What do you do if policy makers are resistant to change?

When facing resistance to change from policymakers, adopting a strategic approach is crucial. Start by building strong, evidence-based arguments that clearly demonstrate the need for change and its potential benefits. Engage in coalition-building by partnering with other organizations, professionals, and community groups to amplify your message and show widespread support. Utilize storytelling to humanize the data, sharing real-life stories that illustrate the impact of current policies and the positive effects of the proposed changes. Develop a targeted advocacy campaign that includes meetings with policymakers, public awareness initiatives, and leveraging media to increase visibility.

Knowing your audience will always help you become closer to them, understanding their concerns on what a change of working environment might lead. Listening to them is a priority; you cannot advance on your own ideas without knowing their fears and concerns. My first step would be to reserach the policies they want to maintain, the reasons behind them, the information to support this, in order to have the ability to understand and speak their language. This is fundamental and can help create bridges to new solutions and motivate them to embrace change one step at a time.

Not having meaningful representation of relevant people from the resp community (that the policy is getting designed for) is a hazard at the first place! So the most crucial step towards making meaningful policies is to get the right representation of people to the policy making table to ensure they have a stake in the process/share their lived experiences. Articulating the "why" and the impact the policy brings to the larger system, backing it with scientific research/data is half the battle won.

A good story can always create good rapport and bring your audience into a different space which is not their own, and which will probably allow them more freedom to provide suggestions or different ideas. There is no pressure in a story, and you can begin building from there into new solutions expanding from creativity.

Any interaction with policy makers should be viewed as a learning experience. After all, they have the background and experience in the field you are looking to change. This is one of the most valuable tools; you cannot come into the room feeling that you know it all. A humble, yet assertive and compassionate attitude will get you further than imposition. Seeking help from others who have more experience in the field, will only contribute to success in the endeavor and probably be a tool in getting almost everyone on board. Everyone's opionon counts when it comes to change, and every idea is worth listening to.