. The report we created for the Renew the Wisconsin Idea campaign was instrumental in demonstrating the seriousness of our concerns and the thoroughness of our approach.
You can view that report in full below:
Key Components of an Effective Report:
- Clear and Concise Message: Your report should open with a clear, concise statement of your primary concerns and objectives. This sets the tone for the entire document and immediately communicates the importance of your cause. Example: We began our report with a brief overview of the encampment situation and its impact on Jewish and Israeli students, framing it within the context of the Wisconsin Idea.
- Demonstration of Harm: Provide specific examples and evidence of how current policies or situations are causing harm to students. This section should be detailed and well-documented. Example: We included anonymized testimonies from affected students, photos of antisemitic incidents, and data on reported harassment cases.
- Specific Policy Solutions: Present clear, actionable policy recommendations. These should be well-researched and feasible within the university's framework. Example: We outlined our 12 policy requests, each accompanied by a brief rationale and potential implementation strategy.
- Evidence of Commitment: Demonstrate that your group is committed to seeing this through. This can be shown through the depth of your research, the organization of your report, and your plans for ongoing advocacy. Example: We included a timeline of our activities leading up to the report, as well as our plans for future actions, including media outreach and legislative engagement.
- Detailed Supporting Evidence: Include an appendix with additional evidence, research, and resources. This shows the depth of your investigation and provides administrators with further information if needed. Example: Our appendix included full testimonies, relevant university policies, comparative data from other institutions, and legal precedents supporting our requests.
Structuring Your Report:
- Executive Summary: A brief overview of the situation, your key concerns, and your primary requests.
- Background: Provide context for the current situation and why action is necessary.
- Impact Analysis: Detail the harm caused by the current policies or situation, using specific examples and data.
- Policy Recommendations: Present your solutions, explaining how each addresses the identified problems.
- Implementation Strategies: Offer suggestions on how your recommendations could be put into practice.
- Conclusion: Reiterate the importance of action and your commitment to working towards solutions.
- Appendices: Include supporting documents, additional evidence, and resources.
Tips for Maximum Impact:
- Use clear, professional language throughout the report.
- Include visual elements like charts or graphs to illustrate key points.
- Ensure the report is well-formatted and easy to navigate.
- Have multiple people proofread the document for errors and clarity.
- Consider the timing of your report submission for maximum impact.
Remember, your report is often the first impression administrators will have of your group and your cause. A well-structured, professional report demonstrates that you are serious, well-informed, and committed to constructive dialogue. It sets the stage for productive meetings and ongoing engagement with university leadership.
Legislative Advocacy
Engaging with legislators can be a powerful tool in your advocacy efforts. Lawmakers can apply pressure on university administrations, propose or support relevant legislation, and bring wider attention to your cause.
🛠️ Legislative Outreach Writer
Visit: Legislative Outreach Writer This powerful tool revolutionizes your approach to contacting legislators by crafting personalized, impactful messages. It tailors each note to the specific interests and voting history of individual lawmakers, significantly increasing the chances of engagement and support. The Legislative Outreach Writer ensures your advocacy efforts resonate with decision-makers, helping you build crucial relationships and gain traction for your cause in the political arena. Have a free ChatGPT account and have you created your context statement yet? The context statement is something that gives the AI a background on your initiative, making it easier to work with. If you haven't created one yet, go here: https://chatgpt.com/g/g-xCikrtZq1-context-statement-generator
A Note on Lobbying and Partisanship
We live in a polarized age where it feels daunting to come to the legislature with a non-partisan issue. After all, your cause isn't "Republican" or "Democrat" — it's something everyone should care about! During the Renew the Wisconsin Idea campaign, we spoke to a lobbyist who gave us a key insight:
As an advocacy organization, you should work with any elected official who will listen to your concerns and help you achieve your goals. This may mean working with legislators with whom you disagree politically. And because of the kinds of issues that legislators already care about, Jews may find themselves with "strange political bedfellows." The best thing you can do as an advocate is to reach out to both sides with the same core message, while tailoring your outreach to resonate with the things they care about.
Laying the Groundwork
Identifying Key Legislators:
- Research state representatives and senators whose districts include your campus
- Identify lawmakers who sit on education committees or have shown interest in higher education issues
- Look for legislators with a history of supporting Jewish causes or combating antisemitism
- Consider both majority and minority party members for bipartisan support
Doing a Successful Outreach
- Prepare a compelling note to the legislators that will highlight your concerns and request action
- Compile a list of state legislator's contact information, including emails
- Load this contact information into a customer relationship management system (CRM) like PipeDrive
- This will allow you to send personalized notes at scale and keep track of your efforts
- Transfer the note into an email template with a personalized to field like this: "Dear Senator {lastname}"
- Send the outreach note
Note that there are other strategies for outreach as well:
Phone Banking
Put together a group and script and call legislators
Contact Forms
If the emails are not available, you may have to submit your note via contact forms
Targeted Outreach
You may decide it is easier to discover 15 friendly lawmakers and take a more targeted approach
Building Relationships with Lawmakers:
- Request in-person meetings or video calls with legislators or their staff
- Attend town halls or other public events where legislators are present
- Invite lawmakers to relevant campus events or discussions
Preparing for Legislative Meetings:
- Develop a concise, compelling presentation of your concerns and requests
- Prepare a one-page summary document to leave behind after meetings
- Practice your presentation with your team, anticipating potential questions
- Bring supporting documentation, including incident reports and policy analyses
Conducting Effective Legislative Meetings:
- Clearly state the purpose of your meeting and your desired outcomes
- Share personal stories and concrete examples to illustrate the impact of campus antisemitism
- Explain how addressing your concerns aligns with the legislator's interests and constituents
- Be specific about how the legislator can help (e.g., writing letters to university administration, proposing legislation)
- Follow up after the meeting with a thank-you note and any promised information
Potential Followup Actions
Drafting Legislative Proposals:
- Research existing laws and regulations related to campus antisemitism and free speech
- Consult with legal experts or organizations specializing in higher education policy
- Draft clear, concise language for potential legislation or amendments
- Consider the broader implications and potential opposition to your proposals
Mobilizing Grassroots Support:
- Organize letter-writing or call-in campaigns to legislators' offices
- Use social media to encourage supporters to contact their representatives
- Create petitions to demonstrate widespread support for your cause
Leveraging Legislative Support:
- Request letters from supportive legislators to university administration
- Seek opportunities for legislators to make public statements or press releases about your issues
- Explore possibilities for legislative hearings or investigations into campus antisemitism
Navigating Potential Challenges:
- Be prepared for varying levels of receptiveness from different lawmakers
- Maintain a non-partisan approach, focusing on the issues rather than party politics
- Be aware of legislative calendars and election cycles when planning your outreach
Staying Informed and Engaged:
- Monitor relevant legislative activities and committee hearings
- Subscribe to lawmakers' newsletters and social media accounts
- Attend relevant legislative sessions or watch online when possible
Measuring Outcomes
At some point, you'll wonder what progress you've made. Advocacy against antisemitism is hard work! Sometimes, you don't get the goals that you seek. It's better if you can set measurements for outcomes to understand whether you've reached your goals or not. This helps you know what's working and what needs to change. By tracking your progress, you can celebrate small wins and figure out where to focus your efforts next.
Here area few tips on measuring outcomes:
1
Develop clear metrics and goals to assess the impact of your advocacy efforts
- I.e - Quality of administration's response, # of legislative responses, # of policy requests honored
2
Regularly evaluate and analyze the results to identify areas of success and areas that need improvement
- I.e - Shift policy goals in response to feedback, change outreach strategy if it is not working
3
Use the insights gained to adjust your strategies and tactics accordingly for more effective advocacy in the future.
- Recognize that advocacy is a fluid and dynamic balance between your goals and what is possible
Matrix Tool to Assess University Response
When our group received a formal response from the university, we used the following spreadsheet to track our progress against our policy requests. On Y axis cells, we put our policy requests. On the X axis cells we put the university's response. By coloring in the cells at the intersection with green (accepted), red (denied) or yellow (ambiguous), we were able to track our progress.
Adjusting
You are going to receive news that administrators aren't interested in certain of your proposals, or that they have different ideas. It's at this crossroads that you will have to learn to adjust or not. This is a critical exercise. Adjusting to unexpected outcomes and divergent ideas from administrators is crucial in effective advocacy against antisemitism. Take the time to understand their perspective and consider how your proposals can be modified or reframed to align with their priorities. Flexibility and adaptability are key in navigating these situations and finding common ground for continued collaboration and progress.
Advocacy Strategy Pivot Tool
After you've received a response from the university, use the following tool to contextualize your requests and consider how you might pivot.
7. Empowering Jewish Student and Community Advocates
As we conclude this playbook, it's crucial to reflect on its purpose: empowering Jewish students to effectively combat antisemitism and create a safer campus environment. The strategies, tools, and insights shared here are not just theoretical concepts—they are battle-tested approaches that have yielded real results in addressing the unique challenges faced by Jewish students.
Remember these core lessons from our Renew the Wisconsin Idea campaign:
- Thorough preparation is your foundation. Understanding your campus environment, documenting antisemitic incidents, and crafting a compelling message are essential to your advocacy's success.
- Flexibility in the face of adversity is crucial. While you should have clear goals, be prepared to adjust your approach when faced with resistance or unexpected challenges.
- Technology can level the playing field. By leveraging AI, CRM systems, and other digital tools, you can amplify your voice and efficiency, allowing you to compete with better-resourced opposition.
- Persistence is key in addressing deep-seated issues. Combating antisemitism is often a long-term effort. Stay committed, celebrate small victories, and keep pushing forward.
- Your unique perspective as a Jewish student matters. Your lived experiences and insights are powerful tools for educating others and driving change in university policies and campus climate.
The Power of Community and Self-Care
As you embark on your advocacy journey, remember that you're part of a larger community. Jewish people across the country are united in the fight against antisemitism. Reach out to other Jewish student groups and national organizations. Share your experiences and learn from each other's successes and challenges.
Importantly, prioritize self-care and community support. Confronting antisemitism can be emotionally draining — I know it was for me. Being an advocate can sometimes feel like the weight of the community is resting on your shoulders. Make time for Jewish togetherness — whether that is through religious practice or like-community — and find strength in others.
Your efforts today are creating a better tomorrow for Jewish students and fostering a campus environment that truly embraces diversity and inclusion. By standing up against antisemitism, you're upholding the values of respect and equal treatment that should be at the core of higher education.