Table 1.

Advocacy strategies for centring global surgery advocacy at the grassroots²⁰

Advocacy strategy	Description
Engage in critical self-reflection	Begin with individual introspection to consider own position, sources of inspiration, and potential role in movement.
Finding right partners	Find groups and individuals who understand the local policy process and political environment. Groups that share interests and understand the power of partnerships. This must include people who understand and are affected by the problem.
Know the issues	Effective advocates need to be well informed about the key global surgery issues and local political climates, such as exploring issues that particular political leaders may leverage.
Start a dialogue with policy makers	Engage representatives of local and national government and try to understand positions and concerns with your cause. Try to align their interest with the global surgery equity movement. Can they be champions or introduce legislation on global surgery?
Highlight key issues	Find creative ways to demonstrate the importance of global surgery such as calling and writing officials, drafting petitions, social media campaigns and op-ed writings.
Organise a public demonstration	One of the most effective ways to raise the visibility of a particular issue is through public displays such as protests, boycotts, and performance arts. Press coverage of these events can amplify the message to the public and decision-makers.
Build a coalition	Consider setting up a broad base of advocates, including community leaders, religious leaders, professional societies, patient advocacy groups, students and informal networks.
Be the change	Thoughtfulness and being willing to listen to varying perspectives is vital when building a grassroots advocacy campaign. Listen carefully to others before speaking even when you may disagree. Empathy can be a powerful way to connect and create solidarity for the global surgery cause.