How Do I Respond to Opposition and Criticism?

1. Create a broad based coalition of vocal supporters.
   Extensive support and participation by members of the community clearly indicates the popularity and/or importance of the issue. Support one another when times are rough and remind everyone about the importance of ensuring the reproductive and sexual health of youth!
2. Be prepared for opposition.
   Acknowledge, in advance, that there will be objections to your efforts, and watch for these objections. Know both who is in the opposition and what objections they will raise. Read opposition materials; study the newspapers; watch or listen to talk shows. Learn about area organizations that will oppose your efforts. Check the Web sites of opposition organizations to see what materials they are disseminating on the issue. The opposition may misrepresent the goals and/or impact of progressive programs.
3. Explain the issue to the public.
   Many successes of the far right come from twisting the meaning of educational, public health, and public policy terms that are unfamiliar to the general public. Do not use far right descriptions when explaining why the proposed program or solution will help families, protect children, and address existing problems in the community. Use accurate, descriptive language. For example, the far right often talks about "condom distribution" or "contraceptive distribution." These terms are inaccurate since these programs do not distribute contraception willy-nilly to everybody, but rather make it available to those who request it. Hence, "condom availability" or "contraceptive availability" is more accurate and descriptive for such programs.
4. Defend your position.
   Prepare to answer criticisms with data, statistics, anecdotes, and examples. Ignoring opposition statements gives them a credibility they do not deserve and allows distortions to stand. Check opposition statements for truthfulness and refute inaccuracies, distortions, and misrepresentations. When terms are unclear ask for an explanation; when terms have been manipulated into a different meaning, demand an explanation. You can respond to opponents by writing a letter to the editor or an op-ed, by speaking out at meetings, calling in to radio talk shows, and/or offering your position as a follow-up interview to papers, television, or radio stations covering the issue.
5. Encourage open and civilized debate.
   Open discussion is essential to the democratic process and is the only way to address concerns of the public and the objections of the opposition. Investigate and participate in the forums through which communities, schools, local governments, and other public organizations address issues. Ensure that any public meetings you hold adhere to established rules for order. Ask members of the press to sign in and to show their credentials. Require speakers to sign up in advance and to give their name and address and other pertinent information. For example, if the meeting is on school based sex education, it is important for all attending to know whether each speaker attends the public school in question or has children in the public school system. Set time limits and select a moderator who will control the forum and stop personal attacks or diatribes. Some communities hold hearings for specific groups, such as parents, health care professionals, teachers, or students. Attending such hearings can be time-consuming. However, you can learn and share much in open discussion in such forums.
6. Don't be afraid of threats of lawsuits.
   Urge policy makers not to be intimidated when faced with demands that programs be abandoned or issues ignored. Threats of lawsuits are common when communities consider progressive programs, but few such threats are carried out successfully. You can hold a community meeting to generate open discussion, demonstrate broad based support, and respond to concerns raised by the opposition. If you receive personal threats, notify the appropriate authorities.
7. Follow the debate.
   Identify the different news outlets in your area and watch for coverage of your issue. Participate in the debate by contacting these outlets with news, objections, and clarifications. Sometimes opposition groups spread misinformation about programs and policies through leafleting and flyers. If this happens, respond with correct information through the media and community and religious groups.
8. Take the lead.
   Provide accurate information. Offer a framework for discussion, make the facts known, and give all in the community a chance to get involved. Set the tone of the debate by taking the lead.