Niki Harré and Margaret Stanley recently ran a short course (3 workshops) in advocacy for Ngā Ara Whetū Doctoral students.
The three workshops delved into different types of advocacy, reflections on our values and niches, and how to establish a media profile. We also discussed how to document impact and how researchers can influence policy.
Students wrote an advocacy plan for themselves and in the second workshop shared a small act of advocacy they had carried out. A panel of academics from very different fields (Prof. Neal Curtis, Humanities; Assoc. Prof. Alys Longley, Dance Studies; and Assoc. Prof. Jennifer Frost, History) outline how they hoped their work encouraged change, and students reflected on their research and its potential impact. We also discussed how academics can influence policy and management at different scales from communities right up to central government with researchers from the Institute of Public Policy, Dr Sarah Bickerton and Dr Suzanne Woodward.
Students shared their doctoral research via a Tweet-style statement for a lay audience – here’s three from the great array of subjects Ngā Ara Whetū Doctoral students are studying!
• Extreme heat from climate change will result in millions of deaths and disease worldwide. Can cool roofs reduce indoor temperatures and improve people’s health and wellbeing in climate hotspots around the world?
• Women leaders are not a myth. They can be nurtured by supporting them through right and fair policies.
• Of 340 names listed on a 2008 N.Z. Architecture Family Tree of the last 2 centuries only 3 appear to be Māori and 12 are women. What happened since and why?
Students also came up with policy recommendations from their research area – here’s a selection that inspires:
• To recognise pharmacists as key healthcare professionals in primary care in the area of mental health and wellbeing services
• Enforce composting certifications in Aotearoa NZ
• Consider peatlands as part of emissions reduction targets and considerations.
• Accept that Corrections’ current administrative segregation practice is unlawful solitary confinement.
• Increase funding for climate change and heat adaptation interventions for vulnerable communities in low and middle-income countries to improve health and wellbeing.
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