Methods used by advocacy groups

Methods used by advocacy groups aim to influence public opinion and shape public policy in support of the groups' objectives. The nature of an advocacy group's activities depends largely on the scope of the group's objectives. Motives for action by an advocacy group may be based on a shared political, religious, moral, medical, or commercial position. Groups use various methods to pursue their aims, including lobbying, media campaigns, publicity stunts, polls, research, and policy briefings. Some groups are supported by powerful business or political interests – and thereby exert considerable influence on the political process – while other groups have limited or no resources of this type.