Which of the following is NOT typically part of a policy advocacy plan to address systemic barriers?

• A. Implement budget cuts
• B. Identify issue
• C. Gather data
• D. Monitor impact and adjust strategies

Answer: (A)

Addressing systemic barriers through policy advocacy starts with clearly defining the issue and who is affected, then gathering data to show the scope, causes, and impact, and finally monitoring outcomes so strategies can be refined over time. Budget cuts do not fit this approach because they reduce the resources available to address barriers, often making the problem worse. A sound advocacy plan aims to secure funding, appropriate policy changes, or resource reallocations that remove barriers rather than diminish capacity to address them. The remaining steps—identifying the issue, gathering data, and monitoring impact and adjusting strategies—are core parts of building a solid, evidence-informed plan for change.