Advocacy

The Victorian Environment Friends Network (VEFN) is committed to advocating for Environment Friends Groups and promoting planetary health through environmental conservation, biodiversity, and climate action. By engaging with key forums, stakeholders, and decision-makers, VEFN works to ensure that these issues receive the attention they need.

VEFN’s advocacy encompasses a range of actions, from creating position statements to running campaigns, lobbying, and fostering strategic partnerships. Guided by its Advocacy Subcommittee, VEFN influences environmental policy and practice at the state and national levels, helping to build a sustainable and resilient future for Victoria and beyond.

WHY: Purpose of Advocacy in VEFN

The purpose of the VEFN Advocacy work is to champion Environment Friends Groups and to advocate for planetary health (environment, biodiversity, climate action) in diverse forums and with various stakeholders and decision-makers.

WHAT are the main advocacy actions

VEFN advocates for Environment Friends Groups and planetary health (environment, biodiversity, climate action) through the following actions:

Position Statements: develop a comprehensive planetary health manifesto of position statements to outline VEFN’s stance on key issues and guide VEFN in all other advocacy actions
Networking & Lobbying: foster effective relationships with key stakeholders and decision-makers
Campaigns: create and run advocacy campaigns on specific issues
Documents & reports: advocate for EFGs and planetary health using documents that outline key VEFN positions and recommendations
Representation: advocate for positive change in planetary health and promote the value of EFGs through roles on boards, committees and panels in varied organisations

HOW

The VEFN Management Committee has delegated powers to the VEFN Advocacy Subcommittee.

The VEFN Advocacy Subcommittee develops and delivers advocacy goals guided by VEFN Organisational Policies and Procedures and the VEFN Advocacy Position Statement Manifesto.

Strategic project plans are developed for specific actions.

WHO

VEFN Advocacy Subcommittee (VAS) oversees and directs all advocacy actions for the VEFN.

VEFN members may be involved as required.

When

The timing of some actions is controlled by other entities, e.g. public consultations, government elections.

The timing of other actions is under VEFN control, e.g. targeted campaigns and reports.

Where

VEFN advocacy is predominantly targeted at state level in Victoria, through actions at state government level, local government level, and with state-based agencies, e.g. Melbourne Water, catchment management authorities (CMAs),

VEFN also acts at national level, interacting with national bodies, e.g. Biodiversity Council, Climate Council, Biodiversity Institute, and groups based in other states, e.g. Urban Bushland Council WA.

VEFN may be involved in regional issues, e.g. oceanic region.